Many car enthusiasts who are interested in the new AVTOVAZ hatchback know that, unlike Vesta, XRAY is not an independent development of the company. The new Lada is built on the basis of the Renault Sandero Stepway, but has significant improvements. Let's find out whether the VAZ team managed to take into account the mistakes of the French?
Engines
Naturally, the first thing we will pay attention to is the line of car engines. The points that interest car enthusiasts depend on the engine. We are talking about the dynamics of acceleration from zero to hundreds, maximum speed and consumption indicator.
The Russian model can count on three power units (looking ahead to only two engines). The younger 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter engines are assembled at domestic factories, but despite this, they received very good reviews from critics. The third engine was developed by the Japanese at the Nissan concern. With a volume of 1.6 liters it is capable of producing a maximum of 110 horsepower.
Let us immediately note that the engines of the French car are much weaker. This can be explained by the fact that driving on smooth, high-quality European roads does not require very powerful engines, but domestic motorists will definitely not like this. Sandero Stepway engines produce 82 and 102 horsepower. That is, even the most powerful French engine is weaker than the base X-Rey engine.
Taking this into account, we can safely say that at this point the Lada X-Ray is the clear favorite. And a fool understands that the Russian model has the best performance indicators and will outshine the “French” on the track. However, the average consumption of both cars is approximately the same, and Stepway is on average only 0.1 liter more economical than its opponent.
As for the transmission, the X-Ray is equipped with a five-speed manual (by the way, it was developed by French engineers), as well as a high-tech CVT, which is assembled at the domestic AvtoVAZ. Note that experts recommend giving preference to manual transmission.
The developers of the Sandero Stepway equip their creation with the same 5-speed manual transmission as in the X-Ray design. In addition to it, you can also count on a five-speed automatic transmission and a French version of the CVT. It is the presence of an “automatic machine” in Stepway that partially saves the situation, but, all the same, the Russian model is stronger at this point.
Fast lap
The final test for the cross-hatch was a run on wet asphalt in our experimental lap.
Built on almost the same chassis, both cars handle very similarly when cornering. After reworking the front suspension and replacing the arms on Vesta, with the transition to wider 17-inch wheels, the X-ray Cross became a little more precise on the steering wheel. But the raised suspension rolls more, and the engine still stumbles during shifts.
Lada-XRAY-Cross on a circle.
The VAZ team has not yet managed to fit the new unit into modern environmental standards and ensure its stable behavior. There seems to be an advantage in power, but it is only noticeable during prolonged acceleration. Ragged racing driving with frequent switching is not for the Lada.
The Lada X-ray cross with a manual transmission and a more powerful engine should have given the fight and won on the lap, but...
The peak torque of the VAZ engine - 170 Nm - is achieved already at 3700 rpm. Sandero has a maximum output of 152 Nm and is available from 4000 rpm. The hysterical timbre of the engine, combined with a variator, makes it clear that pressing the gas pedal to the floor on the Sandero Stepway City is unproductive. Renault spent 39.8 seconds on the improvised track.
The Nissan engine paired with a CVT live in perfect harmony. On the Renault Capture this combination is very phlegmatic, but the lighter Sandero has enough of it. In the city, the unit tries to stick to low speeds, which often results in vibration in the cabin, but otherwise it is very efficient.
Lada XRAY Cross covers the distance in a symbolic 0.1 second. slower than your opponent. The point goes to Renault.
Test Sandero Stepway - X-ray cross: Final score 4:5
The minimal victory of the Lada confirmed the slight advantage of the younger and more modern domestic car over its older “relative”
XRAY Cross was designed taking into account the mistakes of its predecessor, and in terms of equipment, space for rear passengers, trunk volume and cross-country ability, Lada is truly better than its competitor
AvtoVAZ claims that the ground clearance of the XRAY Cross is 215 mm, but in practice this is not the case.
Sandero has a variety of powertrains and transmissions on its side, as well as more favorable prices for initial configurations. Probably, Renault is more suitable for a city dweller - the name of the City version hints at this - while the XRAY Cross does not fail on light off-road conditions and boasts cheaper spare parts.
Lada X-ray is a little more La man than Sandero Stepway.
