VAZ Kalina 1118

Production of the Lada 1118 sedan from the Kalina family began at AvtoVAZ on 18 November 2004. That year also saw the decision to use Latin-script spellings for the brand and model names on the market. So here we have a scale model of the LADA Kalina 1118.

Development of the real car began back in 1993, but the first sedan prototype was not shown until 2000. Production of the Kalina in this body style ended on 1 May 2011, when it was replaced by a newer, in-house-developed budget car, the Lada Granta.

The production process was far from smooth. Kalinas were recalled almost every year to replace defective parts. A steering-column defect was found in 2007, while 2006 brought a casting fault in the steering-gear housing and a defect in the engine mounts. Buyers also cited excessive vibration and engine noise as shortcomings of the Lada 1118. Its advantages included a roomy cabin for its class, good visibility, body rigidity and the availability of a factory electric convenience package, audio pre-wiring and two airbags.