"Lada Kalina 1118" is a kind of cult car. At the time of release, which came at the end of the twentieth and the beginning of the twenty-first millenniums, it was one of the most popular. It was sold not only in Russia, but also in neighboring countries. It gained its popularity due to its good technical characteristics and low cost. Like any domestic car, this model is as focused on Russian roads as possible. Of course, in comparison with modern cars, VAZ Kalina 1118 (specifications will be indicated later) is inferior in many respects. However, this is not surprising, because the model was developed more than 10 years ago.
Briefly about the main thing
This model was developed by the domestic automobile company AvtoVAZ. For the first time, they thought about its release back in 1993. The prototype was introduced after 7 years. It was he who was launched into mass production. The working index "Lada Kalina" of the first generation - VAZ-1118. Mass production of this model began in 2004. Unfortunately, it is difficult to call it ultramodern. Many drivers note that the design elements used are reminiscent of the 90s. However, on the road she looks pretty well. Due to its size, moving around the city is quite convenient. The last Kalina car of the first generation left the assembly line in 2011. Its release was completely discontinued, as the company began to assemble a new budget car Lada Granta.
"Kalina 1118": description and dimensions
VAZ-1118 was produced in the sedan. This is a four-door car equipped with a front-wheel drive platform. McPherson strut. The front and rear axles are supposed to have a stabilizer. The steering mechanism in the first generation model is equipped with an amplifier. The brake system is of two types: on the front wheels - disc, on the rear - drum.
Lada Kalina has standard sizes for a sedan. According to the European classification, the model belongs to the class B. Ground clearance is quite acceptable. It is 165 mm. It is worth noting that many SUVs have the same level of clearance. The length of the car is slightly more than 4 m, the width of 1.7 m allowed to equip a fairly roomy and spacious interior. The height in this model is 1.5 m. The curb weight reaches almost 1.1 tons, and the full weight does not exceed 1.56 tons.
Exterior
"Lada Kalina 1118" is equipped with not very modern design elements. Currently, its exterior looks somewhat outdated. At first glance, one can distinguish the disproportionality of forms. This allowed to give her a certain uniqueness. The hood is small, located at an acute angle to the windshield. The headlights have an irregular rectangle shape: the side that is located near the radiator grill, already opposite, facing the side wing. The bumper has streamlined lines, in the luxury configuration at the bottom are foglights. The radiator grill is narrow, in the middle is the AvtoVAZ company logo. If we consider in the general concept the headlights and the bonnet cover, you can notice some aggressiveness in appearance. Wheel arches are blown. The roof is almost flat. The window sill is straight. Doors and windows are large. As for the back, there are no particularly outstanding elements. Small puffy bumper. Headlights are located above it on the sides. Their shape resembles a triangle, however with smooth lateral lines. They are made in white and red colors. The luggage compartment door is very large. At the bottom there is a place for mounting the license plate. The company logo flaunts in the middle above it, and the name of the model and type of engine are written on the sides.
Interior
VAZ "Kalina 1118", a photo of the cabin can be viewed below, not particularly surprised by its interior decoration. The dashboard has a very simple design. However, it is quite informative. In the basic model, air vents, a heating system and a radio compartment are installed on the center console. For the interior trim, the manufacturer used plastic of rather low quality. Joints are very noticeable. You can hear rattling and creaking while driving.
The front seats are wide, they are equipped with a flat profile. A significant plus is the range of adjustments. Thanks to them, you can find the optimal position even for people with two-meter growth. The back row chair is also spacious. Two adults and one child will ideally feel you. There is a large supply of free space in the legs. It is worth noting that even very tall people will not rest their heads on the roof.
The luggage compartment has a capacity of 400 liters. The opening is wide enough, the depth is large. The only thing that can overshadow the impression is the strongly protruding wheel arches inward. During the transportation of bulky goods, you can fold the back seat, however, the trunk area will not be flat.
Technical equipment
Having become acquainted with the design, we will consider the internal filling of the Kalina 1118 model. Technical specifications for today are quite acceptable. The car is equipped with three types of engines. All of them work on gasoline paired with a five-speed manual gearbox.
- VAZ-21114. This type of engine has a capacity of 1.6 liters. It is installed on a basic car. The driver can count on a power of 81 liters. from. In one minute, the unit makes 5200 revolutions. It has 8 valves. The vehicle accelerates in 13.3 s. Consumes no more than 8 liters of fuel. Speed limit is limited to 160 km / h.
- VAZ-11194. This type of engine has 16 valves. It carries out 5250 revolutions per minute. Its ultimate power is a mark of 89 liters. from. When combining several driving modes, a car of this configuration consumes 7 liters of gasoline. The maximum speed is 165 km / h. A car can accelerate to hundreds in 12.5 s.
- VAZ-21126. The latest in the engine line is the 16-valve unit. Its power is 98 liters. from. Volume - 1.6 liters. The speed limit is limited to 183 km / h. Fuel consumption practically does not differ from the VAZ-11194 unit, in the combined cycle it does not exceed 7 liters. For acceleration to 100 km / h the car will spend 12.6 s.
Benefits
What are the benefits of the Kalina 1118 model? This list has been compiled according to the opinions of car owners. So, the first thing they highlight is a good cabin capacity. Drivers and passengers do not feel cramped and uncomfortable. The suspension that the car is equipped with has a high level of energy intensity. Also a significant advantage of this model is its low cost. Thanks to this criterion, the car has become quite popular. It is also worth noting that the first-generation Kalina repair is inexpensive. Due to the fact that the car is domestic, spare parts are very easy to find. They are sold at any service center for a low price.
disadvantages
Unfortunately, the VAZ Kalina 1118 model has many shortcomings. The most significant is considered a low level of security. During testing, it was found that already at a speed of slightly more than 60 km / h, the front passenger and the driver are in an increased risk zone. It is also worth noting that the power window buttons break down already in the first year of operation. Many drivers note that the weaknesses are shock absorbers, ignition coil, stabilizer struts.
Options and prices
For the model "Kalina 1118" the manufacturer has provided three trim levels.
- "Standard" - the basic version, includes a power steering, standard heating system, 6-valve power unit with a capacity of 81 liters. from. and other factory equipment.
- "Norm". This complete set is presented by the power unit on 16 valves with draft in 89 l. from. There is a headlight corrector, front door windows, and the rest of the equipment is no different from the basic.
- "Lux" - the most top-end equipment. An aggregate capable of delivering 183 km / h is installed on the car. Its capacity is 98 liters. from. It is equipped with fog lights, airbags, anti-lock braking system ABS, central locking, leather seats and more.
Currently, you can purchase a model only in the secondary market. Depending on the equipment and technical condition, the cost can vary from 140 thousand to 270 thousand rubles.
Reviews
What is your opinion on the twelve-year history of the VAZ Kalina 1118? Owner reviews allowed to highlight the most problematic places. First of all, many people notice a weak light in the cabin. In second place are poor-quality lining on the hinges of the rear seat. With frequent use, they simply fall off. And the problem of creaking door seals brings the most discomfort. Also, many drivers noted the rapid wear of the brake pads. The hinges of the trunk rust very quickly, making a strong creak when opening. However, even taking into account all these shortcomings, many motorists believe that there are no better roads than this domestic car for Russian roads. Another very important criterion is cheap vehicle repair.