Lada Xray 2022 (VAZ Lada x Ray) crossover video review and test drive

Lada XRAY caused controversial reviews from the very beginning. What kind of car is this: a hatchback or a city crossover? Is it Russian or a converted foreign car? One thing is clear that he immediately aroused interest in himself.

XRAY turned out to be a completely new car that has nothing to do with Vesta; it is based on the Renault platform.

In its design, XRAY carries the concept of X-design from Steve Mattin: due to the embossed deep X-shaped stampings, the wings visually look larger.

Test Drive

Before XRAY, AvtoVAZ did not make crossovers. We can safely say that the XRAY is a compact urban crossover with front-wheel drive. The car turned out to be tightly built, with a high hood and a massive rear end.

Even the basic version of the model comes with 16-inch wheels. The high ground clearance of 195 mm only emphasizes the seriousness of the model.

So outwardly the car does not leave the impression of being small. The dynamics of the exterior are added by new head optics and LED running lights.

Main characteristics of the car:

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Interior

The interior of the XRAY can be called laconic rather than budget-friendly. It is not overloaded with buttons and unnecessary elements. Even the seat heating buttons are in the blind spot and do not interfere with the eye.

You also don’t need buttons to control the media system – there is a touch screen. However, under the thumb of the right hand on the steering wheel there is a block of keys. The steering wheel is also perfectly adjustable in height, and a comfortable grip is designed for the fingers. There is no adjustment for reach, but you can adjust the driver's seat so that it is comfortable to sit.

The numbers on the dashboard are easy to read, and there is an on-board computer with a lot of necessary gadgets, including the outside temperature. The storage problem is also well resolved in the cabin - there is a drawer under the front seat, spacious pockets on the doors, and cup holders are provided on the console in the center.

There are no complaints about the assembly of the interior: the gaps are even, the structural elements do not move, there is no rattling. The finish is quite decent to the touch and visually.

The profile of the seats, as always, is not the best: the seats are flat, the cushion is short, and there is no lumbar support. Your back will get tired on long trips. A family of four can comfortably fit inside the cabin. In the rear seats, thanks to the slightly reclined seat backs, two adults and, even more so, children will be moderately comfortable. However, the third one there will be clearly superfluous.

Salon

The interior of this model looks quite modern and attractive for its class and price. The front seats are simple, equipped with slight lateral support and mechanical adjustments. There is enough legroom and headroom. The back row is a sofa designed for 3 people; they can fit there without any problems and, in principle, travel a long distance without any problems.

The driver will control the model using a 4-spoke multi-steering wheel with a relief for the hands, behind which a beautiful dashboard is hidden. The shield consists of a tachometer, speedometer and on-board computer, which are placed in separate recessed wells.

The center console can optionally receive a 7-inch touch screen multimedia system. Air deflectors are located around it, and below it is the model name. Just below is the Lada XRAY 2019-2020 climate control control unit with clear buttons and a small screen. Just below we have a niche for small items, a cigarette lighter, a USB port and 2 cup holders. The materials from which the entire interior is made leave much to be desired; it is hard plastic and, in principle, quite good fabric.

The luggage compartment is acceptable, its volume is 361 liters, but if necessary, you can fold the rear row and get 1200 liters. The spare 15th wheel is located under the floor.

Trunk

To increase trunk volume, the car was even slightly lengthened. The trunk volume is not that small. In the top configuration, it is equipped with a convenient double bottom, under which you can easily hide the tool. Larger tools such as a jack can be stored in the lockable side niches.

The compartment geometry is flat, without protruding wheel arches. Hooks, lighting, and brackets for nets are carefully located around the perimeter. There's even an outlet. The ease of loading is also flawless: the threshold is low and the bumper protrudes slightly.

The problem of opening the trunk is conveniently implemented compared to previous models. The rubberized release button is located in the license plate niche and is on the folding key.

