✅ Lada Vesta or Kalina Cross, which is better

What is more profitable to buy - Lada Vesta or Kalina-2, which was called Granta

Lada Kalina-2 is one of the models whose owners dream and plan to switch to Lada Vesta in the near future.
The second Kalina, and now it is called Granta, lived up to expectations. We didn't expect trouble-free operation. They hoped for a simple design that would allow the driver to operate it himself. After a year and a half of operation and 30 thousand mileage, the only thing that infuriates me in this car is the moving rear view mirror. It was inherited from the VAZ-2108. The design, compared to what it was, is heaven and earth. Kalina or Vesta, what to choose from these cars? Many people who are planning to buy a car ask this question.

Interior

Compared to the original version, the interior of the Lada Kalina has been significantly redesigned. Gone is the combination of black and beige plastic, the awkward shape of the center console, bloated air vents and uncomfortable ergonomics. They worked much more carefully on the new version of the interior - in the center of the dashboard there is a large display, the arrangement of keys and dial controls has become much more convenient and logical, the dashboard has acquired wells and poisonous green backlighting, the upholstery of the door panels and other interior elements have changed slightly. But the revolution did not happen - only the most obvious defects and shortcomings were eliminated in the model.

The interior of the Lada Kalina is not bad. But there is nothing outstanding about it either.

Lada Vesta is different inside. Her salon is designed in a modern style. Smooth transitions and lines of the dashboard, 3-spoke multi-steering wheel, titanium inserts, high-quality assembly, thoughtful ergonomics, a display that fits organically into the composition, comfortable seats and a spacious back row. This set of advantages is more than enough to adequately compete with the segment leaders, and Kalina Veste is not a rival at all!

The interior of the Lada Vesta is much more attractive and functional.

Is Kalina-2 good?

What do you like about a car worth 7 thousand conventional units? It warms up well in winter, the stove is simply thermonuclear! A weak air conditioner that does its job, but is not available in all trim levels. On top of the “dashboard” there is a convenient drawer with a lid.

There is a place for a mobile phone if the radio is simple without a screen. And that's what she is. The plastic is cheap and hard, but for the money it's ok. Essentially, what is soft plastic for? Why not lie on it?! There are no big complaints about the car.

There are several minor shortcomings. The knee sometimes rests against the console, sometimes causing bruises. It depends on the driver's build, but it's fine for me. The steering column switches are Soviet, they work a little noisily, but do not break. Convenient hazard warning button, illuminated glove compartment, making it easy to find something in it in the dark.

Why such wheels?

It’s strange, of course, but the engineers sacrificed comfort to improve the appearance of their crossover, with which they associate their new product. Take a look at the same Duster or Creta, the profile on the factory tires is higher. On Vesta they managed to fit 205/50/17. It’s beautiful, no doubt about it, but there’s no practicality, especially for this “CROSS” console. Of course, handling on the highway will be better with such wheels, but this is not what you should expect from a crossover, which AvtoVAZ wants to consider the Sw Cross to be.

In any case, even if I decide to buy this beauty, for the winter I will put R15 wheels on it with the highest possible profile that will fit. Even if we consider the financial investment, putting on R15 winter tires will cost much less than R17.

And now a little about Vesta

Headlight, bumper, grille - when you first look at the advertising teasers, you like it. When it comes to body repair, questions arise: how to repair this bumper? The complex-shaped hood is only for replacement. In Lada Vesta I liked the way the doors close - softly, almost like on foreign cars.

The ignition key gets in the way of your foot, and sooner or later it can be broken. Again, it depends on the height of the driver, I have not had such a problem. Apparently they worked on the ergonomics, a calm, comfortable fit. The steering wheel is adjustable not only in height, but also in reach. This is not the case in all foreign cars. We finally learned how to make a little armrest. The buttons are all pressed with the same force, but are not always conveniently located.

When using plastic on the armrest, it will become greasy and black greasy spots will appear. But this is not critical.

The glove compartment is good, the designers have improved the closing mechanism. On the new Kalina (Grant), the glove compartment lid falls onto the passenger’s lap. Not everyone likes it. There is enough space in the back, you can drive comfortably, even on a long journey.

The trunk is good, solid, there is good space for tools in the spare tire niche. The spare wheel is full, with a terrible jack that breaks the sills of every tenth car. But this is nitpicking, you need to work more carefully!

Lada Vesta is a cool car! The noise from the wheels is not audible, unlike Kalina-2, on which the wheel arches are noisy. My head starts to buzz. Lada Vesta has the smell of a new car. You don’t need to get used to it, just sit down and go.

