We bring to your attention a comparative review and test drive of the Lada Xray and Lada Vesta from Peter Menshikh.
We tested the Lada Vesta and Lada X-ray cars in a purely Russian way: we drove through the bitter cold, lake ice, and climbed a mountain in a dense forest. We measured our heroic strength...
Video review and comparative test of Lada Vesta vs Lada X-ray, technical specifications at the end of our article.
As usual, in the Russian forest there are mounds and snags sticking out everywhere, but you still have to get to the lake with ice. But it was agreed that the rival brothers with a rook in their foreheads would have a double event: drag a skier on a lake and drive up the highest forest mountain.
They are similar in their modern construction and similar design, but internally and conceptually they are different. Vesta is a fundamentally new VAZ model, which was prepared in Tolyatti for almost a decade. X-ray is a product of modification of the French hatchback Renault Sandero Stepway, which in turn is derived from the time-tested, reliable Logan.
So what is better: our own domestic development (Vesta sedan) or almost complete borrowing (high hatchback X-ray)? The testing ground for the research was a sand quarry, where the air temperature dropped to minus 15 degrees. By the way, it would be nice to lock the gas tank flap on both cars. We can not only drain gasoline, but also pour water into the tank in winter.
Before a fight you need to warm up. The thermometer shows minus 13. Xray for 100 kg. lighter than Vesta, but even to him the prospect of going out on the still thin ice of the lake seems like a gamble.
After a night in the city it was easy to get started. The Lada Vesta - Lada Xray test will take place 50 km from the Moscow Ring Road, outside the city it is quieter with two cars.
It is difficult to warm up the Lada Vesta engine at idle speed, so don’t even expect warm air from it. After starting, the engine drops to 800 rpm, like a computer that has fallen asleep. What did they change for the VAZ 16-valve engine: the cooling system, the program, the thermostat in pursuit of Euro standards? I don’t know, but here and now I’m cold.
Engine: petrol 1.6 (106 hp), M5 - from 514,000 rubles, 1.6 (106 hp) P5 - from 569,000 rubles.
Vesta has a general heated windshield, but no heated wiper zone. I tapped the brushes and tried to move them, but they froze tightly. KIA RIO, for example, does not allow itself this.
In Vesta you can drive tens of kilometers, but the glass will still remain mixed with ice. Here, the heated windshield is turned on with the same button that turns on the heated rear window and mirrors. And so, if you need to warm up the mirrors, the windshield heats up at the same time. When driving for a long time, dirt readily sticks to the hot glass, and washer consumption increases. Vesta's windshield washers are antediluvian single-jet, Lada X-ray is no better.
Lada-Vesta: Vesta has a lot of plugs, please install a separate button for heating the windshield, like the Lada X-ray. The armrest will not fall if you lower it smoothly, and then click to catch the desired level; it cannot stand above the horizon. But it’s convenient to drive with it with a robot, but with a manual it might get in the way.
Similar, but not brothers
It is immediately necessary to clarify one point, which for some reason still causes controversy. Vesta is not a variation of Logan. It has nothing to do with the “renowned” B0 platform at all.
Largus has it, Xray has it too, and Vesta is the last one (at the moment
, although everything is going to the point that
in general
) a purely Tolyatti project on native units and a platform of its own design.
Vesta is not B0 and not Logan. “Logan” and other developments of the Romanian Dacia have nothing to do with “Vesta”.
But Xray is a different story. By and large, this is a redesigned Sandero. True, the further, the more Xray moves away from its progenitor. It got to the point that the “Cross” version has its own front suspension, subframe, not to mention the original VAZ engines like the 16-valve 1.6 liter and the Tolyatti 1.8 liter.
Nevertheless, “Sander’s” ears stick out, at least in the cabin, because that’s how it’s built into the B0 platform. This is where we begin with a clash between relatives (but not “brothers”!) butting heads.
Also read: Forward dads: can LADA XRAY be better than Renault Sandero Stepway II
Test results
Expert assessments were given based on a number of criteria.
Ergonomics
. Vesta provides good planting geometry. XRAY is worse, despite adjusting the steering wheel for reach and a new seat. Niva is about the same level, but unless you are above average height (the range of seat adjustments is limited). But visibility is better (huge mirrors, powerful headlights). Vesta is let down by wide pillars, and XRAY is let down by small mirrors.
Dynamics
. Vesta accelerates and turns more pleasantly than anyone else. The Niva is slow, but its connection to the gas pedal is much clearer than that of the more dynamic XRAY, which is uncomfortable to drive. Equal scores with the Niva for handling are associated only with the lack of a stabilization system on the Niva - the chassis itself is better tuned. In terms of cross-country ability, there is no equal to the Niva.
Ride comfort
. Despite the additional sound insulation of the Cross version, XRAY turned out to be noisier than Vesta due to the disgusting sound of the engine. Niva in the “civilian” version without a snorkel does not frighten with unnecessary noise at all permitted speeds and is noticeably superior to Crosses in terms of smoothness.
