Back in 2012, visitors to the Moscow Motor Show and experts were pleasantly surprised by the presented Lada X Ray Concept crossover. The premiere meant a radically new approach to the future production of cars by the Tolyatti Automobile Plant. Since then, various publications have published rare pictures in which the new product could be seen.
The description of the Lada X Ray and the technical data of the car aroused the widest interest, which continues today. 2014 confirmed the desire of domestic automakers to produce modern, attractive cars - the Lada X Ray Concept 2 was presented, which was already very close to a production model.
Where is the crossover assembled? In December 2015, the serial production of the “high hatchback” B-class began in Tolyatti. X Ray Lada (photo above) has an original interior and exterior design, and is, according to manufacturers, the flagship of the new series of VAZ cars. The B0 line, where production of the crossover began, has been significantly modernized. In the future, it is planned to use automobile manufacturing capacities in Kazakhstan.
- Optima
Options and prices
The price for the basic Optima package starts from RUB 629,900. It is equipped with a 1.6 engine (106 hp) and includes two airbags, an audio system, and front electric windows.
The Luxe modification costs 740,900 rubles. and higher. There are: air conditioning, climate control, heated windows, fog lights, parking sensors. And for an additional fee you will get a 1.8 engine - 122 hp.
The price for the Lada X-Ray Exclusive package starts from 835,900 rubles. There is leather and suede upholstery of the seats.
Drive is front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive is not available.
Innovations Lada xray with VAZ-21129 and VAZ 21179 engines
Among the innovations that significantly separate the 129 engine from its predecessors, it is worth mentioning the presence of a technological intake system. For the first time in the history of AvtoVAZ, designers have developed and mass-produced intake manifolds with variable intake geometry. This system works as follows: at low speeds, air from the filter enters the engine along a long path, thereby ensuring optimal operation of the internal combustion engine. At high speeds, a mechanism installed in the manifold changes the path of air from the filter to the engine and sends it along a short path, thus achieving good filling of the cylinders even at speeds above 5000. This technological solution allowed engineers to “remove” an additional 8 liters from the engine. With. without serious intervention in the design of the cylinder head and cylinder block. The throttle valve has also changed; now, instead of the archaic cable mechanism, the throttle is controlled by an electronic gas pedal.
In addition to the technologically advanced intake manifold, the placement of the power unit has also undergone changes. Due to the use of the B0 platform, these engines began to be installed not on the body, through separate cushions, but on a subframe. True, advanced car enthusiasts did not greatly appreciate this design solution, since with this arrangement it is necessary to use additional xray engine protection.
Salon
The quality of finishing here is at a high level. The plastic is hard, but fits well and does not creak. The covers are made of high-quality fabric with leatherette inserts. The steering wheel is thickened for a comfortable grip and covered with a leatherette cover.
The dashboard, made in a futuristic design, is compact and informative. The large display makes it easy to read information, and the air conditioner control panel is simple and clear.
The front seats have a wide range of adjustment, allowing you to sit comfortably no matter your height. However, if tall passengers are sitting in front, there will not be enough space in the back due to the backrests of the seats.
The sound insulation of the engine compartment is good, but when driving on crushed stone, the wheel arches transmit the impacts of stones.
Comfort and safety
The basic equipment of the car includes an expanded range of security systems. Each Lada X Rey has two airbags, front seat belts with a pre-tensioning mechanism and a load limiter. For the safety of children, the car is equipped with ISOFIX child seat anchors and an automatic door closing function while driving.
All versions of Lada Xray are equipped with ERA-GLONASS - an emergency warning system. In the event of a collision, the GPS sensor will inform the rescue services all the details of the incident: the coordinates and speed of the vehicle.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) function is responsible for active safety. This intelligent system includes several safety options: ABS, BAS - external brake assist, TSC - traction control, EBD - electronic brake force distribution.
The top-end Lada X Rey in the Luxe configuration with the Prestige package is equipped with cruise control with a speed limiting function. The system maintains the desired speed without pressing the gas pedal and prevents the driver from exceeding the speed threshold set by the driver.