Exterior

Initially, Lada Kalina was considered exclusively as a “workhorse”. Consequently, the attitude towards design was largely characterized by the residual principle. They say that this is not the main thing for such a machine. But after the restyling, the model began to look much more lively and aggressive.

Initially, the Lada Kalina was a simple car. Rather, even too simple.

The front bumper is decorated with a huge air intake supporting a small radiator grille. And under the spectacular headlights there are small foglights located in massive seats.

The new Kalina looks much more interesting from the front!

However, there are an order of magnitude fewer changes in the profile. The same modest and proportional doors, a round tank flap with a recess for opening, front fenders and so on. Perhaps the changes affected only the rims and rear fenders.

On the side, other than the different rear wings and rims, no changes are observed.

The situation is similar with regard to the stern. There are no fundamental changes observed, with the exception of the rear bumper, which has become more massive and powerful, and has also acquired new reflectors and a trim at the bottom.

At the rear, the changes are more noticeable, but they are not fundamental.

The image of Lada Vesta is fundamentally different. She was not a nondescript machine, to which they later tried to instill pseudo-aggressive features. Initially, Lada Vesta was created as a landmark and expressive car - the first representative of AvtoVAZ’s new corporate style. That’s why it looks more harmonious – the headlights, chrome, air intake, foglights, “X” lines and other elements of the front end combine perfectly.

Vesta's front end is much more harmonious.

From the side the impression is the same. A solid, complete product, with logical lines and transitions, stylish rims and considerable ground clearance.

The ground clearance of the Lada Vesta can be the envy of some crossovers.

And the food didn’t disappoint. The chopped lines of the stops are impressive, especially against the background of a modest bumper and a proportional trunk lid, decorated with large letters of the brand name.

Vesta looks great from behind!

What to buy anyway

Will your purchase be a Vesta or a new Kalina under the fresh name Granta when the car has to be changed? Everyone considers this question for themselves. If you drive mainly around the city, where it is difficult to park, then Kalina is better. If you need a car for long roads, then Vesta will be optimal.

Of course, Vesta looks cooler today, and young people are unlikely to buy Granta if they have the money. It is made at a new technical level, equipped with all possible bells and whistles and functions that some foreign cars do not have. Those who have already bought Kalina drive it and are also happy. After all, it consumes less gasoline. For example, on the highway, consumption during leisurely driving is 5.3 liters per “hundred”.

And if you drive in the city, then Grant and Kalina have no equal in terms of efficiency! You can’t play around too much in a Lada Vesta; as they say, you’ll end up out of the woodwork quickly. In terms of parking space, I think everyone understands which car is better.

In general, everyone has their own choice. For this purpose, the plant produces different types of machines so that you can choose. It all depends on the purpose of the car and the needs of the car owner. Each of the models under consideration has its own pros and cons. There are many owners of both brands who will diligently prove that their car is better than others. And everyone will be right in their own way!

What is the price of Kalina and its “cross” version?

The cost of the model has a significant impact on the choice of buyers. The modification we are considering is approximately 30 thousand rubles more expensive than the usual version. Experts tend to believe that this difference is fully justified, since Cross has the following preferences:

light alloy wheels of increased diameter;
protective body kit;
increased ground clearance;
modified suspension;
improved exterior.

Compared to the background of the so-called “crossover”, Kalina, which costs about half a million rubles, seems unreasonably expensive. However, one should not discount the availability of such options as:

automatic transmission;
"Lux" package;
systems: stabilization and conditioning.

If you compare them with foreign cars, you will immediately notice that the latter, which have similar options, are priced significantly more expensive.

“Discarding” the issue of price from attention, it can be argued that most buyers will choose Kalina Cross in different bodies, including station wagon, between Kalina or Kalina Cross. This is not surprising, since the modification provides its owner with the following advantages:

confident maneuverability in different terrain conditions;
bright and extraordinary appearance;
decent reliability of suspension elements;
feeling of drive at high speeds.

If we compare, this performance is a progressive direction and has enviable prospects. When choosing from Kalina 2 or Kalina Cross, many will prefer the new product.

Security and systems

Driver airbag
Front passenger airbag with deactivation function
Rear seat headrests 2 pcs.
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Locking the rear doors against opening by children
Automatic door locking when driving
Automatic activation of the hazard warning lights during emergency braking
Automatic door unlocking and hazard warning lights in the event of a collision
Immobilizer
Emergency warning system ERA-GLONASS
Anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution (ABS + EBD)
Brake Assist System (BAS)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with shut-off function
Traction Control System (TCS)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Engine and engine compartment protection
Electric power steering
Central locking with remote control

