Queen in heels: first test drive of the all-terrain Lada Granta

Cars with the Cross prefix are now available in all families produced by the Volzhsky Automobile Plant (with the exception, of course, of Lada 4x4). The “younger” Granta also got an “elevated” version. Does she have any other features?

Granta Cross will be produced only as a station wagon. But the body colors will be different, not just bright orange. This, by the way, is a new color developed specifically for this version. Ninth in a row.

Exterior and interior with a “surprise”

The suit is really good.
Lada Granta Cross, unlike the cross-version Kalina, does not look like a relative who came from a remote village in an outfit that even the chairman there was jealous of. The new model doesn't look anything special, it looks on par. And the dissatisfaction of Lada Vesta fans is understandable, from whom one can hear reproaches about this approach, when all models are combed with the same brush. The exterior concept of the Granta Cross is not fundamentally different from the regular station wagon version, but there are a number of elements that make the image brighter and more expressive: protective overlays made of unpainted plastic, a different bumper group with silver overlays on the bottom in the SUV style, a new color “Aurum”, which debuts for the first time on Granta Cross (it couldn't match the queen), 15-inch wheels of a new design, rear-view mirror housings in black lacquer.

There are no changes in the interior architecture, but here Lada skillfully plays with accents: contrasting orange inserts in the seat upholstery and door panels (for those who are radically against such a “flashy” approach, a calmer gray color scheme is available), a dashboard with a predominant orange in scale markings, black lacquer inserts, for example in the climate system control unit. The increased practicality also attracts attention: the back of the front seats is trimmed with eco-leather, which should simplify caring for the interior.

The “surprise” is a characteristic click when opening the box located above the central air ducts. Lada explains this by saying that the increased temperature in the region where the test drive of the new product took place caused the plastic to deteriorate. We hope that this is indeed the case.

LADA GRANTA CROSS

Specifications

Ground clearance and lack of ESC

No matter how pleasant the external gloss of the new product is, many are primarily interested in the car’s ground clearance. The value declared by the automaker is 198 mm. This parameter is relevant when measuring under the engine crankcase at curb weight. At full load the value decreases to 182 mm. And here it is worth considering that AvtoVAZ has changed the method for calculating this parameter - now these are honest values. The modernization of the suspension and 195/55 tires of the Pirelli Cinturato P1 model helped to lift the station wagon.

The increased ground clearance allowed us to have a lot of fun - to arrange a real cross-country race on a field with difficult terrain. The approach angle is pleasing - 18.9, which is more than that of one of its closest competitors, the Renault Sandero Stepway, but the Granta Cross loses in terms of departure angle - 26.1. However, it’s worth remembering here: the “French” is a hatchback, and the Granta is a station wagon, which literally means a longer rear overhang.

We also focus on the fact that the Lada Granta Cross does not have an ESC stabilization system, which is due, as Lada representatives say, to the logic of the configurations. There is a technical possibility of installing an assistant, but let's rewind a little and remember the situation with the tall Lada Xray hatch. The model was initially equipped with a non-switchable stabilization system, but consumers very much asked AvtoVAZ engineers to implement a function to deactivate it so that overcoming a slippery surface would not turn into a quest. Therefore, the absence of ESC on the Granta Cross simplifies the task if you have to slip.

Did the increase in ground clearance affect the car's behavior on the highway? No, in any case, you are unlikely to notice the difference. Yes, there is an increase in the aerodynamic coefficient and, as a consequence, a minimal increase in fuel consumption, but this is not at all critical.

Test drive from Autoreview

pros

:

• AMT 2.0 with creep mode behaves logically when changing gears and when starting to move, now this transmission is convenient to use in the city. This is the best “robot” with one clutch, and even better than some AMTs with two clutches (for example, on the Mercedes A-class). The crawling mode on the Grant is implemented better (no vibrations at start) than on the Vesta, because the Grant is lighter. I like the AMT 2.0 better than the Jatco 4-speed automatic transmission (suitable only for driving in the city, it is difficult to overtake on the highway and has high gas mileage - 2-3 liters/100 km more than the AMT/manual transmission).
• A good balance between normal, clear, reliable handling and smoothness.
• Lada Granta Cross is the best car in the family. It drives noticeably more pleasantly than the sedan and liftback, it is smoother, more comfortable, and responds better to the steering wheel.

Minuses:

• The glass of the dashboard glares, constantly reflects, nothing is visible.
• Seat adjustable from high to very high, not enough adjustments.
• The headlights do not shine well, this was discovered during a test drive of the regular Lada Granta FL.
• Strange operation of the reverse gear - you turn on the reverse gear, press the gas, but the clutch does not close for some time, the start of the movement turns out to be quite jerky.

Driving force, Sport mode and "appetite"

Lada Granta Cross is available with the same power units as the regular station wagon versions, with the exception of a combination of a 98-horsepower engine and a Jatco automatic transmission. The argument is simple: if you look at the ground clearance of the Granta station wagon, then for the model with automatic transmission it is 165 mm, while with other transmission options it is 180 mm. That is, an automatic transmission would simply deprive Granta Cross of its obvious advantage - increased ground clearance. As a result, for the cross-station wagon we have an 87-horsepower 8-valve engine with a 5-speed manual transmission and a 106-horsepower engine, which can be combined with both a “handle” and an AMT - automated manual transmission. It is AMT, and not a “robot” - Lada representatives responsible for the technical part insist on this.