Manufacturers' pricing policy: The basic Lada XRAY Cross is estimated at almost 755 thousand rubles, and for this money the domestic cross-hatch does not even have air conditioning. For a package with air conditioning you will have to pay at least 792 thousand rubles, and for a version with a drive mode selector you will have to pay at least 835 thousand. The top-end XRAY Cross is richly equipped, but is still equipped with a manual transmission and is priced at 914 thousand rubles.
The standard list of options for the Renault Sandero Stepway already includes air conditioning, and you can purchase such a hatchback with a 1.6-liter 8-valve 82-horsepower engine and manual transmission for 728 thousand rubles. For a 113-horsepower 16-valve engine you will have to pay an additional 40 thousand rubles, and an automatic will add another 31 thousand to the price. City versions with a CVT start at 830 thousand rubles, and the most equipped Sandero Stepway will cost 912 thousand.
From the author of the blog automps.ru Peter Menshikh: I thank Igor Sirin (video presenter), Vitaly Larionov (video presenter), Evgeniy Mikhalkevich (cameraman, editor), Sergei Ilyin (editor) for their participation in the preparation of the material. Video test Sandero Stepway — H-ray Cross I repeat below, technical specifications at the end of the article.
Patency
A recent test drive of cars showed that in terms of cross-country ability, the X-Ray and Sandero Stepway are approximately on the same level. This is all due to the same modular platform, due to which even the ground clearance is identical - 195 mm. By the way, quite a decent figure, as for front-wheel drive hatchbacks. Real car owners claim that in running order, the X-Ray's ground clearance is still 2 cm higher than that of today's counterpart.
When driving onto a broken gravel road, the domestic hatchback fully demonstrated itself, which, thanks to powerful engines and a reliable suspension, is able to successfully overcome even the most difficult sections of the road. A French car will definitely not be able to keep up with X-Ray here. By the way, the off-road modification X-Ray is expected to be released soon, which, according to plans, should impose serious competition on foreign crossovers.
Lada Xray or Sandero Stepway? Naturally this is X-Ray.
Exterior
In this case, each competitor has his own trump cards. Lada X-Ray looks stylish and aggressive. A curved radiator grille, smoothly turning into an air intake, chiseled optics, chrome lines creating the letter “X” in the outline of the front end, a sloping hood, the slope of the leading edge brings back memories of the Suzuki SX4 hatchback, and beady fog lights create a serious and solid frontal view.
The front of X-Ray looks bold and thoroughbred!
The profile is not so clear, as some believe that the striking understamping, which also forms the letter “X”, running along the doors and fenders, makes the car visually shorter. But overall, the Lada looks very good from the side. The stern also did not let us down - stylish lights, a unique configuration of the fifth door, a large glass in it, a massive black trim at the bottom of the rear bumper and small reflectors, complemented by chrome letters that formed the signature LADA inscription.
Some people believe that stamping makes the car shorter, but this is a matter of taste.
Stepway was created in a different format. Renault is clearly more restrained and calm in its design. The hood with a cutout for the nameplate, the “smile” of the radiator grille, the trapezoid of the air intake and the plugs above the fog lights – all this is in perfect harmony.
Full face Renault Sandero Stepway is calmer, but also very good!
When looking in profile, one immediately notices the body overhangs, which are noticeably smaller than those of the Russian hatchback, especially the rear one. This solution guarantees more confident off-road driving. Otherwise, the Sandero Stepway is memorable for its calm outline, as well as its budget-friendly recessed handles, which look somewhat awkward on the car.
But they clearly saved money on the door handles.
The stern is also made more traditionally - with a smaller fifth door and less dimensional glass on it. However, the rear bumper, with its reflectors and black trim, looks very good. In addition, a distinctive feature of Sandero is its plastic lining that runs along the entire perimeter of the hatchback, covering the edges of the wings, sills and the bottom of the bumpers.
From behind, Stepway looks organic and stylish.
Comparison of luggage compartments
No matter how strange it may sound, one of the main differences between both cars lies in their luggage compartments. Let us immediately note that the Russian model in this regard is clearly better than its opponent. In order not to be empty words, here are a few indicators: the X-Ray trunk is 70 mm longer than the Stepway, thanks to which the domestic hatchback can be loaded with 10 liters more cargo. Of course, the difference is not that significant, but as one wise man said: “The little things make all the difference.”
In addition, the loading level of a Russian car is much lower, which makes it much easier to place cargo in the trunk. This is very important when transporting heavy bags and suitcases. Plus, the X-Ray has a wider luggage compartment.