Interior and cabin equipment

On-board computer
Gear shift prompt in the instrument cluster
60/40 split folding rear seat
Seat upholstery fabric, color dark gray
12V socket
Height and reach adjustable steering column
Adjusting the height of the front seat belts
Cabin air filter
Folding key
Power windows for front doors
Electric drive and heated exterior mirrors
Audio preparation

Interior and cabin equipment

Rear seat headrests 2 pcs.
On-board computer
Gear shift prompt in the instrument cluster
60/40 split folding rear seat
Interior (optional) Cross Orange orange/Gray gray
12V socket
Electric power steering
Height-adjustable steering column
Adjusting the height of the front seat belts
Cabin air filter
Central locking with remote control
Power windows for front doors
Heated front seats
Climate system
Audio system (FM, USB, SD card, Bluetooth, Hands free), 4 speakers

Packages and additional equipment

Additional payment for metallic body painting 6,000 ₽
Spoiler 5,771 ₽
Alloy wheel Arin berd R15 4,214 ₽
Wheel cap Attica, Granta, Magma, Orbis, Sonar, Arin berd, Largus Cross 70 ₽
Door deflector kit RUB 1,487
Hood deflector RUB 1,650
Interior carpets from 2,249 ₽
LED flashlight with LADA logo from 527 ₽
Trunk carpet from RUB 1,524
Armrest for cars RUR 7,267
Crankcase protection (original) RUB 1,589
Set of mudguards from 202 ₽
Set of front and rear fender liners RUB 3,043
Parking assistance system (4 sensors) from RUB 2,214
Parking assistance system (8 sensors) from RUB 8,355
Trim for trunk opening RUB 1,342
Radiator protection frame from RUB 1,909
Set of door sills with model name RUB 1,674
Set of covers for storing wheels R13-R16 RUB 3,434
Universal trunk loading carpet RUB 2,404
Complete trunk from RUB 4,222
Aerodynamic roof box (gray embossing) RUB 17,287
Mount on the trunk for transporting skis (4 pairs) and snowboards (2 pairs) RUB 3,256
Mount on the trunk for transporting a bicycle (aluminum) RUB 3,024
Cargo basket 1200x700 (aluminum) 5,004 ₽
Trunk organizer with warning triangle RUB 1,658
Towbar with installation kit RUB 3,436
Wiring kits are required to connect the towbar socket RUB 642
Car compressor RUB 1,419
Security system with two-way communication from RUB 7,848
Security and telematic system from 7,315 RUR
Anti-theft lock Garant Bastion 2024 T Single 13,063 ₽
Protection of the standard ignition switch Guarantor from RUB 7,736
Motorist kit from RUB 1,563
Telematic system from RUB 9,091
Car radio from 6,528 RUR
Acoustic system from RUB 3,111
Passive cabinet subwoofer RUB 6,936
Combo device 3 in 1 ACV GX-7000 RUB 13,917
Hidden video recorder AVILINE DVR-B 15,369 RUR

The information on this site does not constitute an offer as defined by Article 437 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation. Information about prices and vehicle options indicated on the website is for informational purposes only and is indicative. The prices indicated may differ from the actual prices of authorized official dealers and other car dealerships.

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Comments 15

Interesting story, I immediately felt ashamed for you as for myself (((

In respect of? What's offensive?

that they did this to you when selling a car in the distant past ((

So it was obvious, and there were no illusions. Now, of course, it’s much better and more pleasant. And that car stupidly fell apart at 40,000 km. The engine died, the body moved, the insurance policy is a lot of problems

The beginning is classic: “If anything happens, the moped is not mine!” (:-)) Good luck! (And I’ll repeat what has already been asked: why not Cross? I really liked it in the test)

Because there is no point in overpaying for it given the conditions in which it will be driven. And the wheels need to be changed, since they are too low-profile and are not suitable for bad roads, and we don’t have any others. Also the handling - the development of skidding became sharp and unpleasant, and rigidity appeared. For me, this is the most balanced car: a station wagon, with a manual transmission (the robot is complete crap), with 1.6 - more reliable and not particularly inferior to 1.8, the equipment has the most necessary things and at the same time the price remains at a relatively acceptable level (if we can even talk about a basin like that) for almost 700 sput), 15 high-profile wheels.

