Lada X Ray: description, technical characteristics, modifications

Back in 2012, visitors to the Moscow Motor Show and experts were pleasantly surprised by the presented Lada X Ray Concept crossover. The premiere meant a radically new approach to the future production of cars by the Tolyatti Automobile Plant. Since then, various publications have published rare pictures in which the new product could be seen.

The description of the Lada X Ray and the technical data of the car aroused the widest interest, which continues today. 2014 confirmed the desire of domestic automakers to produce modern, attractive cars - the Lada X Ray Concept 2 was presented, which was already very close to a production model.

Where is the crossover assembled? In December 2015, the serial production of the “high hatchback” B-class began in Tolyatti. X Ray Lada (photo above) has an original interior and exterior design, and is, according to manufacturers, the flagship of the new series of VAZ cars. The B0 line, where production of the crossover began, has been significantly modernized. In the future, it is planned to use automobile manufacturing capacities in Kazakhstan.

Lada XRay: technical specifications

The platform for the car was taken from the Renault Sandero, which already means energy intensity, excellent handling and high ground clearance of the Lada X Rey. The bottom and the power component have changed little. The body received increased rigidity thanks to the subframe, which also performs other important functions. The suspension, body and some components have been modified. The range of engines has changed.

The model range will be represented only by the “hatchback” body type; “station wagon” and “sedan” are not provided. The body was designed with the help of Renault and Nissan using innovative digital technologies. With a common platform with other AVTOVAZ models, manufacturers tried to achieve maximum external differences and improve technical characteristics.

It is stated that the design contains about 600 original parts, which are used for the first time at VAZ. The manufacturer plans that more than 70% of components will be manufactured at Russian factories.

Dimensions of Lada X Rey

Dimensions of Lada X Rey:

• Length/width/height – 4165/1764/1570 mm.
• The wheelbase is 2592 mm.
• The front/rear wheel track size is 1484/1524 mm with R16 wheels and 1492/1532 mm with R15 wheels.
• The clearance of the Lada X Rey is 195 mm when unloaded and 170 mm at maximum load.
• The weight is distributed between the axles in the following ratio: front – 51%, rear – 49%.
• Front/rear overhangs – 830/743 mm.
• The approach/departure angles are 21/34° (without loading).

As you can see, the XRay Lada, the dimensions of which we have given above, can be classified as a front-wheel drive compact crossover.

Lada X Rey pendant

The front suspension of the Lada X Ray is independent, MacPherson type. It has significant differences from all front-wheel drive Lada models produced today. The modified suspension features levers that are attached to the subframe using silent blocks. At the end of the lever there is a ball pin. The rear suspension is a semi-independent torsion beam. This suspension is reliable and improves driving performance.

What engine does the Lada X Rey have?

The manufacturer settled on three possible engine options. All of them are gasoline and quite powerful:

• The basic VAZ-21129, which has proven itself and is widely used in other AVTOVAZ models.
• Modernization of the intake system made it possible to increase engine power from 98 hp. up to 106 hp At low speeds, air is supplied through long intake channels, and at high speeds, through short ones, which ensures a change in the composition of the fuel mixture. The engine works with a 5-speed gearbox from Renault, which is assembled at AVTOVAZ.
• Gasoline engine developed by Renault-Nissan (Nissan calls it HR16, Renault calls it H4M). The development of 2006 is widely installed on cars. The engine works in tandem with a 5-speed manual transmission from Renault.
• The modern and most powerful VAZ-21128 engine. Engine performance has been improved through a redesign aimed at increasing the piston stroke. The connecting rod and piston group from the Federal-Mogul company is used, production is carried out by a subsidiary of AVTOVAZ.

The engine is paired with a robotic automatic transmission. AMT (robot box) is a domestic development. The VAZ manual transmission was taken as the basis, and the German company ZF worked on the control electronics. The box is assembled in Tolyatti.

Purely mechanically: how does the Lada XRAY 1.8 drive with a “handle”?