If you fold the backs of the rear seats, you get a more/less flat floor and quite a large volume, and if you roll the front seats as far forward as possible, then a short driver can even pass the night quite comfortably.

Exterior Lada X Ray

The appearance of the Lada XRay is spectacular - the use of X-design elements in the body design both in the front part and on the sides had an impact. Moreover, on the sides of the car this technique is used using embossing technology, creating a volumetric contour of the desired profile on the surface of the doors and wings. The effectiveness of this solution also has a downside - the difficulty of restoring the embossing contour after damage and premature wear of the paintwork on the edges (scuffs) when using a body contact wash.

The angle of the windshield and hood emphasize the dynamism of the car; the size of the arches allows the installation of larger tires than the standard ones on 16-inch wheels. It is quite appropriate, and without reducing the dynamic characteristics of the crossover, to have wheels with a diameter of 17 inches, declaring the power of the engine, but the price will be increased fuel consumption.

The unexpected absence of roof rails is disappointing, making it impossible to install a modern streamlined roof rack on the roof - a desirable attribute of a car of this class. But they are already present on the concept - Lada XRay Cross, planned to roll off the AvtoVAZ assembly line in 2022 and is distinguished, in addition, by the presence of a protective sports body kit made of black matte plastic around the perimeter of the body and increased ground clearance.

Trunk

The volume of the luggage compartment of the Lada XRay is 361 liters - quite acceptable for a crossover, especially since the design provides for the transformation of the luggage compartment by folding the rear seat backs, after which the capacity of the compartment increases to 1207 liters.

The advantages of the trunk include:

• high position of the trunk lid when open – preventing head injuries;
• electric drive of the lock – ease of opening (waterproof key);
• soft finishing, including a cover that protects luggage and body from damage;
• 12 volt socket – possibility of connecting an electric pump;
• backlight on the left side - ease of use in the dark;
• fastening eyes in the raised floor and slings for securing luggage.

Not without its drawbacks:

• small opening of the trunk lid - a limitation when transporting large cargo;
• small distance between the fastening eyes - it is inconvenient to tie slings under oversized luggage;
• insufficient strength of the false floor - it bends with a significant weight of luggage, and after dismantling, if you are on the road, there is nowhere to put it.

In a nutshell, there are much more positive impressions of the trunk than complaints about it.

Power characteristics

The driver can choose a model with one of three engines. The most optimal is a gasoline engine with 110 horsepower. These are its passport characteristics when working with recommended 92 gasoline.

If gasoline is replaced with 95, then the engine is capable of producing 114 horses. This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission from Renault. The car is controlled easily and smoothly. Electric power steering reduces strain on your hands.

The engine is high-torque, elastic, and pulls the car up to operating speeds without problems, even in 5th gear from idle. Acceleration dynamics are also at the level - 10.3 seconds to hundreds on 15-16 wheels.

On seventeenth wheels, acceleration will take about 11.2 seconds. Some complaints appear at high speeds, more than 120 km/h. The gears of the manual are quite short, and when the speedometer needle reaches a hundred, the tachometer pointer approaches 3,000 rpm. At highway speeds this can result in increased fuel consumption and roaring noise.

The X-ray passes through a broken section of the road absolutely calmly, without transmitting vibrations to either the steering wheel or the interior. Reactions to the steering wheel are clear and predictable. The roll is moderate, the behavior is front-wheel drive with a slight tendency for the front axle to drift when turning when overspeeding and a strict stabilization system.

The second engine is 1.8 liters. with a capacity of 122 horses. It is equipped with an automated AMT gearbox. In any rpm range, when you engage a gear and press the gas, you definitely feel a pickup. In automatic mode the car runs smoother. Gear changes are noticeable even during automatic driving, but still the car selects the most optimal options. The engine noise insulation is excellent.

AvtoVAZ is not going to install an automatic transmission; nevertheless, in this case the price of the car will rise significantly. But the driver will have to get used to the operation of AMT. This box is identical in design to the one found on Vesta and, according to the manufacturer, is trained to get used to the owner’s specific driving style, adjusting its operating algorithm to suit it.

