The Lada Kalina II Sport 1.6 (118 hp) was a performance-oriented version of the Lada Kalina II hatchback, manufactured between 2014 and 2018. It was positioned as the sportiest trim level within the Kalina II range, aiming to deliver a more engaging driving experience than the standard models. The Kalina II itself was a substantial improvement over the original Kalina, boasting a redesigned exterior, a more refined interior, and updated mechanical components. This Sport variant was primarily sold in Russia and other Eastern European countries, offering a budget-friendly option for drivers desiring increased power and a touch of style.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lada |
| Model | Kalina |
| Generation | Kalina II Hatchback (2192) |
| Type (Engine) | Sport 1.6 (118 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.8 l/100 km (26.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 198 km/h (123.03 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 118 Hp @ 6750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 154 Nm @ 4750 rpm (113.58 lb.-ft. @ 4750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| 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 | 3.2 l (3.38 US qt | 2.82 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.84 l (8.28 US qt | 6.9 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1150 kg (2535.32 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1626 kg (3584.72 lbs.) |
| Max load | 476 kg (1049.4 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 240 l (8.48 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 550 l (19.42 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 | 3943 mm (155.24 in.) |
| Width | 1700 mm (66.93 in.) |
| Height | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2478 mm (97.56 in.) |
| Front track | 1431 mm (56.34 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1432 mm (56.38 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 120 mm (4.72 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual 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 | 195/50 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Lada Kalina II Sport 1.6 was powered by the 21129 engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine was an evolution of the older 2112 series, incorporating improvements to the cylinder head design and fuel injection system. The Sport variant benefited from a slightly higher compression ratio and recalibrated engine control unit (ECU) programming, resulting in an output of 118 horsepower and 154 Nm (113.58 lb-ft) of torque. The engine utilized a multi-point fuel injection system for precise fuel delivery, enhancing both efficiency and performance. The valvetrain featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) operating four valves per cylinder. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, chosen for its responsiveness and to maintain a driver-focused experience. An automated manual transmission (AMT) was available on other Kalina II models, but it wasn’t offered with the Sport, emphasizing its commitment to a more traditional driving feel.
Driving Characteristics
The combination of the 1.6-liter engine and the five-speed manual gearbox delivered a noticeable performance boost compared to the standard Kalina II. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took around 9.5 seconds, with a top speed of 198 km/h (123 mph). While not exceptionally fast by contemporary standards, the Sport offered a lively and engaging driving experience, particularly in the lower and mid-range of the rev band. The gear ratios were well-suited to the engine’s power delivery, providing brisk acceleration in typical driving scenarios. Compared to the lower-powered 1.6-liter versions, the Sport model felt considerably more responsive, making overtaking easier and more confident. The manual transmission allowed for precise gear selection, further enhancing the driver’s connection to the vehicle.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Kalina II Sport 1.6 included several features designed to enhance both its sporty appearance and driver comfort. Standard equipment typically included power front windows, central locking, power steering, and an audio system with USB connectivity. The interior featured sport seats with increased bolstering for better support during cornering. Exterior styling elements included a rear spoiler, side skirts, and unique alloy wheel designs. Optional extras could include air conditioning, heated front seats, and an upgraded audio system. The interior trim was generally simple but functional, reflecting the Kalina II’s value-oriented positioning.
Chassis & Braking
The Kalina II Sport 1.6 employed a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. The suspension was tuned to strike a balance between ride comfort and handling performance. An anti-roll bar was incorporated into the front suspension to minimize body roll during cornering. The braking system consisted of disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, improving braking safety. The steering system was a rack and pinion setup, providing precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lada Kalina II Sport 1.6 was generally well-received in its target markets, offering a compelling blend of performance, affordability, and practicality. Reviewers praised its improved engine performance and engaging driving dynamics compared to the standard Kalina II models. However, some critics noted the relatively basic interior and limited refinement. Compared to other trims in the Kalina II lineup, the Sport variant provided a more exciting driving experience, albeit at a slightly higher price. Fuel economy was comparable to the other 1.6-liter models, averaging around 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg) in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, although maintenance costs could be somewhat higher due to the more sophisticated engine and suspension components.
Legacy
The Lada Kalina II Sport 1.6 represents a noteworthy attempt by Lada to offer a more engaging and sporty version of its popular hatchback. While not a high-performance vehicle in the traditional sense, it provided a significant improvement in driving dynamics over the standard models. Today, the Kalina II Sport 1.6 is gaining recognition among enthusiasts and collectors, particularly those interested in affordable and unique Eastern European automobiles. The 1.6-liter engine, while not renowned for exceptional longevity, is generally reliable with proper maintenance. The continued availability of spare parts makes it a viable option for those seeking a classic and affordable driving experience.