Until now, the Lada XRAY hatchback with a 1.8 engine was offered only with the VAZ “robot” AMT. But now an alternative has appeared with the usual “mechanics” - I went to Tolyatti to get acquainted with such a modification.

As they say, they hit you not on your passport, but on your face. If you believe the technical characteristics, then in accelerating to “hundreds” the XRAY with “mechanics” is faster than the robotic one by only half a second: 10.4 versus 10.9. But it feels like there is an abyss between them!

Having gotten rid of the sluggish VAZ AMT with all its pecks and freezes, the 1.8 engine simply blossomed! Moreover, if on Vesta with the same 1.8 engine they will soon “marry” the VAZ manual gearbox model 21807, then Xray is destined for an international union with the five-speed “French” Renault JR5-523. It is assembled in the same AvtoVAZ workshop with a related gearbox JR5-518 (which comes with the VAZ 1.6 engine) and is designed for greater torque: 200 versus 160 Nm. For example, here the driven disk of the Valeo clutch has been increased to 215 mm versus the 206 mm LuK disk of the JR5-518 unit. So there should be no problems with reliability: with the loads of life tests, for example, Renault gearboxes cope more successfully than original VAZ ones.

From September, the grayness of the interior can be diluted with colored inserts - for now only brown

But the most important thing is that the main gear, compared to the JR5-518, has become “longer”: from 4.5 to 4.214, and the fifth gear has also changed - from 0.795 to 0.756. So on the highway, the hand rarely reaches for the Logan lever in search of the non-existent sixth gear: in fifth at 100 km/h the engine produces a quite acceptable 2600 rpm. And in the city, the high-torque VAZ-21179 engine pulls well at 70 km/h at 1700 rpm, delivering 150 Nm of its maximum 170 Nm.

At the same time, the “mechanized” XRAY with a 1.8 engine is more pleasant than the two-pedal one, not only in its character, but also in its 25 thousand rubles lower price. The cars are already being shipped to dealers. The Optima Advanced version with two airbags, ESP, air conditioning, heated seats and an audio system is priced at 669 thousand rubles, and the XRAY in the top version of Luxe Prestige with climate control, media system and rear view camera costs 754 thousand.

Due to leaks, the windshield washer nozzles stopped painting even on top versions

As for Iksreev’s “robot” VAZ-2182, he also got something new. I remember that as soon as we got stuck even a little on a wet dirt road during endurance testing, the transmission gave up, instantly overheating the clutch - and this despite the fact that the non-disconnectable traction control system was constantly “choking” the engine when slipping. But since October, the Valeo clutch on the “robot” has been strengthened - with new, more heat-resistant linings of the driven disc. And most importantly, now all versions of Xray have an Off button: hold it for two seconds and the anti-skid system turns off along with the stability control system. Another thing! I not only easily descended to the bank of the Volga, but also climbed back onto the road along a steep, slippery slope. And upon reaching 60 km/h, the system turns on itself, helping to maintain directional stability.

When removing the decorative engine cover, the fasteners no longer fly off: they are welded properly

So I recommend that Xray owners go to the dealer in the near future and get a function to turn off the “collar”. For modification, in addition to the button itself, you will only need a new plastic lining of the console and an additional wiring harness, and the price of the “improved sizing” will soon be announced by VAZ.

But I would definitely not recommend another innovation, tires of size 205/50 R17 instead of 205/55 R16. By default, only the top Luxe versions with the Prestige package for 35 thousand rubles are equipped with these, but they can be installed on any XRAY. Only new front fender liners will be useful, slightly widening the wheel arches. By the way, it makes sense to use them instead of plastic ones with any wheels: snow porridge and sand slap on the “felt” much more quietly.

• Seventeen-inch wheels can only be installed in conjunction with new “soft” front fender liners • Door seals have been improved both in design and rubber composition. Works!

The XRAY with 17-inch wheels looks a little more harmonious, but the potholes on Samara roads seem to have become larger with them, and the seams and joints are sharper. And the steering wheel hits your hands harder. A classic case: beauty requires sacrifice! I'd rather live with 16 inch tires.

