Fashionable slanted headlights, smooth lines of the grille and hood, a streamlined body - all this VAZ-1118 Kalina is a compact creation of designers of the Volga Automobile Plant. Lighting technology is quite impressive, especially after the order of the annoyed monoblock lamps of previous models.
The trunk at first glance seems to be a match for a car, however, its technical characteristics give cause for surprise - 420 liters for a car of this class is a more than worthy result. Moreover, the rear seat is folding, which gives additional opportunities for the transportation of bulky goods. By the way, it will not be crowded in the back seat. The five of us, of course, will not be comfortable here, but two tall passengers will be accommodated, without restricting each other's movements. Places here are definitely no less than in the “top ten,” and the latter is a class higher.
The interior of the VAZ-1118 is probably spoiled only by plain-looking pockets on the front seats. Door handles look interesting, fabric upholstery - unpretentious, but quite appropriate. Alas, it is necessary to lower glasses manually. However, there are appropriate plugs for installing the electric lift keys, and thanks for that. In Europe, car manufacturers of similar dimensions are trying to cram them with everything they can. Volga designers decided to confine themselves to a pair of pockets and a standard glove compartment, even the ashtray was not in the car, although the cigarette lighter was in place.
Landing on the driver’s seat completely killed previous positive impressions. Sitting high, of course, is convenient, but in this case, the logic requires adjusting the seat, which is not provided. And it’s good that the steering column is regulated , which, however, is not enough. The dashboard is decorated in a modern style - a large circle of the speedometer + two small circles - for the tachometer and liquid level indicators, all this is unobtrusively highlighted. I did not like just the location of the indicator lamps, they are rather randomly scattered. Pleased with the full lighting of the VAZ-1118 interior.
Acceleration of the car runs smoothly, without failures and jerks. Even with a sharp start, the car does not scour the asphalt, it goes exactly along the desired path. Another great success of the designers of the VAZ-1118 is the steering. Excellent amplification, the same feedback - owners of models from previous VAZ lines could only dream of such concepts. The gain is especially good when entering the turn, you won’t have to adjust to the car for a long time, because it is quite predictable, and, as for the usual city representative, its controllability is at its best. By the way, the amplifier itself is provided as standard.
The VAZ-1118 engine actually turned out to be quite noisy, but this “disease” can be attributed to almost all domestic cars. But the transmission turned out to be quite entertaining. The short stroke of the first gear, which is replaced by a long one, is for the second and third. Such characteristics, however, are quite convenient when driving around the city. I also liked the presence of a locking mechanism for reverse gear - now you can’t confuse it with the first one, as it could be with previous models.
Summing up, we conclude: the project VAZ-1118 "Kalina" sedan has a right to exist. Of course, not without small blots, but in general - a solid compact city car, the optimal ratio of price and quality.