Comfort in the cabin
. Vesta is longer than the others and, as expected, wins over everyone in terms of rear space and trunk volume. And the compartment is well thought out. The Xray and Niva are all more modest, and the Chevrolet transformation is from the last century: to recline the backs of the rear seats, you first need to raise the pillows.
As a result, the total score was calculated, which determined the winner:
Do you agree with these assessments?
Let us remind you that we previously talked about how the Lada Vesta Cross and Lada XRAY Cross withstood the Karakum route (9000 km).
Photo: PMS
Keywords: Lada Vesta Cross | Lada XRay cross
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Dimensions and convenience
Formally, both Lada Vesta and X-Ray play in the classic B-class, that is, they are close in weight, size and dynamic characteristics, for example. But Vesta is better in everything.
Hanging over the Xray is the dreaded legacy of the B0 platform in the form of a narrow cabin, so even two broad-shouldered passengers in the back row will inevitably rub against each other. There is no room for legs either, and the trunk of 361 liters is a laughing stock.
Vesta with its 480 liters is also not an example of capacity, but compared to the Xray the difference is significant. By the way, according to the passport, the trunk of the station wagon holds the same 480 liters as the sedan, but there is a slight trick here. Vesta SW and SW Cross can be loaded under the ceiling, while the sedan's capacity is limited by the height of the trunk lid. So, to the 480 passport liters, you can safely add another 150-200 on top, literally.
But not only is the Vesta better than its relative in the trunk - the interior is still closer to class "C" than to "B". It is larger in all dimensions, and it is much more comfortable to sit there even in down jackets and hats on both rows. And overall, she is much better suited for the role:
- family car;
- car for travel.
The LADA Xray can be looked at as an urban version of a single person or a very young family who is just getting ready for strollers in the trunk and mud covers for the seat. And with the birth of your first child, the X-Ray will become crowded, so look at the start what is more important to you: compact dimensions and the form factor of a hatchback, or also compact dimensions, but in the form factors of a sedan or station wagon.
Also read: Exceeded expectations: test drive LADA Vesta
Main overall dimensions and appearance
Both models are made in the same stylish design with a pronounced letter X on many parts of the cars. The head optics and the front part of the body with the radiator grille are practically the same. Identical X-shaped stampings on the fenders and doors of cars attract the attention of others. The interior and ergonomics of the cabin have minor differences.
Comparison of Lada Vesta with Lada X Ray It is impossible to compare both of these models on the same scale. First of all, they are made in different body types, which means that a comparative analysis must be carried out taking into account this important design difference.
| Options | Lada X-Ray | Lada Vesta |
| Length/width/height (mm) | 4165/ 1764/ 1570 | 4410/ 1764/ 1497 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2592 | 2635 |
| Body/number of doors | Crossover/5 | Sedan/4 |
| Ground clearance (clearance) (mm) | 195 | 178 |
| Luggage compartment volume (l) | 361 | 480 |
| Curb/maximum weight (kg) | 1190/1650 | 1230/1670 |
| Fuel tank volume (l) | 50 | 55 |
The X Ray crossover, thanks to its significant ground clearance and short wheelbase, has advantages on roads with worse surfaces and on poor off-road conditions. In terms of dynamic characteristics, it loses to the more stocky and streamlined Lada Vesta sedan, whose center of gravity is lower and stability on the highway is much better than its competitor. If you compare the Lada Vesta in city traffic on the asphalt, in terms of maneuverability it is not much different from the X Ray.
Functionality and equipment
Here, in comparison, “Vesta” and “X-Ray” there is complete parity. Throughout the entire life cycle, AvtoVAZ updates both models, and if one receives something new, it will immediately debut on its brother.
Got Xray 17-inch wheels? Vesta SW Cross will also receive it. Did you get the Xray CVT from Renault? He will also get to Vesta. From the latter, both received a newfangled system with Yandex, so there are equal opportunities here too.
So you can’t say: “We need to buy Vesta, X-Ray is poorer.” No, they are equally not poor. If you choose, it will be based on other parameters. They will be discussed below.
Also read: Russian engineers have finally created a worthy thing: reviews from LADA XRAY owners
Body range of Vesta and X Ray
There is no need to talk about prestige in this case, since both models came off the assembly line of the same plant. And the buyers themselves still haven’t decided which one has more status. But the differences in terms of the body are much more significant.
Future station wagon from Lada Vesta.
So far, the Lada Vesta is sold as a sedan, but its significant expansion is being prepared - this will include a hatchback, a station wagon, a long-wheelbase version of the Lada Vesta Signature, and a pseudo-off-road Lada Vesta Cross. Therefore, soon new products from the Togliatti plant will fall like ripe apples!
Lada Vesta Cross car!
The Lada Xray acts exclusively as a hatchback (although many are persistently trying to present it as a crossover), and there can be no other option, excluding only the Lada XRAY Cross modification, which will soon appear on the market. However, apart from the plastic body kit, possible all-wheel drive and some other aspects, it will not differ in anything from the standard one.