Exterior Lada X Ray

When creating the model, the task was to hide the similarity with its predecessors and “co-platforms”. This was completely successful. The car looks stylish, modern and original, while it is memorable and subsequently recognizable at first sight. Car owners like the new corporate X-style and have every chance of further continuation. You can see the details and details in the photo of the Lada X Ray.

The basic aspect of style is always the front of the car. The front view fully demonstrates the new face of the brand – dynamism and sportiness. The car is strikingly different from previous models. The dark, integral radiator grille in the shape of the letter X is decorated with a chrome emblem and highlighted by side chrome zigzag elements. They reach modern stylish optics, into which LED chains of running lights are integrated.

The side view shows a sloping roof, a large slope of the windshield, and stylish X-shaped side stampings, which only enhances the impression of swiftness and dynamism.

From the rear, the car looks strict and smart. The trunk lid is compact, the taillights have a stylish, complex shape, and all this is crowned with an impressive plastic bumper trim.

The color range is represented by seven body paint colors and three types of coating. Lada X Rey body colors:

• black – “Black Pearl” (metalized enamel);
• gray-beige – “Basalt Gray” (metallic);
• red – “Fire Red” (metallic);
• silver beige – “Platinum” (metallic);
• orange – “Fresh” (pearl enamel);
• white – “Glacial” (non-metalized enamel).

The available colors of the Lada X Ray are shown in the photo.

Interior and photo of salon

The new body also influenced the interior. A photo of the Lada XRay interior clearly demonstrates that this is truly a modern car. The interior of the Lada X-Ray is quite consistent with the appearance of the car. The interior of the cabin looks noble and modern. Everything is quite laconic - the devices are immersed in wells, on the right is the on-board computer screen. The original ventilation deflectors look stylish. In front of the driver is a four-spoke steering wheel, in top versions there are multimedia control keys on it.

The center console in top versions houses a 7-inch infotainment system display and climate controls. In basic versions, this is a radio tape recorder and control of the “stove” or air conditioner.

The interior is decorated with textured plastics, the seat upholstery is fabric, there are many different places in the cabin for storing small items: pockets, a box under the passenger seat, cup holders, etc.

The front seats have a wide range of adjustments, the rear sofa is quite spacious and roomy. When the rear row is folded, a flat surface is created; under the floor of the luggage compartment there is space for a spare wheel.

The interior dimensions will make the trip comfortable for 4 passengers. Two people will feel quite free in the back, but three people can sit in it. The dimensions of the space in front of the cabin allow the driver and front passenger to feel comfortable, regardless of height and weight.

Hatchback Lada X Ray

AvtoVAZ designers, even before the start of development of the production model, stated that this car would not claim the title of urban crossover, even despite the huge external similarity. In all sources, due to this, this car is referred to exclusively as a hatchback (or SUV).

Many domestic car enthusiasts were looking forward to the new Lada XRay hatchback - the characteristics and almost complete elimination of all the errors of previous failed models played a role. The car is perfect for both city driving and for traveling on broken gravel roads, thanks to its high (195 mm when running) ground clearance and powerful suspension. The suspension, according to experts, turned out to be very dynamic and pleasant: the front is made independent, according to the MacPherson system, and the rear is a solid elastic beam with powerful springs.

Despite the fact that this model is not an SUV, the designers have done everything possible to make this car more stable on the track. The rear axle is 35 mm longer than the front, making the car much more dynamic and maneuverable than expected from a car of similar dimensions.

Power units

The technical characteristics of the new Lada X-Ray largely depend on the power units used for its assembly. It is worth considering the possibilities proposed by the designers and evaluating everything that can be placed under the hood of this model.