Options and cost
Dimensions and dimensions of Renault Sandero Stepway
Let's move on to the configurations. Renault has three of them - the basic Access, Optima and the top-end Privilege. Lada is offered in 5 trim levels: basic Optima, Optima Advanced, Lux, Lux Prestige and top-end Exclusive.
But as already mentioned, the basic equipment of the Sandero is much poorer than that of the X-Ray. Below is a list of what the Lada has in the “poorest” configuration, and what the Sandero does not:
- Security systems (ABS, BAS, EDB, ESC with shutdown function, TSC, HSA);
- Passenger airbag;
- Hazard warning system in case of emergency braking;
- Turn signal repeaters on side mirrors;
- LED DRLs;
- Adjustable steering column and driver's seat;
- Power windows on the front doors;
- Full audio system;
- Multifunction steering wheel;
- Central locking with alarm;
As you can see, in terms of equipment, Sandero is much inferior to X-Ray. But here it is worth noting that Renault began producing the current generation Sandero in 2014, while the X-Ray rolled off the assembly line in 2016. At the time of Renault's production, the same security systems were a privilege for cars of the middle class and above; in the budget segment, if they were installed, they were optional. Over the same two years that passed between the start of production of these cars, the situation has changed and the same systems have become more common. That is, by today's standards Sandero can be considered a somewhat outdated model.
Finally, about prices and the situation here is this: the cost range of Renault Sandero varies from a minimum of 489,990 rubles. up to a maximum of RUB 717,990. Lada X-Rey will cost more. The basic version of this car will cost 599,900 rubles, and the price of the car reaches a maximum of 830,900 rubles. That is, the difference in cost in any case is more than 100,000 rubles. This is exactly the price for all the equipment listed above. And since these cars are designed for buyers with a small budget, the difference in price can have a significant impact on the choice. But in general. What to buy - Lada X-Ray or Renault Sandero - is up to the buyer to decide.
Article on the topic - Which is better Lada Vesta or Lada X-Ray
Appearance
It is noticeable to the naked eye that externally the cars have many similarities. As mentioned above, it’s all about the same platform and identical body layout options.
Sandero Stepway can offer a fairly calm and harmonious exterior, with a very smooth body surface (the exception is a small longitudinal stamping on the profile part of the car). Stepway looks massive, but at the same time elegance and proportionality are visible.
X-Ray, in turn, boasts a more expressive exterior, which owes its aggressiveness to the sharp-angled stampings on the wings. It was this X-shaped element that influenced the name of the model, and also became the calling card of the entire model range. In the updated version of 2022, this stamping has become even more expressive.
In this local confrontation, Stepway looks stronger, and the reason for this was several shortcomings of domestic designers. Firstly, the wheels and body of the X-Ray look disproportionate. Secondly, the lower stamping of the Russian car looks more like a dent than a thoughtful design solution.
Controllability and safety
The domestic manufacturer has provided the XRAY model with an excellent balance of qualities, combining controlled behavior on the road with good cross-country ability. Refined handling, confident cornering with minimal roll, suspension tuned for active maneuvering, tight steering and clear reactions - all this ensures stable control over the road.
As for the issue of safety, the Lada XRAY is responsible for the exchange rate stability function and other modern options connected by an intelligent system, such as anti-lock brakes, emergency brake booster, traction control and electronic brake force distribution, as well as passive safety equipment. The ISOFIX child seat fastening system and locking the rear doors of the car can protect the youngest passengers.
Renault Duster owners do not complain about handling either. A crossover with off-road capabilities has a comfortable suspension and behaves confidently on any type of surface, including off-road, gently overcoming obstacles encountered along the way. Driving comfort and safety are determined by the design of the car, as well as numerous modern options and driver assistants. The functionality of the Duster includes a stability control system, an emergency brake booster, a brake force distribution system, an anti-lock braking system and other auxiliary options that make life easier for the motorist. Passive safety features are also well implemented, including front and side airbags, as well as the IS OFIX system and locking the rear doors of the car to protect child passengers.