Hatchback Lada X Ray Cross.
Ultimately, the choice of body depends on personal preference. If you need a sedan, then there is no other option other than Vesta. But when choosing a hatchback, you can either take the X-Ray, or wait for the production of its counterpart in the same body. There are no alternatives with a station wagon - just hope for the speedy release of the Vesta car.
Long-wheelbase modification of Lada Vesta Signature.
Ride and Handling
Let's go back to the beginning and say once again that Vesta is a purely Togliatti product with Togliatti engineering and settings. Yes, the fine tuning of the chassis was carried out at a training ground in Spain, but it was done by our specialists. That is, there is no Romanian or French trace, and this greatly benefited Vesta.
In terms of handling in general and some minor nuances - taxiing, in particular - it is much better not just than the X-Ray, but also almost all competitors in this size. Neither Solaris nor Rio, even with the entire rear suspension redesigned a hundred times, will give you such emotions. You can probably get it from Polo and Rapid, but they are much more expensive.
And Vesta fits into the budget and drives in a way that an inexpensive car should not drive. She is precise, sharp and obedient. As for Xray...
On the one hand, the car inherited Logan’s elasticity of ride and the ability to hover over pits (but not on “seventeenth” wheels). On the other hand, the rolliness, inertia and disobedience inherent in the B0 platform also transferred to it like a trailer.
Therefore, the LADA Xray is most likely suitable for those who do not bother at all with the sensations on the road. Do you need to drive and have fun? Then it’s worth buying Vesta - “X Ray” for those times when you just need to be lucky and not infuriate. Emotions are on the side.
Also read: The best of Ladas: LADA Vesta review
Maintenance and pain
It’s worth mentioning separately about the service. Overall, they are both strong and have no bottlenecks. In the first years of production, the Lada Vesta had plenty of them in comparison with the Lada X-Ray. But AvtoVAZ responded quite quickly to the feedback and by the end of 2016 had rolled out several update packages to Vesta. They concerned, in particular, small parts of the front suspension (the links began to rattle very early), and the plant even had to change suppliers to new ones for this.
At first, Xray also suffered from childhood problems such as defective coolant expansion tanks, but even there the plant quickly took action - and not only on the tank. Already at the end of 2016, the Xray had a button to disable the anti-skid, which was not provided for in the original design. The box there was also promptly changed to a French one so that it would not make noise. And what are we all talking about? For once, AvtoVAZ began to listen very sensitively to what they were saying about it, and promptly corrected itself.
Therefore, on relatively fresh (and old too) Lada Vesta / X-Ray, they cured what they could, and new sores, if they appear, are then as a projection of the owner’s character, and not as a design / assembly feature.
Also read: LADA Xray: the whole truth from the owner’s lips
Differences between Lada Vesta and Lada X-Ray
They consist in the fact that the Lada Vesta is a fundamentally new development of AvtoVAZ, and many are even tired of waiting for its appearance, because there have been conversations about it for at least several years, if not a whole decade. X Ray, what to hide, is just a deeply redesigned Renault Sandero Stepway, which itself is based on the familiar, indestructible Logan.
The development of the Lada Vesta sedan went long and hard.
What to choose - proven reliability over the years, albeit in a new shell, or innovation, so advertised by AvtoVAZ? Experience suggests that Russians are more inclined to trust proven solutions.
It was on the basis of the Renault Sandero Stepway that the Lada X-Ray was created.
Typical problems on the secondary market
The relatively smooth reputation of cars should not be misleading. In the secondary market, you can’t trust anyone, everything needs to be double-checked, so at the very least you should show the car to a diagnostic specialist before purchasing. In general, it’s never superfluous to put it on a lift.
In order not to waste a diagnostician and waste extra time on service visits, it is worth studying the report on the specimen of interest. There, perhaps, it will immediately become clear whether to get up from the sofa for inspection.
The real scourge of used West cars is their use in taxis. It’s good if the seller does not hide this and posts photos with identifying marks.
But if the seller was not a cat and hid information about working in a taxi, a history check would come to the rescue. We try Vesta through the avtocod.ru service and see a lot of problems.
The car was hit from the front.
You can’t register it anyway, because there are restrictions.
There are 61 fines totaling almost 55 thousand rubles.
Due to debts, enforcement proceedings were brought against the seller. It's better to close the ad. Taking taxi driver's cast-offs with legal problems for personal use is more expensive for yourself.
It’s a little easier with X-rays: they are less often used in taxis. But there is another scourge - loans. It is very difficult to find a car that is not mortgaged; every time you come across some kind of encumbrance. Like here, for example.
Avtocod.ru showed the deposit.
A twist in mileage was also discovered.
Of course, you can sort all this out, but it will take a long time: negotiate with the owner, go to the bank with him, make sure he doesn’t deceive you, pay off the debts, and remove the deposit from the car. For what? After all, you can look for more Xray.
Also read: Who is sportier: LADA Vesta Sport I or Skoda Rapid I turbo