The simplest and cheapest power unit used to equip this car consists of a standard VAZ 1.6-liter engine with a capacity of 106 horsepower and is complemented by a French five-speed manual transmission from Renault. Both the engine and the manual transmission have already been used in a number of previous developments (the engine was used with resounding success in the development of the Lada Vesta sedan, the gearbox was also used in the assembly of this model). The domestically produced manual transmission is not used due to its noise, which could not be “cured” after the Lada Kalina went on sale.

A more advanced version of the power unit combines the same transmission with a 1.6-liter engine from Nissan, producing 110 horsepower. The difference is quite small, but this motor is objectively better than the domestic one, more productive and more durable.

The most powerful power unit proposed for the Lada XRay hatchback combines a 1.8 liter sixteen-valve engine with a power of 122 hp. with a five-speed robotic automatic transmission (AMT). The characteristics of the Lada X-Ray automatic machine will be significantly higher than those of previous configurations, due to the significantly greater engine power. However, fuel consumption will also increase significantly, which makes the best power unit offered a “double-edged sword.”

Speed, acceleration and fuel consumption

Each of the proposed power units has its own capabilities. They are worth considering in more detail.

• The power unit based on a 106-horsepower engine has good fuel consumption (7.6 liters per 100 kilometers), but rather weak acceleration (11.9 seconds from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour). The maximum speed of the model equipped with this engine is only 170 km/h - lower than that of the basic Vesta due to its greater weight.
• The power unit based on a 110-horsepower engine accelerates much faster - from zero to hundreds it can accelerate in just 10.3 seconds. The maximum speed is not much different from the previous unit - only 171 km/h, but fuel consumption is significantly lower and is only 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers.
• The most powerful and productive unit based on a 122-horsepower engine is capable of reaching speeds of up to 183 km/h and is much more dynamic. However, automatic gear shifting significantly reduces the vehicle's ability to accelerate quickly from a standstill. With more power, this power unit allows you to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds. However, the automatic allows you to reduce fuel consumption: you need only 7.1 liters per 100 km.

This calculation allows us to say with confidence that the X-Ray “Optima” configuration, equipped exclusively with the first type of power unit, is unlikely to be in high demand. It will be more profitable for the buyer to purchase a more advanced version, which will be both more convenient and cheaper to use.

Options

Currently, the car is offered in four configuration types, the characteristics and prices of which are already known and publicly available on the official website of the AvtoVAZ concern. There are two main configurations (Optima and Top) and two packages of additional options available to equip a car with a certain configuration (Comfort - for the basic one, Prestige - for the highest one).

It is noteworthy that the basic version of the Optima (without the Comfort option package) can be equipped exclusively with the first described power unit. All other versions of the car can be equipped with either a second or a third power unit, depending on the buyer’s preferences.

The interior and “filling” of cars seriously depend on which configuration the user chooses. For example, a radio and on-board computer are already present in the basic version of the Lada X-Ray, and air conditioning appears only when choosing a version no lower than Comfort. The maximum configuration offers the buyer a comfortable interior with leather elements, a touchscreen multimedia panel (known from Vesta), heated seats and a lot of other pleasant and useful functions.

Options

At the moment, two configurations of the Lada X Ray are available to consumers – Optima and Top:

Optima

The basic configuration already looks quite rich for a domestic car:

• 2 airbags;
• ABS with EBD;
• Stabilization system (ESV);
• assistant when starting uphill;
• electric windows in front;
• Era-GLONASS system;
• immobilizer;
• on-board computer;
• audio system with 4 speakers;
• daytime running lights with LEDs;
• R16 wheels.

The cost starts from 589,000 rubles. Optima buyers are offered a Comfort package, which includes:

• air conditioner;
• heated front seats;
• refrigerated storage box.

The price of a car with this package starts from 628,000 rubles.

Top

This package adds:

• fog lights;
• electric windows for all windows;
• rear parking sensor;
• multimedia complex;
• navigation;
• electric drive and heated external mirrors.

The cost starts from 668,000 rubles. You can purchase an additional Prestige package, which includes:

• heated front glass;
• light sensor;
• Rain sensor;
• air conditioning system;
• rear view camera;
• more tinted windows.

