Production of the new Lada Kalina commences in Russia; European launch by late 2013

The Lada Kalina has been popular in Russia since its launch in 2004, thanks to its relatively cheap price. It rivals cars such as the old Hyundai Accent and the Dacia Logan.

On the 16th of May, production of the new Kalina, which was unveiled last year in Moscow, began in Russia hoping to build on the success of the first generation model.

The Lada Kalina is made by AvtoVAZ (Russia's Number 1 car maker) in their facility in Tolyatti, Russia.

The new Kalina was first presented at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show. It now gets features such as a driver airbag as standard. As you move up the variant line, you're treated to ABS with Brake Assist on the mid spec variant while the top of the line variant features a Bosch ESC and automatic air conditioning.

According to AvtoVAZ, the new Kalina features a new chassis and suspension setup to offer better drive and handling. Engine options include the 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engines that have varying power outputs right from a base 87bhp (Standard), a middle 98bhp (Normal) or a top-end 106bhp (Luxe).

Transmission options include a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The Kalina is offered in two different body styles - a hatchback and an estate. Prices for the new Kalina hatch start at 324,000 rubles (INR 5.7 lakhs) and extend up to 445,000 rubles (INR 7.83 lakhs) for the top end hatch or 452,000 (INR 7.95 lakhs) for the top end estate.

The Kalina will also be exported to the Europe and it should reach other markets within the next six months.

2013 Lada Kalina Image Gallery

[Source - Autocenter.ua]