Let's start with a definition: tuning is a change in the scope of the vehicle's characteristics permitted by law, aimed at improving its consumer qualities. The purpose of tuning may be to optimize or improve such important characteristics as engine power, suspension functionality, and braking system efficiency. Or you can limit yourself to changing the exterior, improving the quality of interior trim and installing more modern multimedia systems.
It must be taken into account that each car model in terms of the direction of tuning production should be assessed based on its class and purpose, so that changing some parameters in order to improve performance does not lead to the opposite result or, as often happens, success at the cost of deterioration of other qualities. For example, installing wheels with an excessively large offset value on a sedan will not only not make it a car, but will also deprive it of the dynamism inherent in cars of this class, not to mention the absurdity of the exterior after such tuning.
The possibilities for tuning, especially those not related to the critical components of the car (engine, transmission, body architecture), are very wide and are constantly being supplemented by car enthusiasts, so it is impossible to fit them into a strictly defined framework. Let's consider some promising operations in relation to the Lada X Ray crossover, the tuning of which has been successfully carried out by car enthusiasts for the second year of its presence on Russian roads and, judging by the car's sales volumes, is popular.
Engine tuning
The most powerful internal combustion engine installed on the Lada X Ray is the 16-valve VAZ-21179 with a volume of 1.8 liters and a power of 122 hp. The design of the engine allows its power to be increased to 150 hp without compromising its service life.
To do this, a sports receiver is installed on the engine to optimize the flow of air into the cylinders
with the replacement of standard camshafts and valves with sports components.
The engine also has the technical ability to install a turbine and compressor, but their use will only be effective when replacing the VAZ gearbox, which does not allow it to produce more than 180 Nm of torque.
Flashing the internal combustion engine
Tuning the Lada X Rey engine does not end with the installation of the above components - it is necessary to perform chip tuning of the ECU (electronic control unit), that is, reflashing the “brains”.
For Lada X Ray, it is advisable to choose one of the already tested firmware: Ledokol, Adact or Paulus. Chip tuning will add dynamics to the car with a slight increase in fuel consumption and reduce the content of harmful substances in the exhaust gases.
If the car owner independently makes changes to the ECU, it will result in early termination of the dealer’s warranty obligations.
What's in the interior of the Lada X Ray? Photo, video
Today I would like to share more detailed and detailed information about the Lada X Ray salon. After all, this part of the car is usually not given too much attention.
The interior design of the Lada Xray is made in minimalism, a restrained and laconic style. Therefore, lovers of varied abundance inside the cabin of this car will not be to their taste and will find it a bit boring.
photo of Lada X Rey interior
Let's start with the fact that the climate control in the car works perfectly, so you definitely won't have to die from heat or cold. We were pleasantly surprised by the makeup mirrors located on the visors. Although there is a small flaw here, which was noticed immediately during the first test drive.
Interior dimensions of Lada x Rey:
- Interior height - 1220 mm
- Height from front seat cushion to ceiling - 1040 mm
- Height from rear sofa cushion to ceiling - 960 mm
- Distance from the back of the front seat to the steering wheel - 945..1180 mm
- The distance from the back of the rear sofa to the back of the front seat is 600..815 mm
- Interior width along the front/rear row of seats - 1330 mm
The mirrors have absolutely no covers, curtains or latches.
This fact greatly interferes with the process of driving a car, because all the driver’s attention should be focused on the road.
With the visors open, you have to not only monitor the controls, but also be distracted by the “interference” created by the mirror. We solved the problem, so to speak in a simple way, by covering the mirror with a piece of cardboard, effectively and cheaply. Now driving the Lada X Rey on a sunny day has become much more convenient.
I was pleased with the option in the cabin, which makes communication on the phone safe for the driver and pedestrians “hands-free.” This function is activated via the multimedia system, which is located on the steering wheel. It also allows for remote control of the audio system.
The only negative is that after turning on the ignition, tracks from the flash card start playing from the very beginning, and not from the place where listening was interrupted. The problem can be solved by the most common flashing.
