It’s done - Lada has finally acquired a modern automatic transmission. Now the Xray Cross crossover has a version with a Japanese CVT and a new 113-horsepower engine. An Izvestia correspondent tested the car and found out what the new transmission brought to Lada, in addition to smooth acceleration.
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Last December, Izvestia almost got a chance to drive a Lada Xray Cross with a “robot”. The prototype suddenly appeared in Sochi - there was an event for members of the jury of the TOP-5 Auto award - and also suddenly disappeared. They planned to deliver the car closed, but it was mistakenly included in the number of cars for a test drive. This created intrigue - AvtoVAZ engineers had just finalized the “robot”, and talk about the variator had not yet left the stage of rumors.
Variations on a theme
History has followed a stepless path. Moreover, the Jatco variator paired with a 113-horsepower 1.6 engine has become a universal option for automating the model range of the Renautl-Nissan and AvtoVAZ alliance. It has already been tested on Renault Kaptur, as well as on Logan and Sandero in the Stepway City version. And now it has appeared for the first time on a Lada brand car. This is just the beginning - after the Xray Cross, the Lada Vesta will receive the same engine and variator; production of such cars is planned to begin in a few months. So the first test of the CVT Lada is doubly interesting.
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Dimensions of Xray Cross are 4171×1810×1645 mm, wheelbase is 2592 mm. With the installation of the CVT, the off-road geometry did not change. Ground clearance - 215 mm, approach angle - 21 degrees, approach angle - 24 degrees
Photo: LADA
Some, hearing the word “variator”, will say: fi! Among the disadvantages, they will recall boring acceleration, sensitivity to overheating, oil cleanliness and a ragged driving style. It’s funny, representatives of AvtoVAZ call the variator exclusively “automatic”, which does not contradict the truth - it is still one of the types of automatic transmissions, but at the same time it demonstrates a cautious attitude towards the real name.
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CVTs are popular again. Now Hyundai has started to actively use them. Their design is becoming more and more perfect, although the principle remains unchanged - the gear ratio is changed using pulley cones, between which the V-belt is sandwiched.
Basic equipment of the car 1.6 (Optima)
By purchasing a Lada Xray, in the basic configuration, the buyer will receive a car with the following indicators:
- engine – 106 hp;
- engine volume – 1.6 l;
- gearbox – 5-speed, manual.
The car is supposed to ensure the safety of the driver and passenger located in the front seat with the help of an airbag. The back seat of the Lada X-Ray has two comfortable and safe headrests. The rear doors are equipped with child protection. The locks close immediately after the vehicle starts moving. In the event of a collision, the locks are automatically switched to the “open” mode. In case of emergency braking of the Lada X-Ray, the basic equipment includes automatic activation of the emergency signal. The car is equipped with an immobilizer. Daytime running lights are LED. Built-in ERA-GLONASS system. There are ABS+BAS, ESC, TCS, HSA systems. Protection has been installed for the engine and other equipment located under the hood.
Interior details
The interior of the Lada X-Ray Optima contains the following elements:
- built-in on-board computer;
- a device that prompts the correct gear shift;
- the rear seat can be folded out;
- 12-volt power supply;
- A visor that protects the driver and passenger of the Xray from the sun, equipped with a mirror.
Elements that increase vehicle comfort
The steering wheel has a hydraulic booster, so driving the Lada X-Ray is very convenient and simple. The position of the steering wheel can be adjusted depending on the preferences and physiological characteristics of the driver. The front seats have the option of adjusting the height of the seat belts. The height of the driver's seat is also adjustable.
An air filter is installed in the interior of the Lada X-Ray. The glass is made with a light tint applied. The ignition key has a folding shape. The main lock is controlled remotely, the front doors of the Lada Xray are made with an electronic window lifting system. Audio system with four speakers.
Exterior details
Lada Xray has exterior mirrors with turn signals, matching the color of the car's body. Cast wheels 16-diameter. The package includes a spare wheel with a diameter of 15 inches.
The best Lada
In the history of Lada, this is generally the most modern automatic transmission. Before this, cars of the Russian brand were equipped either with an AMT robot with one clutch, which, despite modifications, never learned to change gears smoothly. Or an old four-speed hydromechanical “automatic” - this option is still used on the Grant.
By the way, it is not surprising that Xray Cross was the first to receive a new transmission. This is the most advanced car in the Lada model range, although it is built on the B0 platform of the cheapest Renault, Sandero and Logan. There is some irony in this, but to AvtoVAZ’s credit, the simple cart was significantly improved, and on its own. The track became wider, the steering wheel received electric power instead of hydraulic power and reach adjustment, and disc brakes appeared at the rear.
