Introduced in 2003, the first generation of the Lada Kalina was nothing more than an experiment for the Russian automaker that gave us the Fiat 124-based Riva and the Niva off-roader. The second generation, on the other hand, is something of an extensive facelift. Now, though, the Kalina got a little better.
Cue the 2016 Lada Kalina NFR, a subcompact hatchback that is described as the fastest production car ever made by AutoVAZ, the mother company known to the world under the trade name Lada. How fast, you’re asking? Don’t hold your breath for mind-boggling figures. Here goes: 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 9.2 seconds and a top end of 126 mph (203 km/h).
I won’t even bother to compare those stats with what the establishment has to offer. At the end of the day, the Lada Kalina NFR can’t hold a candle to proper hot hatchbacks such as the Renault Clio RS, Volkswagen Polo GTI, and the Ford Fiesta ST. The hamster wheel engine that motivates this supermini is a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-banger with 136 horsepower and 113 lb-ft (154 Nm) of torque. Good effort, Lada, but you’re far from cutting the mustard.
Another detail that AutoVAZ should be ashamed about is the 5-speed manual. For real? That’s so 1990s for a hot hatchback, especially if you consider that the Clio RS is exclusively available with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Care to guess what you get regarding creature comforts? Manual air con, cloth seats, and automatic wipers will have to do. The touchscreen infotainment system is an optional extra.
As if the aforesaid weren’t bad enough, the pricing of the 2016 Lada Kalina NFR is simply too much for what you’re getting in return. More specifically, 820,000 rubles (approx. $11,880) will buy you a Kalina NFR. By comparison, the entry-level Lada Kalina hatchback costs 435,500 rubles ($6,310). Thanks Lada, but the varied array of European hot hatchbacks do a much better job in terms of performance, full stop.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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