When choosing whether it is better to purchase a Duster or XRAY, you should take into account the operating conditions of the car, since the crossover has all-wheel drive and a ground clearance of 210 mm. It is intended not only for the city, but also forays beyond its borders. The tall LADA XRAY hatchback, frankly speaking, does not reach the level of a full-fledged crossover, although it is capable of overcoming moderate obstacles. It will cope well with broken roads and unpaved roads, but the car is not up to serious off-road conditions. The ground clearance of the LADA XRAY is 195 mm, which is quite good for a small class car (for comparison, the Hyundai Creta crossover has a ground clearance of 190 mm, and the Toyota RAV4 has a ground clearance of 165 to 205 mm, depending on the modification). Lada XRAY is capable of crossing large puddles of moderate depth, but, not knowing the ford, it is better not to bathe the horse. Although, the same rule applies to Renault Duster. The depth of possible immersion is limited by the height and placement of the engine air intake, and in the Duster the air intake is not too high, while the car can still easily overcome a small ford of 45-50 cm.
Salon
If we talk about the comfort of the interiors, then in this regard the cars will definitely not disappoint their fans. The fact is that the X-Ray and Stepway seats are placed in such a way that all passengers and the driver have enough free space, including for their legs. And high ceilings provide ideal travel conditions for even the tallest passengers.
The quality of finishing materials is noticeably higher in a French car, because domestic developers have placed the main emphasis on practicality.
In terms of dashboard layout, the X-Ray is the best. The thing is that the central touch display of the domestic model boasts a better location, and in addition it is much more readable and informative. But the steering wheel is better on the French hatchback, as it is equipped with additional mini control panels.
Interior
Inside, you can see a different approach to design, but overall the cars are of equal value.
Lada XRAY inside is more solid than aggressive, but there are notes of sportiness here too. Elongated rectangles of air deflectors, dashboard wells, coupled with blue backlighting, fairly developed lateral support for the front seats, plain dark plastic with glossy inserts, a massive center console, conveniently located keys, good visibility and a grippy steering wheel - all this is in the asset of the Russian sedan. The list is complemented not only by a spacious trunk, but also by a comfortable rear sofa. However, its division into 3 sections is poorly expressed.
The original X-Ray salon looks very attractive.
Renault Sandero tries to appear more solid inside, thanks to the chrome edging of the instruments, air ducts, center console and other elements. White instrument dials on a jet-black background look impressive, as do the stylish center console and other components. But the round air deflectors on the sides seem foreign in this strict ensemble. And the interior itself is visually smaller. Regarding the rear sofa, in terms of convenience it is equal to that of X-Ray.
Inside, the Sandero Stepway even claims to be solid. And not without success!
general information
To compare with the Lada XRay, of course, it is necessary to involve the representative of the second generation of the Renault Sandero model. These cars largely meet modern requirements for comfort and performance, and meet international standards for environmental friendliness and safety of not only the driver and passengers, but also pedestrians. The cars have a lot in common, although the domestic Lada XRay is mainly positioned as a tall hatchback with the characteristics of a compact urban crossover. These models were developed on a single unified B0 platform and the new product of the domestic automobile industry owes much to the cooperation of the Togliatti plant and the Renault-Nissan concern.
For comparison, you can consider front-wheel drive models with similar volumes of power units and transmissions. It would be optimal to compare the technical characteristics of models with sixteen-valve 1.6 liter engines and a manual transmission.
Specifications
Basic technical characteristics are the first thing a car enthusiast looks at when choosing a vehicle.
Renault Sandero Stepway
- Length – 408 centimeters;
- Width – 175.7 centimeters;
- Height – 161.8 centimeters;
- Trunk volume in standard form is 320 liters;
- The trunk volume with the seats folded is 1200 liters;
- The weight of the car in running order is 1191 kilograms;
- Ground clearance - 19.5 centimeters;
- Engine power – from 82 to 102 horsepower;
- Gearbox – manual, automatic and automated manual.
conclusions
Both cars have their own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages in different areas. It is impossible to choose a 100% favorite among them. For example, a Duster can have 4-wheel drive and be larger in size, while a Lada has a more comfortable interior. The choice depends on the capabilities and needs of the future owner of these cars.
Every year crossovers in Russia are becoming increasingly popular. They are much better suited for our roads compared to conventional passenger cars. The only limiting factor is the cost - it’s not so easy to find a good crossover for less than a million rubles.
In November 2022, AvtoVAZ presented the Cross version of its popular hatchback LADA XRAY, which in its characteristics is a typical crossover. Let's compare the new domestic car with the already well-known French model Renault Duster.
