What kind of box does the Lada X Ray have?

Long test drive: Lada XRAY Cross

To be honest, my soul did not accept the VAZ XRAY. More precisely, I didn’t understand. Since its inception in 2020. No, I, of course, felt the logic of the car’s creators: today every automaker needs to have its own crossover. Any marketer will confirm this to you - both in Tolyatti and Maranello. This is how the automotive world of the 21st century works. And “Niva”, in any of its manifestations, was not suitable for this role - it was rather rude. She has her own path, her own destiny.

As a result, while the Italians are dragging their feet with the Ferrari crossover (guys, Urus is skimming the cream off the market in the meantime!), the first “Russian crossover” is being churned out in Tolyatti with might and main. And quotation marks are more appropriate here than anywhere else. XRAY is a purely front-wheel drive car, without off-road assistants (at first even ESP was not turned off, which is nonsense for an SUV). And who will be surprised by the ground clearance and engine protection? So any “Kalina” can be called a crossover.

And XRAY, in essence and in its filling, is a slightly modified Renault Sandero Stepway, a car of French origin and not the most advanced design. And who, it would seem, needs such a Lada - with an imported name and a “foreign” price tag? Except for marketers, of course.

In general, XRAY, as they say, did not work for me. Although this Russian-French car is selling better than its parents - both the Sandero and the Grants! But now there is Lada XRAY Cross - an expanded and corrected version of the “X”. A crossover that I can probably do without quotes.

I definitely already like this XRAY. There is still no all-wheel drive and, obviously, there won't be any. But in the interior there is a puck with a snowflake and other off-road symbols - it changes the electronics settings and helps in the fight against yard off-road. Tested for myself. And where you regret the lack of rear wheel drives, the solution is a really high ground clearance (215 mm - more than the old Niva!) - you just have to get out! XRAY Cross jumps over potholes and ruts like an elastic ball - the suspension is still impenetrable.

In addition to the Cross prefix and a nice plastic body kit, almost everything in the Xray chassis was changed in Togliatti. At the front there are shock absorbers with springs, levers, a stabilizer and even steering knuckles (shared by Vesta Cross). There are disc brakes at the rear, and the steering wheel has pure electrics instead of an electro-hydraulic power steering.

The multimedia is French, and it is better than on Vesta. There is even a camera that Renault only has as an accessory!

Perhaps my main complaint about the steering wheel is that the force on it is too “rubbery” and unnatural. But off-road, the steering wheel doesn’t hurt your hands. And with an electric booster, it is adjustable in two directions - and sitting in a VAZ crossover is much more comfortable than in a Sandero.

In general, after a month of testing, XRAY Cross is perceived as a kind of “working on the mistakes” of Renault ergonomics. The seats are thick (but the leather is too “artificial”), the instrument panel with orange scales is readable better than the original French one. Everything is heated, including the back seat. And the trunk is completely business class: small, but with a hard raised floor, cargo loops and even a 12 V socket!

But the main thing is that the car drives well. VAZ has adjusted the settings of the 1.8-liter engine, now it pulls confidently at the bottom (especially if you turn on the “Sport” mode). The XRAY turns without excitement, but quite willingly - and if desired, it can even wag its tail. Stability in a straight line, comfort – everything is at the level. What initially looked like a marketing plug turned out to be a really good car, for which you wouldn’t mind paying 900,000 rubles. Not without its drawbacks, of course: the engine is noisy (but you can hear the tires less than in other “premium” models!), and the French gearbox does not shift very clearly. And many people probably want a normal automatic machine.

Are we waiting for XRAY with some other prefix to the name?

Problems with LADA XRAY engines.

Motorists note that thanks to the modifications, the operation of the 21129 power unit has become more stable compared to its predecessors. However, the entire set of problems could not be solved:

• The main drawback remains with the modified engine - the valve continues to bend when the timing belt breaks;
• The problems of unstable idle speed and starting a cold engine are not so pronounced, but sometimes they appear. Often the solution is achieved by testing and adjusting the electronics and reflashing.
• The increasing complexity of the solutions used by the ECU has also brought some negative effects - throttle valve malfunctions are observed when the electronic gas pedal is operating.