The hatchback is equipped with all modern comfort elements: climate control, heated seats, sound insulation and electric power steering. The Exclusive modification is equipped with leather upholstery on the seats and steering wheel.
History of creation [edit | edit code]
In August 2012, a three-door crossover concept car LADA XRAY Concept was shown at the Moscow International Automobile Salon [3]. A team worked on the concept under the leadership of new chief designer Steve Mattin, who took the Lada C-Cross project as a basis [ source not specified 901 days
] . Evgeny Tkachev was responsible for the exterior, Nikolay Suslov was responsible for the interior. The head of the LADA XRAY project is Oleg Grunenkov [4]. A single copy of the car was created by the Italian company Vercarmodel Saro Srl according to the project of the LADA design studio. The cost of creating this sample was approximately $1 million [5]. The concept demonstrated plans to develop a new visual style for LADA cars, as well as development in the segment of SUVs, crossovers and SUVs [6] [7]. “XRAY” is an abbreviation consisting of “X” - as a designation of intersection (English crossover, meaning the type of car body, see crossover), “R” from the word “Recreation” (“rest”), “A” from the word “Activity” (“activity”), “Y” from the word “Your” (“yours”), or “Young” (“young”) [8] .
Two years later, at the same Moscow motor show, a second concept was shown - the five-door LADA XRAY Concept 2, already closer to the model for mass production [9].
Serial production of the model began on December 15, 2015, in full accordance with the schedule previously reported by the company [10]. The car is produced at the production site in Tolyatti. Sales started on February 14, 2016.
In 2016, the concepts of sports and all-terrain versions were presented: LADA XRAY Sport Concept and LADA XRAY Cross Concept. The sports version received a lowered ground clearance, “sporty” engine and suspension tuning, while the all-terrain version, on the contrary, received an increased ground clearance, as well as a body kit - linings on the lower part of the doors, sills, wheel arches, bumpers that protect the body enamel on light off-road conditions [11] [12 ] .
Specifications
The buyer is offered 3 types of power units with a capacity of 106, 110 and 122 hp. and volumes of 1.6 and 1.8 liters. Gearbox - mechanical or robotic.
The front has MacPherson strut suspension with telescopic shock absorbers. The rear track is increased, which gives stability while driving. The car is equipped with an electro-hydraulic booster.
Luggage compartment volume is 361 liters with an option to increase to 1200 liters.
Performance characteristics of the Lada X Rey:
- length - 4165 mm,
- width - 1764;
- height - 1570 mm;
- ground clearance - 195 mm;
- fuel tank volume - 50 liters.
Total weight 1650 kg. With the most powerful engine, the car accelerates to 100 in 10.4 seconds. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 7.2 liters.
The regular Lada X Ray does not have all-wheel drive, but there is a possibility that it will appear in the Lada Xray Cross.
Dimensions
As was already known, the front-wheel drive version of the Lada X Ray 2022, which has a Renault Sandero platform and a hatchback body, will be released first. The body length of this model will be 4.20 m, and its wheelbase will be 2.60 m. The Xray Cross SUV will be launched next, based on the Renault Duster with two drive options - front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. There is no information yet about which of the options will be available at the base price, which became known earlier - 500 thousand rubles.
Pros and cons of the model
Positive features of the model:
- comfortable and strong suspension;
- high-quality brakes;
- the “robot” adapts to the driver;
- quite powerful motor;
- good sound insulation;
- The trunk is roomy for everyday trips;
- large clearance;
- sufficient overview;
- fan washer nozzles;
- convenient multimedia;
- rear view camera and parking sensors;
- climate control;
- Maintenance once every 15,000 km.
Not without its drawbacks:
- interior trim - hard plastic;
- little space in the back;
- no ESP switch;
- interior deflectors blow in the wrong direction;
- windage on the track;
- lack of armrest;
- single-level heated seats;
- tight pedal assembly;
- transmissions are short;
- The steering wheel is not adjustable for reach.