For the test drive, we chose the Granta Cross with AMT. Let us recall that in September 2022, Granta entered the market with an automated manual transmission, whose operating algorithms have changed and several new modes have appeared, including Sport. For inexplicable reasons, AMT did not gain wild popularity on the market and did not find a warm response in the hearts of car enthusiasts - the majority are still adherents of “mechanics”. There are plenty of critical video reviews and articles on this topic. However, I would like to add a spoonful of honey to this ointment. Firstly, when you try to cope with this transmission for the first time or after a break in communication with it, nothing may work out. This is reminiscent of taming the obstinate: the car reacts to every press of the gas pedal with an increase in speed and an unpleasant jerk, but after you begin to understand how to handle the AMT, if not love, then at least mutual understanding arises.

The fuel consumption data that we provide may not be objective enough for several reasons: prolonged idling (because if you turn off the climate system in the Krasnodar Territory, you can turn into the most delicate Adyghe cheese), an attempt to get acquainted with the Sport mode, driving along serpentines and rough terrain and so on. Nevertheless, the on-board computer, after covering one hundred kilometers, showed a consumption of 12.5-12.7 liters. After the driving became moderate, and we managed to make friends with the AMT, the consumption did not exceed 6.5-6.7 liters, which is very close to the figure declared by the automaker in the combined cycle - 6.5 liters.

As for the Sport mode, AMT maintains high revs in it, allowing for more dynamic driving. But be prepared that the engine can roar as if underneath you is not a car, but a saddled and well-spurred steer. It is worth noting that in manual control mode, gears are switched automatically from first to third, but we were not able to jump to the next one.

Test drive from Auto.mail.ru

Engine

. The dynamics of the 106-horsepower Granta can be assessed in one word: sufficient. In the city, the station wagon handles confidently in traffic, and on the highway it copes well with overtaking trucks even with an almost full load. But don't expect miracles.

Automated transmission

(AMT or "robot"). Over 300 kilometers, including city traffic jams, mountain roads, and highways, there was not a single situation when the gearbox would not work adequately. There is a small nuance - when starting in reverse up a hill, the car rolls forward, but in fact the only driving mode when it is really inferior to the mechanics is acceleration with the pedal to the floor. In general, the robot is well worth the additional payment of 25 thousand rubles.

Suspension

. The car easily copes with any unevenness: neither small things, nor waves, nor speed bumps shake the body. Even large holes do not lead to loud and unpleasant impacts. You can rush along a bad road without fear of rocking and breakdowns, and the car does not jump off the line even in turns.

Noise insulation

. It has become quieter - the noise level remains virtually unchanged after 130 km/h. As the speed increases, the noise of the wind “getting stuck” in the luggage rails is only added to by the roar of the engine, and at city speeds there is nothing to complain about at all. The well-insulated wheel arches are especially pleasing - there is no discomfort even on rough asphalt. So in expensive trim levels the Granta turned out to be no worse than classmates like the Kia Rio or Hyundai Solaris.

Granta Granta strife

. On another Lada Granta Cross we felt that the suspension was softer, but the handling became more “blurred”. We also noticed other forces on the brake pedal.

Link to test drive.

Who are the competitors and who are the buyers?

Lada Granta Cross will have only three trim levels: Classic, Comfort and Luxe. And they are unique compared to what the regular station wagon version of the model offers, that is, it is impossible to immediately identify the correct price difference. For example, the Classic cross-version already has a climate system, electrically adjustable mirrors, height adjustment of the driver's seat, and exterior mirrors with a turn indicator. Plus a unique interior trim, a plastic body kit and 15-inch alloy wheels. Let us remind you that the most affordable version of Granta Cross will cost 554,900 rubles. “RG” has already written in more detail about the car’s configurations.

The main competitors of the Lada Granta Cross in the Russian market are Renault Sandero Stepway and Kia Rio X-Line. The new product, as stated at the presentation, wins, firstly, in price, secondly, in the presence of some options (Granta Cross has climate control, while its competitors have air conditioning), secondly, in the cost of maintenance, thirdly, in terms of the costs of purchasing and installing accessories (for comparison, the trunk and roof box were taken).

The buyer audience consists almost entirely of men - they, according to the automaker's expectations, will account for at least 90% of sales. These are people with average income: employees, specialists, middle managers, workers. The average age of the buyer is 42 years.

The market is still experiencing a crossover boom, and manufacturers are happy to indulge the customer’s desire to have a taller car. And it cannot be said that AvtoVAZ made a mistake in this case. Judge for yourself, the predecessor - Lada Kalina Cross - sold 7,539 copies in 2022, which is slightly less than the result of the regular version - 7,751 cars (RG's own data). And this is with a price difference of about 40 thousand rubles.

Now the budget cross-station wagon will have even more chances to please the buyer: increased cross-country ability, plastic linings, a bright interior with a finish that differs from the usual Granta and a new appearance, made in accordance with the precepts of Steve Mattin and the current chief designer of Lada.

Test drive from AutoMPS

Suspension and handling

. On the move, the Granta Cross demonstrates a good balance between ride quality and handling. The suspension handles unevenness elastically, and the increase in ground clearance did not lead to rolliness and uninformative steering.

Automated transmission

(AMT or "robot"). The robotic shifts are timely, and by turning on the sport mode, you can confidently overtake without feeling the need to select gears manually. The only nuance is related to the inclusion of reverse gear - AMT goes into reverse with a delay and this must be taken into account when maneuvering uphill. And yet, AVTOVAZ has done a lot of work on the mistakes: now the “robot” can be recommended for purchase.

Noise insulation

. When accelerating over 120 km/h, a lot of aerodynamic noise appears. Large and comfortable side mirrors, roof rails and an antenna located at the very beginning of the roof whistle.

Other:

• In sunny weather, the instrument cluster glares a lot.
• The front seats received denser filling, but their profile is still not optimal, and there is practically no lateral support.