In fact, instead of an elevated version of the Xray, AvtoVAZ made a new car. Renault also decided to modernize the B0 platform, renaming it Global Access, but for now even the newest Arkana coupe-crossover comes with rear drum brakes.
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Interior and comfort
In this regard, the Lada X-Ray Optima can also give a head start to many eminent competitors. A comfortable driving position is guaranteed due to the height adjustment of the driver's seat and steering column. The front windows have electric lifts, and there is also a multifunction steering wheel and a factory 2DIN audio system with support for AUX, USB, RDS, FM/AM, Bluetooth and Hands free function. Acoustics are represented by 4 speakers.
The multifunction steering wheel is already offered in the basic version.
Among other pleasant little things in the Lada X-Ray, it is worth noting the presence of an on-board computer in the dashboard, a split backrest of the rear sofa with the ability to fold in a 60/40 ratio, a 12V socket, and a mirror in the passenger visor.
The 2-din radio is also standard equipment.
In seconds and liters
The Jatco variator here is not quite ordinary - a V-belt transmission is coupled to a two-speed automatic transmission. The increasing stage allows you to save fuel at low speeds, the decreasing stage should provide dynamic acceleration. In addition, the design of the variator prevents the belt from being at the very edge or axis of the cone, where it can slip. This should improve the durability of the unit.
You expect emotional acceleration from a bright orange car, but the acceleration is not impressive. The engine's voice cannot be called sporty, and therefore it is muffled quite correctly. The Xray Cross accelerates from zero to “hundreds” in 12.3 seconds, the same amount required for a regular Xray with a 1.8 engine (122 hp) and a “robot”. The difference is in the quality of acceleration; a car with a CVT accelerates as smoothly as possible. It seems that AvtoVAZ engineers were tired of the reproaches of those dissatisfied with the twitchy “robot”, and they elevated smoothness to an absolute.
Lada
The Xray Cross with a CVT accelerates from zero to “hundreds” in 12.3 seconds. Maximum speed - 162 km/h
Photo: LADA
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The numb throttle pedal needs to be pressed slowly and smoothly to achieve a linear response. As soon as you let it go, the engine speed drops rapidly - this car is not set up to race, but to save fuel.
However, the CVT is still inferior to the “robot” in consumption; the regular Xray, even with a more powerful 122-horsepower engine, is more economical: 6.8 versus 7.1 liters on average. Judging by the stated figures, the continuously variable transmission is a little thirstier in the city and a little more economical on the highway. The on-board computer of our car showed a consumption of 9.1 liters, which is quite consistent with city figures.
1.6 Top
Lada X-Ray in this configuration differs from the previous version in the class in the following details:
- the rear seat has three headrests instead of two;
- a case for glasses is available;
- a drawer is installed, located under the front passenger seat;
- the luggage compartment is divided into two tiers;
- rear doors have electronic window lifts;
- a multimedia system with a large touch screen (7 inches) is installed.
Otherwise, this version of the car corresponds to the previous one.
Victim of regimes
The roads in the Kaliningrad region were mostly built by the Germans. A narrow asphalt strip is squeezed by rows of mighty trees. Local cars are not in a hurry, but the traffic is heavy and you need to overtake quickly. This is where the smooth adjustment of the variator gets in the way; a lot of time passes between the click of the kickdown button under the depressed gas pedal and the start of intense acceleration. A manual mode with fixed gears allows you to perk up the transmission, but the Xray Cross obviously lacks a sport mode.
Lada
Photo: LADA
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The manual version has it as part of the Ride Select system along with two off-road modes. But the version with a variator does not have a choice of driving settings. Why? Representatives of AvtoVAZ will say that the Xray Cross with “mechanics” and “automatic” has different buyers. In fact, the reason is the torque limitation - the variator is designed only for 160 Nm, and the 1.6 engine produces 152 Nm. The Ride Select system puts too much stress on the transmission, so it was decided to abandon it for the sake of the durability of the CVT. By the way, for the same reason, this continuously variable transmission cannot be paired with the 1.8 engine, which produces 170 Nm at its peak. Although I note that Renault has paired the CVT with the turbo engines on the Renault Arkana, so within the framework of one alliance it would not be difficult to install another transmission on the Xray, if there was demand.
On the one hand, the off-road modes of the driving electronics are a sensitive loss, given that the Xray Cross does not have all-wheel drive. On the other hand, modern crossovers spend more time in the city crowd and a normal “automatic” is more important for them than increased cross-country ability.