The cost of the top-end configuration with this package is no less than 698,000 rubles.

Lada X Ray Cross

It is already clear that I would like to see a car that has the characteristics described above (suspension, engine, body geometry, etc.) in a 4x4 version. The all-wheel drive version was announced by the manufacturer for a long time; the start of production was planned for 2016. Judging by the description, the SUV was supposed to have similar technical characteristics and design, and the Renault Duster was supposed to serve as the basis for it.

However, according to the latest data, the project has been frozen. There are no plans to release a car with all-wheel drive. Therefore, there is no need to guess what kind of drive the new product will have. The Lada X-Ray Cross will have front-wheel drive and the same dimensions, the only difference being the presence of basic roof rails and a plastic body kit.

VAZ-21179

The most powerful engine for the Lada Xray is manufactured directly by AvtoVAZ. It has excellent technical characteristics and is combined with a robotic gearbox. For the Lada X-Ray, the development of this unit was carried out by a branch of AvtoVAZ called “SuperAuto”.

Larger volume in this engine is achieved by increasing the stroke of the piston itself, and not by boring the cylinder block, as was done previously. The size of the connecting rods and crankshaft has been changed. The engine assembly uses foreign graphite pistons from the famous Federal-Mogul brand.

This new engine used in the Lada Xray has fewer small parts, which increases its reliability and performance without affecting performance. The unit has impressive torque. Lada Xray, equipped with such an engine, consumes significantly less oil. The VAZ 21179 engine for Lada Xray has the following technical characteristics:

• volume - 1797 cubic centimeters;
• 4 cylinders/16 valves;
• timing belt drive;
• Cylinder D – 84 mm;
• Power – 122 hp.

With these internal combustion engine parameters, the Lada Xray will develop max. Speed ​​182 km/h. The car will accelerate to 100 km/h in just over 10 seconds. Fuel consumption depending on the driving cycle:

A Lada Xray equipped with such an engine will have excellent speed characteristics, but will also save on fuel.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the car include the following performance characteristics:

• high ground clearance,
• reliable chassis;
• powerful engine;
• modern stylish look;
• equipped with modern safety and driver assistance systems;
• acceptable price.

All this makes the car popular and in demand. It’s too early to talk about shortcomings; we need to wait for feedback from the owners. However, something can be noted now. The technical characteristics of the car have already brought it so close to SUVs that all that is missing from this segment is all-wheel drive.

SUV Lada X Ray Cross

The characteristics of the Lada XRay crossover are not yet known. However, it is known that they plan to produce it in two versions: permanent and switchable all-wheel drive. What changes will have to affect these cars in order for them to be considered full-fledged SUVs - off-road vehicles?

First of all, the powertrain layout will probably be significantly redesigned. All-wheel drive transmits engine forces to both wheel axles, ultimately reducing the maximum speed and dynamics of the car in exchange for increased traction. To ensure that the car does not become too slow, the characteristics of the motors will have to be sufficient to meet the needs of all-wheel drive. It is assumed that the base engine will be the currently used 1.8-liter engine from AvtoVAZ with a rated power of 122 horsepower, and to equip more advanced versions - a turbocharged engine of the same brand, enhanced to 140 horsepower.

Most likely, changes will also affect the suspension. The characteristics of the Lada XRay Cross should be aimed at ensuring that the car can be operated comfortably even in off-road conditions. Still, a hatchback with front-wheel drive, although it is the optimal combination of capabilities, is designed primarily for urban use. The suspension, according to experts, will have to be strengthened and modified to fully comply with the portrait of the future SUV.

There is also unconfirmed information that has become available to the public that the concern is going to stop developing all-wheel drive versions of X-Ray. Many Russian motorists have already expressed dissatisfaction with this fact.

However, reviews of the Lada XRay contain too many references to the expectation of all-wheel drive versions for the management of the AvtoVAZ concern to turn a blind eye to them and stop development. As some statistics show, almost half of all car enthusiasts are looking forward to the cross-version of X Rey.