Not everything is going smoothly with unit 21179. During life tests and during operation, motorists complain about:

• Oil consumption on new Lada XRay cars is extremely high. The issue has not been resolved; the manufacturer's technical services claim that consumption will decrease with longer use (this actually happens).
• More than 20% of buyers had to replace a burst cooling system expansion tank. There were no such cases in configurations with a 1600 cc engine.
• Minor (not affecting the operation of systems) failures with complex electronics are common, in particular, various indicators light up (for no serious reason). There is no official decision yet.
• Car owners also complain about the operation of the phase shifter.

Even the H4M-K, perfected to the smallest detail, brings surprises:

• Difficulty starting in cold weather. In addition, a running unit may stall. The manufacturer recognizes this unpleasant feature.
• The engine stalls in any mode. The problem is with the quality of the ignition unit relay (even a batch of cars was recalled). Replacement fixes the problem.
• A whistling noise appears during operation. The phenomenon is ordinary, the cause is weakening or wear of the alternator belt.

Video with a short review.

Lada X Ray “Behind the wheel” - reviews and test drive from industry experts

Performance Evaluation

Assessment of the body exterior and interior

Convenience and safety rating

A test drive from the magazine “Behind the Wheel” for the Lada XRay in video format, performed by Maxim Pastushenko, is a great way to get an assessment from an independent expert for this car model. Many domestic car enthusiasts will be interested and useful to know the pros and cons of the proposed model and its characteristics before going to a car dealership, since the “tall hatchback”, released on February 14, 2020, has already gained popularity.

Watch the video test drive with the AMT gearbox from Lisa:

We understand the features of manual gearboxes from the Renault-Nissan alliance for the new Russian compact crossover.

Today, future owners of LADA XRAY are offered to purchase a car in two versions: a foreign set with an engine from the Renault-Nissan H4M alliance (1.6 l. 110 hp) and a French manual gearbox JH3, a Russian version with a new engine 21179 (1.8 l. 122 hp) produced by JSC AVTOVAZ and an automated mechanical transmission LADA. A little later, official dealers will have a symbiosis of our engine 21129 (1.6 l. 106 hp) and the foreign JR5 gearbox of the Renault-Nissan alliance, which is already used on LADA Vesta cars.

General points

In this material we will look at the differences between the JH3 and JR5 manual transmissions, which are provided for the new compact crossover. Both gearboxes are largely identical in design, but differ in clutch release units, gear ratios in the box, gear shift mechanisms and passenger comfort. Both one and the other gearbox for XRAY are made using a two-shaft design and have synchronizers for all forward gears, which are combined with the differential and final drive. A 3-cone synchronizer is used for first and second gears. For the third, fourth and fifth, conventional synchronizers are used. All boxes have foolproof protection and block the engagement of reverse gear while moving forward. Both boxes are filled with gear oil during production, the service life of which is equal to the service life of the entire car. Therefore, it is not replaced during scheduled vehicle maintenance.

Visual differences

The clutch release unit of the JHZ gearbox is a cable switch connected to the clutch pedal. The JR5 transmission clutch release assembly is a hydraulic slave cylinder. The working cylinder is connected by a pipeline to the main cylinder, the rod of which is acted upon by the clutch pedal. The JNZ gearbox is controlled using a rigid rod, and the JR5 gearbox is controlled using two flexible cables. As a result, engaging the gears of a gearbox designed for a Russian engine will be more comfortable than it is with a gearbox for an Alliance engine. This will especially noticeably affect the switching principle itself, which will be easier and without the clicking characteristic of boxes with traction control. The advantage of the JH3 gearbox will only be revealed at high speeds. The larger gear ratios of 3,4, 5 speeds allow the car to pick up speed faster and, as a result, overtake faster. In terms of maximum speed, this gearbox also outperforms the JR5 gearbox for the Russian engine. The maximum speed with the Russian unit will be lower by 5 km/h. But the number of engine revolutions at the same speed for a pair with JR5 will be lower.

In terms of fuel consumption, according to the passport data, the pair Renault-Nissan H4M (1.6 l. 110 hp) and the French manual gearbox JH3 will be more economical than our engine 21129 (1.6 l. 106 hp) and the foreign gearbox JR5 of the Renault alliance -Nissan. According to the data presented on the official LADA website, consumption in the combined cycle will be less by 0.5 liters, and on the highway by 0.3 liters. The differences in fuel consumption are not so great, and if the owner is interested in lower vibration loads on the gearbox lever and easier gear shifting, then his choice will be a kit with a Russian engine and a French gearbox. Another important factor will be the price of T.O. Components for a domestic unit are cheaper than similar parts for a foreign counterpart.