Yes, I agree: for a Cross with high ground clearance, low-profile tires on large rims look tacky. She would like teether wheels even for summer. But in the end, no one bothers you to take a second set with smaller rims and a high profile, as I did for Kalina. By the way: my Bobik on the 127th engine crashes with terrible force (:-)). The other day I went on my first relatively long trip - 400 miles to the Tula region. On the highway in some places there was an opportunity to press, and somehow I didn’t notice it myself when I got to 160 on the tidy (despite the fact that with 185x70R14 tires the indicator even underestimates it somewhat). But Kalina is a light machine. I also liked the test on Vesta with 1.8, although I couldn’t really accelerate on a bumpy road. What’s alarming is that the 1.8 was made due to the long piston stroke, that is, with large angles of inclination of the connecting rods and, consequently, load and wear on the CPG. Although they claim a resource for them of 200 thousand, I think it’s a slightly different 200 than for the 127th engine. However, we'll see. I’m not going to buy Vesta this year, but you’ll see, something will change in this sense... (:-))

Well, IMHO, the vases don’t move at all. Well, in general. Kalina even more so. Vesta's handling is similar, but the extra weight takes its toll. Rapid and Fiesta are the most interesting in the class in this regard.

Well, I’m willing to bet here, although “without fanaticism” and breaking cups. It is clear that “civilian” VAZs do not drive against the backdrop of Porsche and even Ford ST. This is not discussed. But I mean something completely different. I compare and hope the majority of our compatriots (not “smart” boys, but ordinary men) will support me. I start from those cars that I have driven myself and that most people like you and I have driven and drive. My first car was a Moskvich 2141 with a VAZ 1.6 engine. To avoid repetition, you can view his page here. Before this, there was periodic practice on the cars of friends, colleagues, company cars from trucks to a diesel Mercedes in the 124th body. Then there was RusFocus 1.8 on the handle - my first foreign car that “drove” compared to everything previous to it. But this was also a “civilian” car. Now the main horse in the stall is Max. And I compare Kalina with them. And, according to my estimates, she “goes” 75-80 percent of them. The general feeling is significantly higher than the Moskvich and slightly lower than the Ford. And the word “goes” is quite applicable to her. I haven’t driven SVRs (Muscovites with a Renault engine), so I can’t make such a comparison, although people were delighted with them, as far as this is applicable to the era of the “nineties”. So, Kalina with the 127 engine, especially after my modifications, behaves very similar to Fords, of course, with adjustments for the dimensions: tight suspension, distinct steering, clear feedback, especially after installing the Val-Racing differential. And it flows well, as I already said. Of course, for an engine with a declared power of 106. For comparison, of course, you can evaluate the Rapid and Polo of their sons, which both have 1.6 MPI. They say that VW's "horses" are stronger than those of other brands. And I think this is not without reason, just like the fact that the amers drove into the Volks under the guise of distorting the emission toxicity indicators. Otherwise, where do Volks horses get their excess agility? (:-)) But with all that, I consider the current VAZ cars to be quite worthy representatives of the breed of four-wheeled vehicles. There is something to improve, but who is without sin? Vesta is noticeably larger, and the interior feels even larger than the “first” Focus, something like the “second”, although in my opinion it is in some ways inferior to the “first” in terms of interior layout. Plus the overall feel of the car, especially the brakes, are as grippy as a Ford’s and much more grippy than Kalina’s, even with the HDT. So, I don’t agree with your opinion that they all “don’t go.” I’m just making an amendment to the fact that these are our cars, which have gone far from the Soviet automobile industry of the 80s and 90s and continue to go further. Good luck to them!

Comparison of parameters

At the first glance at her appearance, Vesta’s prestige and swiftness immediately catches the eye, which makes a favorable impression. And the appearance of Kalina is associated with retro; it benefits from the fact that there is a greater variety of body options in the model range. Nowadays, swiftness and elegance of the body are in fashion, which is confirmed by the appearance of Vesta. The presence of a subframe gives greater rigidity to the body.

Technical features of the machines

Power point

Both cars have the same power units. The exception is the Vesta version, which has a Nissan engine installed. When comparing the gearbox, Vesta also retains the advantage. There are two options: the French type JH3 510 and the Russian one, deeply modernized from the Priora VAZ-2180. This allowed not only to reduce noise, but also to improve the quality of work and the clarity of gear shifting.

Specifications

Engines

Now the Lada Vesta is offered with only one engine, but this meager line will be expanded over time and there will be four engines. Kalina is equipped with three engines.

The Lada Vesta is equipped with a 106-horsepower, injection domestic power unit. At around 5,800 rpm it produces maximum output, and its peak thrust, which reaches 148 Nm, occurs at 4,200 rpm. With it, Vesta accelerates to hundreds in 11.8 seconds, giving a maximum of 178 km/h. It is noteworthy that this engine is the top one for the Lada Kalina, and no changes are made to it. However, the hatchback with it is more dynamic than the Vesta - changing hundreds on it takes 11 seconds, and the maximum speed is 3 km/h more (181 km/h). With automatic transmissions the situation is somewhat different. In this case, Vesta has, albeit a small, advantage in both respects - acceleration in 12.5 seconds. versus 12.9 sec. and a peak speed of 178 km/h versus 175 km/h.