Let's start a test drive of X-Ray. It is 75 thousand rubles more expensive than Vesta in the minimum configuration, and 45 thousand more expensive than in the maximum configuration. When you see X-Ray in person for the first time after the Moscow Motor Show, where Steve Mattin, on behalf of the VAZ company, showed a very beautiful three-door and powerful concept, you experience a slight shock. X-Ray turns out to be very small for the money.
It is clear that this is a B0 platform and the Lada X-Ray is the blood brother of the Renault Sandero, with which it has a difference in wheelbase of only 3 mm, but there is also Vesta, which at a lower cost has a 41 mm longer wheelbase. There is also a Renault Duster, which has an 81 mm longer wheelbase. For comparable money, you can buy it with an automatic normal transmission and even with all-wheel drive, which the Lada Xray does not and will not have.
What's hidden behind the bright appearance?
Plus, the Lada X-Ray has a striking appearance that can compete with the Renault Sandero. Renowned designer Steve Mattin had a hand in its creation: there is an “X” on the muzzle and on the sides. But why is it called X-ray, also a crossover, and not just a Vesta hatchback?
If the Lada X-Ray had plastic ribs on the sides, like on the rear, it would look like a pseudo crossover. And besides the 190 mm under the belly and the “X” on the nameplate, there are no more pseudo-crossover parts. There are, of course, stylish taillights, similar to Volvo headlights, but the halogen bulbs installed in them are considered bad manners today. We continue the test drive of the Lada and look at the trunk.
Trunk
The trunk opens with a button and is quite small in volume. It has 361 liters of usable space, which is 120 liters less than Vesta. The engineers also made a double bottom, which is not fixed in any way in the upper position. In the underground you can find a full-size spare tire. If you have luggage and for some reason you climbed into the underground, then returning the raised floor to its place is quite problematic.
The plastic trim on the inside of the luggage door moves back and forth. It seems like a small thing, but it slightly spoils the impression of a car for which they want a lot of money. The video makes it possible to evaluate how critical this is for the Lada Xray.
Assessment of the body exterior and interior
External parameters do not in any way affect the functionality and performance of the car, but they also play a significant role for many car enthusiasts. It is much more pleasant to drive a beautiful vehicle - otherwise the developers would not strive so hard for the ideal design.
Pastushenko immediately noted that there is no arguing about tastes. An objective assessment of a model from the point of view of its visual qualities is quite shaky ground, since it is ultimately built on a subjective opinion (the result cannot be expressed in a numerical equivalent). However, even the presenter could not help but draw his attention to some aesthetic nuances (they can be seen in more detail in the proposed photos).
Firstly, the combination of body sizes and wheels was considered not the best choice of designers. The body is not only quite large in fact, but also extremely massive visually - wheels with fifteen-inch discs look somewhat grotesque and ridiculous in this model, practically getting lost against the backdrop of the powerful base. However, this fact is viewed neutrally or even positively by some car enthusiasts, so it is not worth focusing on.
Secondly, the element of the body's relief, covering the central pillar, actually somewhat resembles a dent. This is especially noticeable with glossy body paint. This feature is absent in concept No. 1, as critics point out when they express angry reviews about the “ruined” design of concept No. 2, on the basis of which the production car was created.
However, the quality of execution itself inspires respect. The body is galvanized, so it will not be subject to corrosion, of course, until the first damage to certain parts. The colors available for choice are also pleasing to the eye - Maxim especially liked the bright orange “Fresh” color, available for buyers of top-end Lada XRay trim levels.
The interior of the cabin did not raise any questions. It is made extremely competently - you can feel the work of an experienced designer who knows his business, and the style and type of the car’s interior space are noticeable.
Driver's seat
The driver's seat completely lacks the ability to adjust the lumbar support. The chair itself is so curved that it becomes uncomfortable to ride in it all the time. Everything is aggravated by the fact that the steering wheel is adjustable only in height, and in a narrow range. Unfortunately, the Lada Xray has no adjustment for reach, and this despite the fact that the car costs 700 thousand rubles. in this configuration.
The dashboard is new and black. In order to see some numbers, you need to switch from the “auto” position to low beam. At this moment the light comes on and something is visible.
The right window is a bright blue display of the on-board computer. The Lada X-Ray monitor, unlike the West one, is very easy to flip through. The on-board computer is installed like on a Renault, although it says Lada X Ray 2016. The sound adjustment is available both in the form of a rocker above the display itself and on the steering wheel.
