Fit III (GK) vs Kalina II: which is better?
Honda Fit III (GK) (2013–2020) vs Lada Kalina II (2013–2018): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Honda Fit III (GK)
Lada Kalina IISpecifications
| Honda Fit III (GK) | Lada Kalina II | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2013–2020 | 2013–2018 |
| Body | hatchback | hatchback |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.3 | 1.6 8V |
| Power, up to | 100 hp | 87 hp |
| Torque, up to | 119 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Gearbox | CVT | manual |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 3 955 mm | 3 893 mm |
| Width | 1 695 mm | 1 700 mm |
| Height | 1 525 mm | 1 500 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 530 mm | 2 476 mm |
| Fuel tank | 40 L | 50 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 8 650 ₸ | ≈ 13 675 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Honda Fit III (GK)
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Honda L13/L15 engine: worn engine mounts
- Honda CVT: jerks when pulling away as it wears
- Small fuel tank: 40 L
Engine (Honda L13/L15): few widespread problems; worn engine mounts.
Gearbox (Honda CVT): jerks when pulling away once worn; bearing wear.
Lada Kalina II
Pros
- Local assembly: Russia
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine VAZ (1.5–1.6): timing belt failure: bends valves on some engines
Engine (VAZ (1.5–1.6)): timing belt snapping: bends valves on some engines; sensor and thermostat failures; valve cover leak.
Which one to choose
- Fit III (GK) — if you care more about: power, wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
- Kalina II — if you care more about: torque, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Fit III (GK) or Kalina II?
Fit III (GK): up to 100 hp, Kalina II: up to 87 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Fit III (GK) — about 8 650 ₸, Kalina II — about 13 675 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.