Results
Many car configurations have become a little more expensive, which is due to some changes. To buy or not to buy an updated Russian crossover.
The attractive price beckons, and for good reason. The fact is that the simplest, basic equipment of the car is more “sophisticated” than the same as on any Hyundai Creta. And a completely top-end car is cheaper than its competitors.
Let us remind you that this year the Cross version is coming out, which everyone is waiting for. She will be taller and more athletic.
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How to ride without steps
However, the Xray Cross is also capable of off-road feats - the installation of a CVT did not affect the ground clearance; here it is still 215 mm. Suspension settings allow you to take on obstacles while moving. The torque converter will protect the continuously variable transmission from jerking when driving over uneven surfaces and will help you climb steep hills.
Lada
Photo: LADA
AvtoVAZ has released a new version of the Lada Granta with sports suspension
Since the Japanese 1.6 engine is aluminum and lightweight, the Xray Cross with it and the CVT turned out to be not much heavier than the version with the Russian 1.8 engine and “mechanics”. So the suspension settings have not been changed, and it still pleases with good energy consumption.
However, on the asphalt it seemed to me that the steering wheel was not as clear in the near-zero zone as in a car with a manual transmission. Although with increasing speed this disadvantage disappears. And the Xray Cross is devoid of slips during acceleration typical of front-wheel drive cars - the wheel drives here are of the same length.
Lada Xray Cross with a CVT has passed a full cycle of southern, northern and mountain tests from Siberia to the Caucasus. The minimum mileage of each car was 160 thousand km, which is one and a half times more than the warranty mileage.
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17-inch alloy wheels are available as standard
Photo: LADA
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The steering wheel is adjustable for reach. Starting from the Luxe version, it is trimmed in leather
Photo: LADA
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The interior can be trimmed with orange inserts
Photo: LADA
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The new multimedia system supports iOS and Android devices
Photo: LADA
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You can call the voice assistant using the button on the steering wheel
Photo: LADA
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The cruise control button is located in an unusual place, on the left of the panel
Photo: LADA
Lada
In addition to the heated steering wheel and seats, the Xray Cross has a heated windshield
Photo: LADA
Lada
There is only one USB socket in the back row
Photo: LADA
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Tall passengers will like the back row of the Cross version more - here you can put your feet under the front seats
Photo: LADA
Lada
With the seats folded down, trunk volume increases from 361 to 1,514 liters. The folding backrest of the front passenger seat allows you to transport long items
Photo: LADA
Lada
The same 1.6 engine was previously installed on the regular Xray and developed 110 hp. For economic reasons, it was replaced with a Russian unit with a capacity of 106 hp.
Photo: LADA
AvtoVAZ will release Lada Vesta with a CVT
Representatives of AvtoVAZ claim that the oil in the variator is designed for the entire period of operation. Maintenance comes down to monitoring the oil level using a dipstick. Although for Renaults with the same transmission it is recommended to change the oil every 70 thousand. In any case, if treated with care, the service life of the variator is comparable to that of a classic automatic transmission.
Review of LADA XRAY Cross: great capabilities of the new crossover
After the official presentation of the new LADA XRAY Cross model at the Moscow International Motor Show, the car immediately aroused great interest. True, some journalists were quite skeptical about it, considering the premiere a purely marketing ploy. And how wrong were those who thought that this was just another hatchback trying to become an SUV!
Naturally, the first thing that catches your eye when you look at the new LADA XRAY Cross crossover is the black plastic body kit around the car. How organically it fits into the overall design of the car. This body kit is like the finishing touches on an almost completed canvas, putting everything in its place. In general, the new cross version looks impressive and original, more brutal than the regular XRAY.
Of course, plastic serves not only a decorative function - it is needed to protect the body from scratches and chips when driving on dirt roads and off-road. Despite the lack of all-wheel drive, this purely urban crossover also feels quite confident off-road, since its ground clearance is no small 215 mm. So with this car you don’t have to worry about hitting the bumper on the curb when parking.
The bumpers have also changed; gray linings have appeared on them, which give a slight gloss of sportiness and utilitarianism to the car. There are roof rails on the roof, as a sign that the car is aimed at active drivers who like to get out of town and carry a lot of things with them. The overall design is complemented by 17-inch wheels shod in Continental ContiCrossContact LX2 all-season tires (size 215/50). By the way, these are unique tires made to special order for AvtoVAZ. There are other less noticeable features that aren't included in the stock version, such as the shark fin antenna or the LED taillights.