Equipment Lada XRay “Optima”
The basic package for the compact crossover is “Optima”. In fact, this version is quite good equipment, uncharacteristic of the basic modification of its main competitors. But more about everything. The package includes the following options: • Driver airbag • Front passenger airbag with deactivation function • Rear seat headrests 2 pcs. • ISOFIX child seat anchors • Rear door lock against opening by children • Automatic door locking when driving • Automatic door unlocking in the event of a collision • Automatic emergency braking activation of the hazard lights • Automatic emergency activation of the hazard warning lights • Immobilizer • Security alarm • LED daytime running lights running lights • Emergency warning system ERA-GLONASS • Anti-lock brake system with brake assist system (ABS+BAS) • Electronic brake force distribution (EBD) • Electronic stability control (ESC) with shutdown function • Traction control system (TCS) • System hill start assist (HSA) • Engine and engine compartment protection • On-board computer • Gear shift prompt in the instrument cluster • Rear seat with folding backrest in the proportion 60/40 • Black interior • 12V socket • 12V socket in the luggage compartment • Electric power steering steering • Height-adjustable steering column • Height-adjustable front seat belts • Height-adjustable driver's seat • Cabin air filter • Light-tinted windows • Folding key • Central locking with remote control • Power front doors • Audio system (2DIN, FM /AM with RDS function, USB, AUX, Bluetooth, Hands free) • Exterior mirrors with side direction indicators in body color • 15 inch steel wheels • Decorative wheel caps • Spare steel wheel for temporary use R15
For an additional 25 thousand rubles, the “Air conditioner” package is offered, the name of which hides the main option – air conditioning! You may ask why the air conditioner is not installed by default? But given the climate in some Russian regions, some buyers simply do not need this option. Along with the air conditioner, the kit also comes with a cooled storage compartment.
General impression
All motorists have the same reaction to the Xray: “I thought it was bigger!” In the pictures they film everything very cleverly, because it really looks like a crossover, a large car, albeit with small wheels. In person it turns out to be a tiny car.
The general impression is that there is less air in it, everything is pressing on all sides and hanging over with massive black panels of hard, absolutely oak plastic. Vesta has the same plastic installed, but the impression is completely different. You can even compare it with Ixtrail.
For some reason, the big name “XRAY crossover” went to a small hatchback. It was worth the patience and making a beautiful, powerful crossover and calling it that.
Test Drive
Xray crossover? To be honest, this is just a hatchback, an ordinary city one, very modest. If you look under the bottom of the same Vesta, everything is quite good there and you can drive on our winter roads and not deny yourself anything. You can turn off the stability control system and calmly climb up a slippery slope due to the fact that you can drive the Vesta with a slip, turning off the ESP, and spin the wheels as much as you like.
A video test drive of the Lada Xray showed that you will not be allowed to disable ESP - it will begin to choke the engine at 3,500 rpm. Until this moment, you, of course, can still try to cope with the situation, but the car will not go anywhere further.
From the video test drive of Dada X-Ray, you can also find out that the car steers differently compared to Sandero and Vesta. Compared to the latter, the steering wheel is heavier and tighter. It doesn't respond well to turning the steering wheel. Vesta has a lively steering wheel character, with which, despite the synthetic toy shell, it is easy to find a common language. You start to feel it from stem to stern, which is comfortable at speed. There is no desire to increase the speed, because here the controllability is felt through some layer of rubber.
The rear suspension bounces and slams on bumps, creating a very poor overall sound picture. The suspension after Vesta is stiffer and less energy-intensive, which is surprising. Lada Xray has a feeling of heaviness and solidity.
In Russia there are many bumps and potholes on the road, which when driving cause squeaking in the area of the door panels. And this is not at all pleasing. Even if they looked simpler, they would not make sounds while moving.
Review of Lada XRAY Cross 2018-2019
- Body type Compact pseudo-crossover
- XRAY 2016
- Generation Ⅰ-2018
- SUV-B1 class
- Assembly Russia, Togliatti
- Platform B0+ Vesta
- Gasoline engines 1.8l. (122 hp)
- Gearbox 5 MT | 5 AT
- Acceleration 10.9c. (MT) | 12.7c. (AT)
- Front-wheel drive
- Price ≈ from $11,000
In comparison with the XRAY, the Lada XRAY Cross, in addition to the increased ground clearance, has several significant technical differences, mainly a modified front suspension, an electric steering wheel, instead of an electro-hydraulic power steering, which allows you to adjust the steering column according to reach. Comfort and safety options have been added, for the first time for Lada - a washer for selecting the operating mode of the stabilization system.
Exterior
comparison of Lada Xray and Lada Xray Cross
The design of the new XRay Cross completely copies the concept shown a year earlier. This is a continuation of the development of X-graphics. You can distinguish the Cross model from the front by the bumper, which has a silver lip at the bottom; on the side – along the black plastic linings above the wheel arches; and at the rear, along the outward-facing dual exhaust pipes and a bumper completely made of black plastic. This black plastic “skirt” now encircles the entire perimeter of the car, from the level of the license plate at the rear, runs like moldings along the bottom of the doors on the side, and ends on the front bumper under the foglights.
The XRay Cross is equipped with new 17-inch wheels, which not only complete the X-design image, but also contribute to the impressive ground clearance.
Interior
The interior of the new XRay Cross is made in the contrast of two colors, black and orange, which continues on the instrument dials.
interior of the new Lada xray cross
The steering wheel can now also be adjusted for reach, and its functionality has increased significantly due to new buttons.
