VAZ 1118 is a modern teenager

Fashionable slanting headlights, smooth lines of the radiator grille and hood, streamlined body - all this VAZ-1118 "Kalina" - a compact creation of designers of the Volga Automobile Plant. Lighting technology and is quite impressive, especially after the order of podnadoevshih monoblock lanterns of previous models. The luggage compartment at first glance seems to fit the car, however, its specifications give rise to surprise - 420 liters for a car of this class - the result is more than worthy. Moreover, the rear seat folds, which provides additional opportunities for transportation of dimensional cargo. By the way, it will not be crowded and in the back seat. The five of us, of course, will not be comfortable here, but two tall passengers will be accommodated, without interfering with each other's movements. Places here exactly not less than in the "top ten", and after all the latter - a class higher.

The interior of the VAZ-1118 spoil, probably, only plain-looking pockets in the front seats. Door handles look interesting, the fabric upholstery of the salon is unassuming, but it is quite appropriate. But to lower the glass, alas, it is necessary to manually. However, the corresponding plugs for installing the electric lift button are there, and thanks for that. In Europe, manufacturers of cars of this size try to stuff them with everything they can. The Volga designers decided to confine themselves to a pair of pockets and a standard glove box, even the ashtray in the car was not there, although the cigarette lighter was in place.

Landing in the driver's seat completely killed the previous positive impressions. It is convenient to sit high, of course, but in this case, according to the logic, seat adjustments are required, which are not provided. And it's good that the steering column is regulated , which, however, is not enough. The instrument panel is decorated in a modern style - a large circle of the speedometer + two small circles - for the tachometer and level indicators of liquids, all this is unobtrusively highlighted. I did not like the location of the indicator lamps, they are rather randomly scattered. The high-grade illumination of interior VAZ-1118 has pleased.

The acceleration of the car passes smoothly, without failures and jerks. Even with a sharp start, the car does not scour the asphalt, it goes exactly along the desired trajectory. Another great success of VAZ-1118 designers is steering. Excellent reinforcement, the same feedback - the owners of models from previous VAZ lines about such concepts could only dream of. Especially good amplification is felt at the entrance to the turn, it will not be necessary to adapt to the car for a long time, because it is quite predictable, and, as for the usual city representative, its handling is at an altitude. By the way, the amplifier itself is provided in the basic configuration.

The VAZ-1118 engine turned out to be quite noisy, but this "illness" can be attributed to almost all domestic cars. But the transmission turned out quite entertaining. Short course of the first transfer, which gives way to a long one - for the second and third. Such characteristics, however, are quite convenient when driving around the city. I liked the presence of a locking mechanism for the rear transmission - from the first it is now not confused, as it could be with previous models.

Summing up, we conclude: the project VAZ-1118 "Kalina" sedan has a right to exist. Of course, not without small blots, but in general - a solid compact city car, the optimal ratio of price and quality.