Dashboard
The X X Ray panel is made, in my opinion, from a not very practical material - rough plastic. Firstly, the appearance is not presentable, as for a car of this level, and secondly, dust and dirt are quite difficult to remove from it. Of course, these are all little things, so to speak, not for everyone.
I liked the design of the car’s instrument panel, but its information content leaves much to be desired. The device's scales are so dim that it is very difficult to read and see them. The situation is saved by turning on the dimensions; it is at this moment that the shield begins to be translucent from the inside and becomes quite readable.
There are a few other minor shortcomings that could have been foreseen in the X-Ray car. The lack of a central armrest, a heated steering wheel, and illuminated makeup mirrors are the main disadvantages inside the cabin.
The seats, in principle, can be called comfortable, however, in order to achieve this result you had to work hard with their settings
The spatial characteristics of the rear seats are quite good due to their vertical seating. The appearance of the seats is neat and tidy. French frame adds solidity
Parking becomes much easier and easier thanks to the rear view camera
The interior of an xray car, in principle, has no serious flaws that will greatly affect comfort
It would be very good if the trajectory frame was movable. But it will be uncomfortable for the long-legged front passenger, because his leg will rest against the “beard” of the center console. There is an additional storage compartment under the front passenger seat. The presence of two airbags allows you to feel more confident on the road.
To summarize, we can say that driving such a car evokes positive emotions. The basic safety equipment is much higher than that of competitors. Regarding the interior, it is spacious, discreet and laconic. On a scale of ten, you can give it a solid nine for comfort. This rating is due to the fact that there are minor shortcomings in the functions and options of the xRay interior.
All cons x Ray owner reviews
I'm pleased with the excellent noise insulation, which allows you to talk without raising your voice, while still hearing your interlocutor well.
In principle, for such a price, it is a completely acceptable car, which in some ways is inferior to its competitors, and in some ways superior to them.
Lada X Ray suspension tuning
Structurally, it makes no sense to change anything in the crossover’s suspension – the platform is reliable and quite advanced. But as the mileage increases, its elements, also of good quality, fail. And they can be replaced with components with the appropriate characteristics, but from other domestic or foreign cars. For example, it is better to replace the rubber bushings of the anti-roll bar with polyurethane ones from Niva 4x4, and the vertical struts of the same suspension element can be selected from KIA, Hyundai or Toyota models, the service life of which is longer than standard spare parts.
We expand the useful volume due to the interior
With the rear backrests folded in the xray cross, the length of the trunk is 1.7 meters, and if the backrests are in their standard state, then the length of the luggage compartment is 79 centimeters. The height of the luggage compartment to the headrests is 40 and 51 centimeters, depending on whether the luggage compartment curtain is installed.
Compared to the classic model, the trunk of the Xray Cross is more suitable for transporting long-sized cargo. If on the classic version of the model it was necessary to place them between the front seats to transport long objects, then in the “Cross” version the designers successfully “played” with this nuance.
To transport long and large items in the updated model, engineers specially provided for folding the front passenger seat. With this “transformation”, the seat back folds and forms a kind of table for the rear passenger. This universal solution is easy to manufacture and allows you to significantly increase the trunk volume of the Lada Xray Cross when transporting long, oversized items.
Note! In the classic version of the Lada Xray Cross model, the trunk volume is 361 liters, and when the rear row of seats is folded, this figure increases to 1207 liters. And this, for a minute, is over one cubic meter of usable space. This is how a city car can turn into a good assistant when transporting things.
True, the updated version of the model still exceeds these indicators and on the xray cross the trunk volume with the front seat folded is as much as 1514 liters.
Installing a tow bar
The standard configuration of the crossover does not provide for equipping the car with a towing device, which is indispensable when towing a trailer. Therefore, a kit manufactured by AvtoVAZ is available for sale, including a towbar with all the necessary fasteners, designed for installation at the standard location without additional drilling or other modifications. The design of the device allows you to easily dismantle only the tug mounting hook without dismantling the entire assembly.
The maximum weight of the towed trailer must not exceed the value specified in the Lada X-Ray operating instructions - 1100 kg.
METHOD OF INSTALLING RAILS ON A CAR ROOF
Mechanical fastening is carried out without drilling the car roof, which preserves the factory warranty!
