The Lada Kalina II Combi (2194) 1.6 (106 hp) Automatic, produced from 2013 to 2018, represents a practical and affordable station wagon option within the Lada lineup. Positioned as a mid-range offering, it aimed to provide a balance between economy, space, and convenience for families and individuals needing a versatile vehicle. The Kalina II Combi was a key model for Lada, particularly in markets where station wagons remained popular, offering a larger cargo capacity than the hatchback version. It built upon the foundation of the B-platform (1HX0/A3) shared with other Renault-Nissan-AvtoVAZ vehicles, but retained a distinctly Lada character in terms of engineering and price point.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lada |
| Model | Kalina |
| Generation | Kalina II Combi (2194) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (106 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg, 32.8 UK mpg, 11.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.6 kg/Hp, 94.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.6 kg/Nm, 131.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 106 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 148 Nm @ 4000 rpm (109.16 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 21127 |
| Engine displacement | 1596 cm3 (97.39 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.4 l (4.65 US qt | 3.87 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.84 l (8.28 US qt | 6.9 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1125 kg (2480.2 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1560 kg (3439.21 lbs) |
| Max load | 435 kg (959.01 lbs) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 355 l (12.54 cu. ft) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 670 l (23.66 cu. ft) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 900 kg (1984.16 lbs) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 450 kg (992.08 lbs) |
| Length | 4084 mm (160.79 in) |
| Width | 1700 mm (66.93 in) |
| Height | 1504 mm (59.21 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2476 mm (97.48 in) |
| Front track | 1430 mm (56.3 in) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1414 mm (55.67 in) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14; 185/60 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Kalina II Combi 1.6 Automatic utilizes the Lada 21127 engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a development of the older Lada engine designs, but incorporates multi-point fuel injection for improved efficiency and emissions. The engine produces 106 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 148 Nm (109 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. Paired with this engine is a 5-speed automatic transmission, a relatively uncommon feature in Lada vehicles of this era. This transmission was sourced from Japan, specifically from JATCO, and was designed to provide smoother shifting and ease of use compared to the standard manual gearbox. The engine is transversely mounted, driving the front wheels.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter engine with the automatic transmission delivers adequate, but not particularly brisk, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes around 12.3 seconds, and the top speed is approximately 108.74 mph. The automatic transmission, while offering convenience, does impact performance somewhat. Gear ratios are tuned for fuel economy and drivability rather than outright speed. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the Kalina II, the automatic feels noticeably slower, especially during overtaking maneuvers. However, the automatic provides a more relaxed driving experience, particularly in urban traffic. The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a reasonably smooth ride, but body roll is noticeable during cornering.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 Automatic trim level of the Kalina II Combi typically included features such as power front windows, central locking, power steering, and an audio system. Air conditioning was often an optional extra. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a relatively basic dashboard design. Higher trim levels offered upgrades such as alloy wheels, fog lights, and a more sophisticated audio system. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard, but airbags were often optional depending on the specific market and year of production.
Chassis & Braking
The Kalina II Combi utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension with a coil spring and anti-roll bar. The rear suspension is a semi-independent torsion beam setup, also with coil springs. This configuration provides a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. Braking is typically accomplished with disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. The ABS system helps to prevent wheel lockup during hard braking, improving stability and control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kalina II Combi 1.6 Automatic was generally well-received as an affordable and practical family car. Critics noted its spacious interior and decent fuel economy (around 35.1 US mpg combined). However, the performance of the automatic transmission was often criticized as being sluggish. Compared to other station wagons available in the same price range, the Kalina II Combi offered a competitive level of equipment and space, but lacked the refinement and performance of some Western European or Japanese rivals. The 1.6-liter engine proved to be relatively reliable, but the automatic transmission required more careful maintenance than the manual gearbox.
Legacy
The Lada Kalina II Combi 1.6 Automatic remains a relatively common sight on the used car market, particularly in Eastern Europe and Russia. The 21127 engine is known for its durability and relatively low maintenance costs, although parts availability can sometimes be an issue outside of its primary markets. The JATCO automatic transmission, while not known for being particularly sporty, has proven to be reasonably reliable if properly maintained. Overall, the Kalina II Combi 1.6 Automatic represents a practical and affordable option for those seeking a spacious and economical station wagon.