LADA XRAY Cross cannot be called small. Its body length is 4,171 mm, width - 1,810 mm, height - 1,645 mm, wheelbase - 2,592 mm. The weight of the car with such dimensions is small - only 1,300 kg. Especially for the “Cross” package, a new color called “Amber” was added to the palette - an orange metallic. AvtoVAZ chief designer Steve Mattin explained that it is in this color that the X-design he developed looks most advantageous. In addition, this color contrasts perfectly with the plastic obo. True, you will have to pay 12 thousand rubles extra for a bright color, just like on any other LADA model.
By Cross standards, the trunk is not the most impressive, its volume is 361 liters, but it is quite consistent with its class. All the necessary driver's things can be folded into a large organizer, which is hidden under the raised floor. The backrest of the rear sofa folds in a ratio of two to one, which allows you to increase the volume of the luggage compartment.
XRAY Cross, just like the regular version, received the rear sofa cushion moved back by 2.5 cm, which made it possible to add some free space in front of the passengers’ knees. In general, the appearance and interior decoration of the XRAY Cross have changed quite a lot. Basic trim levels have simple black fabric upholstery, while richer versions have a black and orange trim.
Orange inserts appeared not only on the seats, but also on the dashboard, and on the front and rear door trims. Painted plastic adds freshness to the interior. The front seats have changed quite a lot; tangible lateral support has appeared, which will prevent the driver’s back from swaying when making sharp turns. The backrest of the front passenger seat can now be folded forward. It turns out very convenient, on the back sofa we fold the right (short) part of the backrest, fold the backrest of the front seat, and you can load long things into the car, for example, skis or building materials. At the same time, three people can comfortably ride in the car, because now in the “luxury” trim levels there is even a heated rear sofa, and the heated front seats have become three levels, and there is even a heated steering wheel.
LADA XRAY Cross is a unique car in its own way; it is the only one on the B0 platform that has a steering wheel that is adjustable for reach, and not just for tilt angle. A tall driver can sit comfortably behind the wheel. Among the useful little things, one can note a wide armrest with a box inside and a USB charger for passengers sitting in the back. There is a plastic drawer hidden under the front passenger seat cushion. Sound insulation has obviously been added, as the cabin has become noticeably quieter.
But the most noticeable and mysterious detail in the interior of the “cross” version of XRAY was, of course, the control puck for the LADA Ride Select system. With its help, you can switch between five vehicle driving modes. You can select between "ESC on", "ESC off", "Sport", "Snow/Mud" and "Sand". Switching to the “Sport” position makes the car more noticeably responsive to pressing the gas pedal, the stabilization system loosens its grip a little and the car can even be put into a slight skid. Overtaking trucks on the highway in this mode is a pleasure. Pseudo-off-road modes simulate differential locking, slightly braking the front wheels. Of course, the LADA Ride Select system is not capable of replacing all-wheel drive, but driving with it is much more comfortable than with just front-wheel drive.
XRAY Cross is quite a fun car to drive. Its 1.8-liter engine with a capacity of 122 horses is quite playful and provokes this whole herd of horses to spur. The crossover accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 11–12 seconds. Dealers will soon have a version with a modified AMT robot, but it may not be as good as with a manual transmission. According to the passport, the average fuel consumption is stated at 7.5 liters, but if you drive the car, it will be around 12.5 liters per 100 km.
The car stands well on the road, thanks to the installed different springs and shock absorbers, as well as L-shaped arms with a stabilizer bar. Rear disc brakes from Vesta help to stop quickly even from high speeds. Steering is very easy, from lock to lock - less than three turns.
Lada XRAY Cross will be available to customers in five trim levels - “Classic”, “Classic Optima”, “Comfort”, “Luxe” and “Luxe Prestige”. The initial “Classic” package will cost 729,900 rubles. It includes front airbags, LED daytime running lights, ABS, EBD, ESC, TCS, HSA systems, but for some reason there is no air conditioning or radio. But they are already available in the “Classic Optima” configuration for 766,900 rubles. The “Comfort” package will cost 809,900 rubles; the LADA Ride Select system and imitation differential lock, as well as a parking radar will already be available. In the “Luxe” version the car will cost 859,900 rubles. Here, among other things, there are fog lights with a turning light function, rain and light sensors, cruise control, and instead of air conditioning, climate control. The fattest version “Luxe Prestige” will cost 888,900 rubles. The interior features LED interior lighting, tinted rear windows, a rear view camera and a multimedia system with a 7-inch screen.