To attach the roof rails, mounting plates are installed under the roof drain moldings, which are securely fixed to the metal mounting rib of the vehicle. The mounting plates are inserted in pairs under the bends of the mounting rib of the car and crimp it on both sides. The set includes four pairs of plates, which have a large support area and are securely fixed to the roof edge with M6 screws. The plates are completely hidden under the moldings, in which holes are made, two on each side. Through the holes in the moldings, the rails are screwed with M6 screws into the threads of the mounting plates.
Installation of roof rails
Installing roof rails on a crossover will allow you to use a modern, streamlined trunk when traveling - a desirable accessory for owners of cars of this class.
Since December 2016, roof rails for Lada X-Ray can be purchased in online stores along with a set of fastenings that allows you to install them without drilling the roof.
When installing roof rails, it should be taken into account that the installation location is not designed for additional load and does not contain reinforcement, so the inside of the car roof must be somehow reinforced with steel plates or stiffeners.
Since the Lada X Ray is based on the Renault Sandero Stepway, the roof rails of this car are also quite suitable for the X Ray.
In addition, the Infiniti FX 37, which has the same roof characteristics, can also become a donor of these accessories.
Roof rack for Lada Xray: review of prices and manufacturers
Lada X-Ray, immediately after its entry into the market, gained well-deserved popularity among Russian motorists.
However, among the many advantages, there is one serious disadvantage - a small trunk, the volume of which is only 361 liters. Of course, it can be almost quadrupled by folding out the rear sofa. Having done this, the owner of X-Ray will receive a loading platform with a volume of 1207 liters. However, few people can constantly sacrifice the back seat in favor of the trunk, especially on a long journey. This means that there is only one way out - the roof rack of the Lada XRAY. And here comes another unpleasant surprise related to the roof rails...
Installing Larger Tires
Instead of standard 15- and 16-inch alloy wheels, the wheel arches of the Lada X Ray allow you to install 17-18- and even 19-inch wheels that are more impressive for a crossover, the tire sizes for which will be as follows:
- R17 – 185/55, 195/50, 205/50;
- R18 – 175/50, 195/45, 215/40;
- R19 – 175/45, 185/40, 195/40.
It should be noted that 19-inch wheels require low-profile tires, which make them vulnerable to road imperfections.
Installing bumper protection
It's no secret that Lada X-Ray bumpers are more of a decorative element of body equipment than a protective one. In addition, the complexity of the configuration creates problems during its restoration, and minor damage during parking reduces aesthetics. Therefore, installing additional protection for the bumpers, and to some extent the body, is a completely rational solution, especially if it is of good quality. There are enough options for bumper protection on sale to choose the right one for yourself. For example, stainless steel safety bars, single or double.
Threshold protection with platforms
The installation of these elements is especially effective in combination with the protection of the front and rear bumpers. The threshold protection is also made of stainless steel, and the platforms are made of duralumin. These tuning elements not only allow you to shake off dirt and snow from your shoes before getting into the cabin, but are also not afraid of vertical loads - steel support brackets are rigidly attached to the body.
Interior and exterior of Lada X-Ray
X-Ray's appearance turned out to be attractive and modern. All thanks to the successful X-style of the car line. The front part of the hatchback looks massive with a recognizable stylization of the letter X, framed by chrome lines. They smoothly flow into the strong head lighting optics with a strip of LED daytime running lights. On the sides of the doors, like on Vesta, there are characteristic X-shaped stampings. The dynamism is emphasized by the strongly raked windshield, sloping roof and short overhangs at the front and rear. The rear part does not stand out as anything special; it is made neatly due to the shape of the rear lights. The bumper has a massive plastic trim, and the trunk lid is small and stylish.
The base of the X-Ray is the same as that of the sedan, so its overall dimensions are not very different. Its parameters:
- length – 4164 mm;
- width – 1764 mm;
- height – 1570 mm;
- the distance between the wheel axles is 2520 mm.