The robot starts smooth, leisurely acceleration without problems, but in city traffic jams or during active driving, the box may begin to twitch when switching. When driving on slopes, it is better to work in manual mode. By the way, unlike Vesta, in manual mode the reduced mode is activated by moving away from you.

You can opt for the VAZ engine with 106 horsepower and a volume of 1.6 liters.

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Video presentation of Lada X Ray and Lada Vesta at the Moscow Motor Show 2014

The presentation is led personally by AvtoVAZ President Bo Andersson

The world of crossovers is large and diverse. Creations from AvtoVAZ are gradually joining this universe. What are Lada Kalina Cross and Largus Cross worth, which, although they are pseudo-crossovers, will still take their piece of the pie from this feast in any way.

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Today I want to look at another expected model – the 2019 Lada X Ray. There is no need to guess whether there is something similar to a crossover here or not. This model is truly a crowd pleaser as its appearance is unique and unlike any previous model class=”aligncenter” width=”600″ height=”399″

Although in terms of similarity to this car, only the 2022 Lada Vesta can be compared. But the manufacturer himself stated that many details for Vesta were “copied” from this new product. The X Ray model is the answer to all manufacturers who decide to build fashion in this class of cars. I believe that the designers invited to work on this machine coped with all the tasks they received.

Other Features

Visibility in the car is excellent, helped by the huge side mirrors. Additional functions will not interfere with visibility - an electrically heated windshield, frameless windshield wipers, and even a wide-angle color rear view camera.

Onboard navigation pleasantly surprises with its speed, ease of control and detailed depiction of the landscape. Maps can be updated periodically. There is a button to turn off ESC on the center console. To deactivate the electronic assistant, you need to hold the button for about two seconds. With ESC disabled, it is more convenient to operate in off-road conditions (for example, in slushy snow on an uphill slope).

Disabling ESP

Disabling the traction control system opened the way for easy off-road driving for Lada X Ray owners. If earlier the electronic assistant artificially added speed and did not allow the driver to overcome obstacles on the fly, now the driver, by pressing a button, can fully control the car. When this function is enabled, the Lada Xray copes well with off-road terrain, showing good geometric cross-country ability. Short overhangs front and rear, as well as good ground clearance of 203 mm. But this is in our configuration with R17 wheels.

A review of Lada X-Ray without minuses would be biased. The main one is the too frail front bumper, which is also already painted. From the first days he does not inspire confidence. At a minimum, if you force any obstacle, it will simply break. Some kind of metal protection needs to be installed here, that is, to prevent damage to this bumper in advance.

In this case, good geometric cross-country ability allows you to freely overcome snowy roads and deep holes. But not with studded tires, they are useless when a crust of ice appears under the snow layer. With the electronic assistants turned off, the car treacherously slips, saved only by the traction control system, which transfers torque from one wheel to another. You can see how the car performed in the snow in dynamics, watch the Lada Xray video.

Options

Even in the basic version, the car is quite well equipped. The Optima configuration comes with a 106-horsepower engine with manual transmission. The Optima has 16-inch alloy wheels, stability control, and driver and passenger airbags.

The 2 rear seats have comfortable headrests. It is equipped with a security alarm, an immobilizer, engine and hood protection, an on-board computer, ERA-Glonass and a radio tape recorder. If you additionally purchase the Comfort package, the car owner will become the proud owner of air conditioning and heated front seats.

The Top package can be distinguished by the presence of foglights, electric rear door windows, electrically heated rear-view mirrors, a multimedia system with a seven-inch display and parking sensors. The optional Prestige package includes climate control, rain and light sensors and a rear view camera. For the premium package there is 75% tinting of the rear windows.

All configurations are available in versions with a 1.8 engine and with an AMT robot.

Prices for all LADA cars