Lada X Ray mechanics - this is how one of the versions of the updated Lada Xray crossover can be called. The fact is that the updated car can now boast a new combination of a 1.8-liter engine with a power of 122 hp. and manual transmission. In addition, you can now disable the ESP system on the Lada Xray. We tried all this on a test drive.

There is no point in getting to know the Lada Xray crossover again. In one year, it was distributed throughout the country with a circulation of more than 20,000 pieces. Without waiting for restyling, VAZ workers began to improve their cars. The windshield washer nozzles on all cars were replaced; the old ones could leak. Replaced coolant expansion tanks. We changed the firmware of the 1.8-liter engine, added new paint options and interior colors. But the most important thing: a new version has appeared, and we tested it on it.

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Performance Evaluation

To create a real test drive of the 2016 Lada XRay, special correspondents from the magazine “Behind the Wheel” used two fundamentally different car models with different power units for testing.

The first is a medium option, designed for minimal fuel consumption, a 1.6-liter Japanese engine with a capacity of 110 horsepower produced by Nissan, combined with a five-speed Euro manual transmission from the Renault concern. The second car, which was provided to the team of correspondents, is equipped with a 122-horsepower, 1.8-liter VAZ-21179 engine. This engine is combined with a 5-speed robotic automatic transmission (AMT), its peculiarity is that it consists exclusively of domestically produced components.

Cars with the maximum configuration were selected for consideration in order to demonstrate what AvtoVAZ is capable of today.

Already at the very beginning of the testing, the true weight of the Lada X-Ray became clear. Even fairly powerful power units, which provided the previous model (Lada Vesta) with significantly greater speed with its fairly large curb weight, did not perform at their best - especially when it was necessary to climb up a slippery slope.

Of course, the Lada X-Ray model, equipped with a 1.8-liter engine, showed significantly better cross-country ability. However, the presenter complained about the operation of the domestic automatic transmission - in many situations it behaves incorrectly. For example, when going uphill, it automatically resets the gear, depriving the engine of the necessary power. In such situations, the variator had to be switched to manual control mode. AMT also showed its “character” on a flat track: the automatic transmission was two to three seconds late in switching to a new speed. This has a negative impact on driving dynamics and acceleration during overtaking maneuvers. The presenter admitted that he was scared to imagine how the basic XRay model, equipped with a much weaker engine, would behave in this situation. However, the fact that the model successfully passed factory tests indicates that the Lada X-Ray, equipped with a weak power unit, would perform worthy.

What gearboxes are installed on X-Ray

The choice is not very large - the manufacturer offered only two options in the line of available transmissions. However, the proposed types of boxes are quite capable of meeting the needs of any domestic driver.

Available for this model are: a five-speed robotic gearbox - AMT and a five-speed manual transmission. What they are needs to be explained in more detail.

5-speed manual transmission

A manual gearbox for the Lada XRay, according to many experts, will become one of the most popular vehicle equipment options. The manual transmission will be a French development, successfully used by the Renault concern, which in turn was provided to equip many Renault and AvtoVAZ models. The tall Lada XRay hatchback with front-wheel drive was no exception. This box shows good results and works like a clock.

The service life and resource of the box, previously used by the French manufacturer to equip the second generation Renault Logan, do not raise any doubts about its quality and durability. It is quite unpretentious to use and rarely requires major repairs.

Previously, this manual transmission was already successfully used in the assembly of the Lada Vesta, which was released for sale in November 2020. As reviews from Vesta buyers show, this unit does not cause any complaints in operation, so it will be a worthy choice for every Lada X-Ray buyer.

The only question that a potential buyer may have is some imbalance in the power of the motor. For some reasons, the designers created quite strict frameworks when assembling power units, so the manual transmission is used only in conjunction with two not very powerful engines. The Russian VAZ-21129 engine (1.6 liters, 106 horsepower) and the Japanese H4Mk (1.6 liters, 110 horsepower) are weaker than the VAZ-21179 engine (1.8 liters, 122 hp), which is only available with AMT. For example, in the most budget version of X Ray, the power is 106 hp. may not be sufficient to provide the required vehicle dynamics.