To make the motor last a long time
Minimal engine wear requires certain conditions to be met. It is important to know exactly how much oil is in the engine. This is the only way you can avoid the unpleasant process of moving parts in the motor rubbing against each other. This indicator directly depends on the presence of the required amount of oil in it. This indicator depends on the type of internal combustion engine used in the crossover. Motors 21179 and 21129 will require oil of a compatible brand and viscosity in a volume of 4.2 liters. For the HR16DE (H4M) internal combustion engine, this figure will be slightly more – 4.3 liters.
It is unacceptable for the oil level to drop below o or exceed the “max” indicator. They are applied to a special dipstick to measure the amount of oil in the engine. Always check the level only when the car is parked on a level surface and with the engine turned off. The procedure is performed at least 2 times every 14 days. If there is the slightest doubt about the correctness of the measurements, they should be repeated as soon as possible.
Competitors
Main competitors of Lada Xray:
- Renault Sandero StepWay. Despite many common details, Sandero and Lada X Ray have different technical characteristics. The engines of the “French” are more attractive and the technology is more sophisticated. The car is one of the most interesting in its class. The appearance of the car is very nice and there is no doubt about the quality of the car. The interior is one of the most thoughtful in its class. The Sandero StepWay costs 630,000 rubles - only slightly more than the Lada costs. Many experts believe that the XRAY is overpriced, making Renault a serious competitor.
- Dastun mi-DO. The car belongs to the class of tall hatchbacks and has an interesting appearance. Datsun is assembled in Tolyatti, the car has already won appreciation in Russia. The interior is well suited for Russian conditions, democratic, but tasteful. Ground clearance of 160 mm is enough to overcome unpleasant places. There is one engine - 1.6 liters, 82 hp, manual or automatic. The cheapest version costs only 462,000 rubles, which is a serious claim to leadership. Dastun also competes with Lada Vesta.
- Suzuki SX-4 Classic. This is already a full-fledged crossover, however, its cost is higher, it starts from 785,000 rubles. The SX-4 Classic has excellent technical parameters and excellent cross-country ability. This car will be the best buy in its class. The 1.6 liter petrol engine produces 112 hp. The technical part has surprisingly high endurance even in difficult Russian conditions. The transmission can be either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. However, it is not worth driving it into serious off-road conditions.
SUV Lada X Ray Cross
The characteristics of the Lada XRay crossover are not yet known. However, it is known that they plan to produce it in two versions: permanent and switchable all-wheel drive. What changes will have to affect these cars in order for them to be considered full-fledged SUVs - off-road vehicles?
First of all, the powertrain layout will probably be significantly redesigned. All-wheel drive transmits engine forces to both wheel axles, ultimately reducing the maximum speed and dynamics of the car in exchange for increased traction. To ensure that the car does not become too slow, the characteristics of the motors will have to be sufficient to meet the needs of all-wheel drive. It is assumed that the base engine will be the currently used 1.8-liter engine from AvtoVAZ with a rated power of 122 horsepower, and to equip more advanced versions - a turbocharged engine of the same brand, enhanced to 140 horsepower.
Most likely, changes will also affect the suspension. The characteristics of the Lada XRay Cross should be aimed at ensuring that the car can be operated comfortably even in off-road conditions. Still, a hatchback with front-wheel drive, although it is the optimal combination of capabilities, is designed primarily for urban use. The suspension, according to experts, will have to be strengthened and modified to fully comply with the portrait of the future SUV.
There is also unconfirmed information that has become available to the public that the concern is going to stop developing all-wheel drive versions of X-Ray. Many Russian motorists have already expressed dissatisfaction with this fact.
However, reviews of the Lada XRay contain too many references to the expectation of all-wheel drive versions for the management of the AvtoVAZ concern to turn a blind eye to them and stop development. As some statistics show, almost half of all car enthusiasts are looking forward to the cross-version of X Rey.