The new selector washer changes the operating modes of the stabilization system. There are five of these modes: normal, sports, winter, sand and stabilization off.
Cross dashboard
The car received front seats with an improved frame. Their heating system has been upgraded to a 3-stage system, and the buttons have moved from the seat cushion to the center console.
The front passenger seat can be folded, allowing you to transport long items.
back row of Lada Xray cross photo
Rear passengers are not left out either - the sofa is now equipped with a heating system. The legroom for people sitting behind has increased by 25 mm, but due to changing the angle of the non-adjustable backrest to a more vertical one, which cannot but raise concerns for the comfort of passengers over long distances.
Platform, suspension, brakes
Lada Xray Cross 2022 is the result of mastering the Renault-Nissan B0 platform by Russian engineers. The position of the subframe has been changed, the running arm is now negative, and in place of the “Loganov” lower arms there are L-shaped arms, like Vesta’s. These modifications should reduce the level of vibrations on the steering wheel, correct slurred reaction (known features of the B0 chassis) and improve handling.
The “pseudo-crossover” has only front-wheel drive, but car representatives also promised a more energy-intensive suspension.
The track was widened by 11 mm at the front and 14 mm at the rear (to 1,503 and 1,546 mm, respectively), and ground clearance increased to 215 mm. 17-radius wheels and 215/50 M+S tires contribute to the high ground clearance.
Due to the black plastic skirt, the overall length of the car increased by 6 mm (4171 mm), and the width by 46 mm (1810 mm). The height has increased by 75 mm to 1645 mm.
Vesta Cross got rear disc brakes.
Engine and transmission
Lada Xray Cross is available only with a 1800 cm³ gasoline engine developed by AvtoVAZ. This is an inline four-cylinder engine producing 122 hp. at 6000 rpm and 170 N∙m at 3700 rpm.
But there are two gearboxes to choose from: a five-speed manual and a poorly proven five-speed robot.
Equipment Lada Xray Cross
For the Lada Xray Cross, one package is intended, which includes the following safety and comfort systems:
- adjustable steering wheel for reach and height
- Turning light system at night
- three-level heated front seats
- separate heated rear seats
- stabilization mode selector washer
- 2 airbags
- air conditioner
- ABS, EBD, EBA, ESP, ASR
- USB port for charging mobile devices
- 12 volt outlet
- turn signal repeaters in mirror housings
- electric heated side mirrors
- rain and light sensors, heated windshield
- multifunction steering wheel
- multifunctional color display
- combined eco-leather
“Lada Ride Select” provides five algorithms for the operation of stabilization systems (ESP) and traction control (ABS). The French use something similar on Peugeot SUVs.
selector washer xray cross
- ESC ON - designed to overcome difficult areas with mixed types of surface, regulates the rotation speed of each wheel individually in case of demolition of the front or rear axle
- Sport - the effect of the traction control system on the drive wheels is weakened, the sensitivity of the stability control system is reduced and the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal is increased
- “Snow, mud” - works at speeds up to 54 km/h, the threshold for slipping of the drive wheels is increased, the sensitivity of the electronic differential is increased, the anti-lock brake system increases wheel slip
- “Sand” - settings change to improve cross-country ability on loose soils (up to 54 km/h)
- ESC Off - the traction control and stability control systems are turned off, the anti-lock braking system continues to work up to 54 km/h
Options and prices
The new Cross will go on sale in November-December 2022. In terms of equipment level, one basic configuration is assumed; you can only choose between an automatic or manual transmission. The cost is still unknown, but judging by the number of modifications, the price of the new Lada Xray Cross will start at well over 700,000 rubles for the manual version.
Video XRAY Cross, interior, trunk
Bottom line
The main problem with the Lada Xray is the price. The pricing strategy is not entirely clear: the minimum cost is 589 thousand rubles, the maximum is 723 thousand rubles. In this price range, you could take a Vesta with a wide range of functions or a Renault Sandero with an automatic transmission, and if you add about 30 thousand more rubles, you can take a Duster with all-wheel drive.
The car as a whole is not bad, but if you consider it in isolation from other cars. And in this case, it would be possible to charge 600-700 thousand rubles, but, alas, there is a Renault Sandero and the same Lada Vesta. A person who looks at a Lada X-Ray keeps all these options in his head. The car is not bad, but the price for it should have been around 500 thousand rubles. We hope that this Lada Xray video review will be useful for you.
Photo of Lada XRay 2022
The exterior of the domestic crossover is quite controversial. Of course, the production model is radically different from the first concepts that attracted attention at the Moscow Motor Show back in 2012. If everything is quite harmonious in front and behind, then not everyone likes the silhouette. A rather high sill line and relatively small wheel arches on small 15-inch wheels... it doesn’t look very good. The situation is corrected by installing 17-inch wheels, but this is only available in the top-end “Exclusive” version. We look at photos of the appearance further in our gallery.