The main feature of this hatchback is its decent ground clearance, which is 195 mm, and at maximum curb weight the ground clearance drops to 170 mm. Inside the cabin, everything resembles an ordinary Lada Vesta. The architecture of the equipment is not futuristic, but it is quite informative and understandable. The dashboard has everything you need, each device has its own well - there are three in total. On the right is the on-board computer screen. The modern four-spoke steering wheel has a clear texture.
Top trim levels are equipped with a multifunction steering wheel with duplicate control buttons for navigation, telephone, cruise control and audio system. A 7-inch touch screen is built into the middle of the center console. On both sides of it there are deflectors of the ventilation and heating system.
Below is the climate control unit. It has a simple, rather primitive design and simple appearance. This is what the maximum modifications look like - the basic ones do not use the multimedia system. Instead, a conventional audio recorder with a monochrome screen is installed, and instead of the climate control unit, rotating switches for the heater and air conditioner are installed.
The interior uses plastic for finishing, not the highest quality, but not hard either. Fabric material is used for seat upholstery. The front seats have mediocre lateral support, but it is possible to adjust their tilt and height. To accommodate various small items, a large number of places are provided in the interior of the hatchback - pockets with cup holders on the front doors, a retractable luggage compartment under the front passenger seat. There is also a niche and two cup holders under the center console. The rear row of seats is represented by a solid sofa with a simple design and comfortable relief. Passengers will be able to sit comfortably, but no additional comfort is provided.
The X-Ray's luggage compartment is modest even compared to a sedan - only 372 liters. But if you fold the rear seats, the useful volume increases to 1380 liters. The transformation allows you to get a luggage compartment with a flat floor.
Under the trunk mat there is a full-size spare wheel with a radius of R15. At the same time, the car is equipped with R16 wheels as standard.
Tuning crankcase protection
All versions of the Lada X Ray are equipped with engine protection from below, which performs its protective function well. But the standard product does not have a technological hole for draining the oil when replacing it, which forces you to remove and install the mudguard when performing this procedure. Therefore, installing a tuned, more functional protection will save time when changing the oil, and it is also possible to choose this element from steel of greater thickness.
Interior tuning
The interior of the Lada X-Ray, especially its spacious front part, allows you to increase the functionality of the finish.
For example, installing such a simple accessory as an organizer on the front panel will allow the driver to place many small things in visible accessibility, instead of looking for them by touch in the glove compartment, door panels or under the seats.
The organizer is secured with double-sided tape and allows you to quickly remove this accessory if necessary.
You can increase the comfort of the interior environment by increasing the efficiency of the heater fan. Structurally, the fan is located in front of the filter and drives debris onto it that gets through the air intake due to the lack of a protective mesh on it. The filter quickly becomes clogged, and heat does not flow well into the cabin through the deflectors.
The solution to the problem is simple - installing a mesh and simultaneously placing a sticker on the mandelin fan (to reduce the noise of its operation), but requires contacting an official dealer.
As already mentioned, the Lada X Rey has great potential for tuning, and it does not follow from this that the crossover has many shortcomings. You always want to make something good even better, and tuning the Lada X Ray only confirms its promise.
Installing a trunk release button in the cabin
In a similar way, you can install a button to open the trunk in the cabin. In this case, we took a non-latching button from the central locking system from Renault Duster (article: 252108592R). Because it works on both sides, it was decided to modify it (disassemble and connect the outputs on both sides so that there is no difference where to press). We connect wires with female lugs (2.8 mm) to the button and use heat shrink.
We place the button in the mirror control unit, instead of a plug. We connect one wire to the body, and the other to connector B31 of the electronics unit. In order for the button to be backlit after turning on the dimensions, we connect its third wire to +12 V backlight for the electric headlight corrector (connector No. 8, first check with a multimeter).
After all the modifications, the trunk of the Lada XRAY can be opened from four places:
- from the button on the trunk door (standard function);
- from the standard alarm key fob (standard function);
- from a button from the interior (revision);
- from the additional alarm key fob button (revision).
All that remains is to select gas struts and springs so that the XRAY trunk lid lifts automatically, as is done on LADA station wagons.
Let us remind you that we previously told you how you can use sensors instead of a regular button, as well as how to improve the lighting in the trunk of the Lada XRAY.
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