Let us immediately note that we will compare front-wheel drive configurations, since the Duster is also available with a 4x4 wheel arrangement, but this is a completely different segment, different prices, fuel consumption, and so on. There are 2 versions of the Duster with front-wheel drive - Authentique and Expression.
Comparison of Lada XRay and Renault Sandero Stepway II
Lada Xray is a domestic car that in Russia receives not only positive, but also negative comments. This model has a twin on the market - Renault Sandero Stepway II. Cars have a lot of common parts - one platform, one concern, one assembly line. However, the appearance of the domestic version is much more attractive than the French one.
Lada Xray is available with 2 engines - 1.6 and 1.8 liters, with a power of 106 and 122 hp
Renault Sandero Stepway was released back in 2014, and Xray only in 2016. And the domestic model was released only after engineers managed to eliminate all the platform errors that Stepway was subject to. But has Lada become better after such modifications? Let's consider which car is best to purchase on the secondary market and what problems you may encounter during operation.
Motors and transmission. Lada Xray is available with 2 engines - 1.6 and 1.8 liters, with a power of 106 and 122 hp. In terms of dynamics, the 1.8-liter engine paired with a manual transmission is superior to any version of Renault. The car accelerates to 100 km/h in just 10.4 seconds; the Sandero has the best figure of 11.1 seconds. The competitor's engine range is a little richer. There are 3 1.6-liter engines with 82, 102 and 113 hp. The latest power unit paired with a CVT can beat the Xray in terms of efficiency - 6.7 liters are spent per 100 km. The units of both cars show no problems during operation. Owners of the very first versions complained that consumption could reach 10 liters per 100 km.
The Russian hatchback obeys all the driver’s commands, but the rear passengers are not comfortable in motion - the shaking is too strong
Stepway motors with 82 and 102 hp. equipped with a timing belt drive, which requires replacement every 60,000 km. On an 82 hp engine with the same mileage, valve adjustment will be required. Lada Xray does not have the usual automatic transmission. There is only a 5-speed robot with one clutch. Such a unit works uncertainly and jerkily.
Chassis. The ground clearance of the cars is the same - 19.5 cm. Both models are equipped with the same MacPherson front suspension. However, Xray has an order of magnitude better control. The fact is that the design of the car provides for electric power steering and other shock absorber settings. The Russian hatchback obeys all the driver’s commands, but the rear passengers are not comfortable in motion - the shaking is too strong. Stepway behaves unstably when cornering - it sways and rolls. Therefore, fast driving is initially contraindicated. Shock absorbers on models fail after 80,000 km. You will have to pay at least 3,000 rubles per piece. After 50,000 km, ball joints, bushings and stabilizer struts wear out.
The domestic car has a trunk volume of 361 liters, while the Sandero has 320 liters.
Salon. Xray is 8.5 cm longer than its competitor. The difference can only be felt when examining the trunk. For a domestic car, its volume is 361 liters, for Sandero – 320 liters. In the back row, passengers are equally cramped. The equipment uses hard plastic, but in the Lada it starts to creak much earlier. The Frenchman's design includes roof rails and a body kit. Regarding corrosion resistance. Both models were processed at the same level. Even at the site of chips, sometimes rust does not form for a long time.
Bottom line. Lada Xray and Renault Sandero Stepway II are cars that have much in common, but differ in market sales. Each of them has its pros and cons.
Transmission
Each of the cars has three gearbox variations. But each brand has expressed its own vision for the powertrain of a car in this class.
Mechanics:
- Xray is equipped with two French manual gearboxes, which have five gears each. Renault has one manual option, which is also a five-speed unit.
Lada X-Ray
Automatic:
- Sandero received two automatic transmission options versus one robot from Xray. The first is an AMT gearbox with 5 modes, and the second is an automatic transmission with 4 ranges. Lada has a 5-speed robotic gearbox.
Renault Sandero
If we compare the robots and mechanics of both brands, then in general they are identical, we can only note that the AMT X Ray functions a little better, according to reviews from car enthusiasts. Important! The advantage of Stepway is the presence of an automatic transmission.
In most components, the Lada X-Ray wins, however, Renault has some trump cards that can lure buyers to its side, for example, the presence of an automatic transmission or a more technologically advanced and reliable computer.
Considering the approximately equal cost of these cars, the Russian crossover looks in a more favorable light.
