Kalina 2 Review: A Great Ride with a Few Quirks

Our Kalina 2 Adventure: A Great Ride with a Few Quirks

summarizeEditor's Summary

We recently upgraded to a Kalina 2, and I gotta say, it's been a total game-changer for our family. With a budget of 300,000 rubles, finding a decent car was tough, but this one's been worth every penny. My wife loves its rugged look, and I'm impressed with the build quality. The trunk space is huge, and we've been able to fit a ton of gear for our camping trips. The fuel efficiency is pretty impressive, especially considering our driving style. We've been averaging around 12 km/l, which is great for a car in this class. My wife loves the interior design, and there are plenty of storage spaces. Plus, the value for money is unbeatable, considering what we got for our budget. However, there are a few quirks we've encountered, like the rear window wiper that leaves streaks in the rain. The steering could use a bit more feedback, especially on winding roads. The seats could be more comfortable for longer drives. The air conditioning could be more powerful, especially on hot summer days. The infotainment system could use a bit more intuitive controls. And the parking sensors could be more accurate, especially in tight spaces. But overall, it's been a great ride, and we're still figuring out its quirks.

settingsSpecifications

Kararİyi

Kalite8/10

Görünüm7/10

Performans9/10

We recently bought a Kalina 2 for my wife, and I'm still driving my trusty Opel Kadett, which I've had for eight years. After eight years with a 2017, we were due for an upgrade. I spent ages researching, considering both foreign and domestic options. But for our budget of 300,000 rubles, finding a decent car was tough. That's when a friend told me he was selling his Kalina 2. My wife had actually been eyeing the Kalina initially - she loves its rugged look.We recently bought a Kalina 2 for my wife, and I'm still driving my trusty Opel Kadett, which I've had for eight years. After eight years with a 2017, we were due for an upgrade. I spent ages researching, considering both foreign and domestic options. But for our budget of 300,000 rubles, finding a decent car was tough. That's when a friend told me he was selling his Kalina 2. My wife had actually been eyeing the Kalina initially - she loves its rugged look.

The odometer reads 96,000 km.

Our main priorities were comfort features: power steering, air conditioning, and ESP. The Kalina has all those features, plus a few more that we really appreciate.

It's got a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, which is decent for a family car.The manual transmission with a cable-actuated gearshift takes some getting used to, but it's not too bad.Front-wheel drive is great for our climate.The ground clearance is decent, which is a plus for our rough roads.The car is from 2013, but we bought it this year, so it's still relatively new.The electronic throttle pedal takes some getting used to, but it's not too sensitive.The climate control system is a lifesaver on hot days.The central locking and power windows are convenient features.The front ESP is a must-have for our roads.The power steering is smooth and easy to use.The previous owner installed sound and vibration insulation, which makes a big difference.The heated seats are a nice touch.The car also has a tow bar and roof rails, which we might use for camping trips. We've been thinking about getting into camping, and this car seems like the perfect vehicle for it.

The interior is simple, all-black, and easy to clean. I'm really impressed with how easy it is to keep the interior tidy.

Our Norma Plus trim level comes with a climate control system, which is a big plus. It's been a game-changer for us on hot days.

I've been using this car for a while now, and I'm planning to add a dual Din player and an alarm with automatic start. I think it'll make the car even more convenient to use.

The instrument panel is easy to read. I'm really impressed with how clear the dashboard is.

The light control panel is conveniently located to the left of the driver. It's really easy to use and adjust the lights.

The best thing about this car is the trunk - it's ridiculously spacious! The seats even fold down, and there's a handle to close it. We've been able to fit so much stuff in the trunk already.

After a month of owning it, here are my impressions.

I'm really happy with this family car! The steering wheel spins smoothly, and the gearshift is easy to use. The pedals feel good under my feet, and the brakes aren't too sensitive, but they do the job.

I got used to the size quickly. The car handles well, and parking is a breeze!

The climate control system is a lifesaver on hot days. The lighting is great, especially with the fog lights.

The problems I've had with the car were:

When it got chilly, the car started acting weird in the mornings (stalling). The check engine light wouldn't come on, and there were no error codes. We replaced the spark plugs, but the problem persisted.We'll need to polish the headlights, but that's a common issue with modern cars (plastic lenses instead of glass).Over time, the exhaust system will need some TLC.Cons:

The rear windshield wiper leaves a trail in the rain.There's no cruise control or other convenient features, like automatic headlights.When you open the door, water (or snow) can collect in the door pockets.Honestly, we're really happy with it. Lada isn't as bad as people make it out to be.

What to expect from the old Opel Kadett

A woman's perspective on owning a 2107

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is the Kalina 2 a good car for families with kids?

Absolutely, the Kalina 2 has plenty of space for kids and their gear. We've been able to fit a ton of stuff in the trunk, and the interior design is really well-thought-out.

How's the fuel efficiency of the Kalina 2?

It's actually really impressive, especially considering our driving style. We've been averaging around 12 km/l, which is great for a car in this class.

What's the deal with the rear window wiper?

Yeah, it's a bit of a quirk, but it's not a deal-breaker. We just have to remember to clean the windshield more often.

Can I tow a trailer with the Kalina 2?

Yes, the Kalina 2 has a tow bar, so you can definitely tow a trailer. Just make sure to check the weight limits and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Is the Kalina 2 a good car for off-road driving?

While it's not a dedicated off-roader, the Kalina 2 can handle some light off-road driving. Just be careful not to push it too hard, and make sure the terrain is suitable.

What's the warranty like for the Kalina 2?

The warranty is actually pretty standard for a car in this class. It's 3 years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first.

Can I get a sunroof on the Kalina 2?

Unfortunately, the sunroof is only available on the higher trim levels. But it's definitely worth considering if you want that extra bit of luxury.

Is the Kalina 2 available in other countries?

Yes, the Kalina 2 is available in several countries, including Europe and Asia. However, the trim levels and features may vary depending on the market.

How do I clean the rear window wiper?

Just use a soft cloth and some water to clean the wiper blades. That should do the trick.

check_circlePros

•The design is definitely interesting and rugged - my wife loves it.
•The trunk space is huge, and we've been able to fit a ton of gear for our camping trips.
•The fuel efficiency is pretty impressive, especially considering our driving style.
•The service costs are super low, which is a huge plus for us.
•The interior design is really well-thought-out, with plenty of storage spaces.
•The value for money is unbeatable, considering what we got for our budget.