Kalina, Priora and Niva used several different engines over their production runs
Kalina gained a new engine, while Priora and Niva switched power units
Kolesa.ru traced the evolution of the engines fitted to the Kalina, Priora and Niva. The story begins with the introduction of a new eight-valve engine in the Kalina in 2004 and follows engine development across the three models.
Kalina engines: from VAZ-11183 to VAZ-21127
According to Kolesa.ru, the Kalina inherited the front-wheel-drive platform of the VAZ-2108 and VAZ-2110, along with an eight-valve engine. The 1.6-litre, 80 hp VAZ-11183 replaced the 1.5-litre VAZ-2111, differed little from its predecessor and was produced from 2004 to 2017. The Samara switched to the same engine in early 2007.
When cold, the VAZ-11183 was noisier than earlier eight-valve engines and had a distinctive clatter, although the sound did not affect its operation. The engine could suffer from oil leaks, sensor failures and a sticking thermostat, but it was not prone to excessive oil consumption and could cover at least 200,000–250,000 kilometres before needing a major overhaul. If the timing belt broke, the valves did not strike the pistons.
Introduced in 2011, the VAZ-11186 featured lighter piston assemblies, with power rising from 80 to 86 hp. The 1.4-litre, 90 hp, 16-valve VAZ-11194 was more fuel-efficient, but almost invariably began consuming oil by 50,000 km. A broken timing belt usually damaged the valves and piston assemblies.
From 2009, the Kalina in Lux trim was fitted with the 1.6-litre VAZ-21126, producing 98 hp and 145 Nm of torque. The VAZ-21127 arrived in 2013 with a variable-length intake plenum and an output of 106 hp.
VAZ-21126 became the Priora’s main engine
The Priora replaced the VAZ-2110. From 2007 to 2018, it was fitted with 1.6-litre engines for front-wheel-drive applications, including the 80 hp VAZ-21114 and the later 87 hp VAZ-21116. The most widely used was the 16-valve VAZ-21126, which produced 98 hp and 145 Nm.
Introduced in 2013, the VAZ-21127 featured a variable-length intake manifold and produced 106 hp. It was paired with the 2180 manual gearbox with a cable-operated shift mechanism or the 2182 automated manual gearbox derived from it.
Niva engines: from 1.3 to 1.8 litres
The Niva initially received the 1.6-litre, 80 hp carburetted 2106 engine. For use in the off-roader, the engine was designated 2121 and given a deeper sump to accommodate the front differential.
From 1978 to 1987, the 21211 variant was produced for countries with higher taxes on engines larger than 1.5 litres. It used the 1.3-litre, 69 hp 21011 engine. The standard Niva with a 1.6-litre engine was produced from April 1977 until the end of 1993. For roughly its final six months, it rolled off the assembly line alongside vehicles fitted with the 1.7-litre 21213 engine.
The 21214 version gained fuel injection and was later upgraded to meet emissions standards as stringent as Euro 5 in export specification. From 1999, the Niva was also fitted with the Peugeot XUD 9SD diesel engine.
In 2026, the Niva was offered with the 1.8-litre VAZ-11184 engine, producing 90 hp and 154 Nm. Series production of the engine began on 20 July, when production of vehicles with the old 1.7-litre 21214 engine ended. Sales of vehicles with the new engine began on 31 August 2026.