All the pros and cons of Lada x Rey in one review

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.

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.

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.

Pros and cons:

1. The price “bite” a little; if the cost had been at least 50 thousand lower, sales of domestic AvtoVAZ would have jumped at least twice;
2. On an uneven road, a barely audible tapping of the steering rack can be heard and there is a noticeable feedback to the steering wheel. Therefore, on especially dangerous sections of the road, I hold the steering wheel with both hands, because it seems that it’s about to jump out. The steering wheel is adjustable only in height; it would be great to have reach;
3. The floor upholstery is made of low-quality carpet, so I had to purchase rubber mats separately;
4. The towing control system does not turn off, and immediately the problem of moving through off-road areas (mud, sand, swamp, etc.) arises;
5. I did not find a coolant temperature indicator on the instrument panel;
6. The cigarette lighter hole covers the mobile device stand;
7. The rear false trunk floor is very fragile, so you need to be careful and careful to avoid breaking it;
8. The stores do not have a wide selection of car components (mats, seat covers, etc.);
9. The seat belt is unfastened slowly, you have to help him get back in;
10. The wipers cannot be wiped once. On previous machines there was such an opportunity, but here it is sorely lacking;
11. There is no automatic up/down windows. In a car with the Top configuration, such things should have been installed;
12. Not enough legroom for rear passengers

This car model received the assembly and logo from AvtoVAZ. All other parts and components are from Renault and Nissan. The glass belongs to the Turks, well, you get the idea.

Having traveled a certain number of kilometers, I was generally satisfied, the movements are smooth and silent. The only thing I didn't like was that you need to have a little patience to engage reverse gear. For 100 km it is worth getting 9.7 liters of gasoline.

Oh yes, I forgot, the glove compartment cooling pipe was covered (although this problem is common to almost all cars). I hope my review will be truly useful to those who are planning to purchase this car model.

Reviewed by: MazoSergey

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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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Transmission

In the “Main characteristics” section of the Lada X Ray review, it was already said that, depending on the engine, the car is equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox from Renault or a 5-level robotic automatic transmission (AMT) of AvtoVAZ’s own development with the participation of German engineers.

There are no questions about the operation of the manual transmission during operation - the speeds are switched on clearly, are fixed well, and when overtaking on the highway there are no delays in the dynamics of the car during switching, there are no complaints about the operation of the manual transmission even when driving out of ruts or holes.

But not everyone likes the nuances of operating a robotic machine. The transmission electronics must adapt to the individual driving style of the consumer, but this does not happen immediately. A considerable mileage is required before the driver understands the AMT switching algorithm - a certain correspondence between the speed value and the engine speed. Until this moment, switching gears is accompanied by a loss of dynamics lasting about 2 seconds, which creates dangerous inconveniences when overtaking, and therefore, on the highway, drivers prefer to switch the AMT operation to mechanical mode, fortunately, this possibility is provided by the design.

The clutch on the Lada XRay is installed with a single disc, its drive on the AMT is electromechanical (on the manual transmission it is hydraulic). Equipping the VAZ-21179 engine, the most powerful internal combustion engine of AvtoVAZ, with a single-disc robot cannot be called successful - the gearbox settings to switch to a higher gear when the engine reaches 2 thousand revolutions cut off the power of 122 horsepower.

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).

Equipment

A review of the Lada X Ray crossover would be incomplete without at least briefly touching on the level of its equipment, which will give a head start to many foreign cars similar in price range. Front airbags, ABS and ESP systems are already installed in the basic version. It would be appropriate to say that today the crossover is already equipped with a button to turn off the dynamic stability system (ESP), and when overcoming clay or snowy areas, the settings allow wheels to slip.

Look at the Xray Optima+Comfort package in the picture below:

As for the top version - XRay Prestige, it is equipped with a modern multimedia system (instead of a 2-din base radio) with controls located on the steering wheel, an excellent rear view camera, full climate control, a heated windshield, navigation and many other useful and pleasant options .

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.

Salon

The first impression of the interior is comfort and high quality finishes. The plastic of the dashboard, although hard to the touch, fits well, is secured and does not creak. The seat covers are well sewn, combined - made of high-quality fabric with leatherette inserts, the steering wheel is equipped with thickenings for a comfortable grip and is covered with an artificial leather cover.

The deflectors on the front panel are highlighted with chrome-plated contours, are located accessible and functional.

The combination of instruments on the board is compact and informative, despite the futuristic design.

The size of the display allows you to read information without the use of glasses, and the air conditioning control panel located just below is clear and simple.

The front seats have enough adjustment options to accommodate any height or body size comfortably.

The pedal compartment is spacious, and the location of the pedals is optimal - large shoes do not touch the neighboring ones when you press the pedal.

And now a little about the sad. The view from the cabin leaves much to be desired:

• the “window sill line” is located a bit high;
• the wide bases of the A-pillars create blind spots;
• the side exterior mirrors are small and therefore not very informative (since the fall of 2016, AvtoVAZ has increased their size);
• The tailgate window is located high and is rather small in size, although this is compensated by the presence of a rear view camera and a parking sensor system;
• The side windows quickly become covered with vertical scratches from opening and closing.

There is not enough space in front of the rear seats if tall passengers sit in front.

The engine compartment is well insulated, and the wheel arches transmit the impact of every pebble into the cabin when driving on crushed stone.

And yet, the interior of the Lada X Ray impresses with quality and functionality, which AvtoVAZ products lacked for a very long time.