5-speed robotic automatic transmission (AMT)

As for the automatic transmission, AvtoVAZ used its own development – ​​a robotic five-speed transmission with the ability to “intercept” control into manual mode. It will be possible to use the “robot” proposed by the developer to equip the Lada XRay only in the configuration of the power unit together with the VAZ-21179 engine, which has a volume of 1.8 liters and a rated power of 122 hp.

You can learn in more detail about how exactly the automatic transmission of a domestic manufacturer functions in numerous videos that were created by both independent experts and journalists from major automotive publications. In general, the performance of the variator was considered quite good, taking into account the latest adjustments from the manufacturer.

The disadvantages of AMT include the tendency to automatically downshift when climbing a steep slope. If the car begins to reduce power, there is a risk of losing momentum when overtaking on this hill (despite the built-in electronic stability control). The incorrect setting of the traction control system, which muffled engine speed when the load-bearing front wheels slipped, also contributed to this misunderstanding. Since these nuances were noticed during the first test drives, there is hope that the manufacturer corrected these shortcomings in time. As a last resort, it is recommended to take over manual control by switching the variator.

The second nuance is common to all automatic transmissions. One way or another, the electronics “slows down” a little with upshifts or downshifts, so there are some delays in the operation of the mechanism. An experienced driver with manual transmission control will receive significantly better vehicle acceleration performance than even the most advanced automatic.

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.

Convenience and safety rating

Of course, the main purpose of the test drive of the Lada X-Ray by the magazine “Behind the Wheel” was to check the convenience and safety of this model. Both points raised virtually no questions. All seat belts and both integral airbags (driver and front passenger) are present and functioning properly (only the airbag shutoff mechanism was tested when the front passenger is not present).

In terms of convenience, the result is absolutely the same. All the necessary manipulators for controlling the car’s electronics (electric side mirrors, power windows, audio system, radio, climate control, on-board computer) are located in places convenient for the driver and passengers, and you don’t need to be distracted from driving to find them. The driver's seat is easily adjustable in height and tilt; The steering column can also be adjusted, although the adjustment mechanism is unusual to use.

The model’s trunk raised questions – its volume is only 310 liters. It may not be enough for a large family, but when traveling as a couple, the folding rear bench seats can easily increase the cargo volume to 1,200 liters.

Some problems also arose with the vehicle's built-in electronic motion control systems. In some situations, they do not work quite correctly (the traction control system dampens engine speed even when going uphill, which is fraught, and the exchange rate stability system is oversensitive). Considering the impossibility of manually turning them off or manually setting convenient parameters, you will have to come to terms with this - or wait for AvtoVAZ to correct these shortcomings.

Overall, the car was considered very good, even taking into account how much it costs. It is worth noting that both power units considered are already available in the “Comfort” configuration - a buyer who wants to save money will not have to put up with a too weak VAZ-21129 engine. It should be recalled that the basic configuration of the model costs 589 thousand rubles, and to purchase the minimum versions with a 1.6-liter Japanese and 1.8-liter VAZ engine, you will have to overpay only 39 and 64 thousand rubles, respectively.

What do owners say about the Lada Xray transmission: pros and cons

Drivers who purchased this version of the Lada identified a number of shortcomings.

Test drive Lada Xray 2020

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.

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.

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.

Engines and configurations.

According to information on the official Lada website, the “high hatchback” (this is how the manufacturer positions the model, although in the price lists and technical specifications prepared for download for a car made in the SUV style, the term “crossover” is used) is equipped with:

• Power units of our own design VAZ-21129 and VAZ-21179 (volume 1.6 and 1.8 liters, power 106 and 122 hp, respectively);
• 5-speed manual transmission VAZ-2187 and automated mechanical transmission (“robot”) VAZ-2187 (both transmissions are modifications of the VAZ-2180 gearbox, developed by the company’s specialists together with the ZF company).

Depending on the combination of these components and additional equipment, the manufacturer offers Lada Xray configurations:

• Optima (106 horsepower engine, 5 manual gearbox);
• Optima/Air Conditioner (both engine and transmission options);
• Comfort (equipped with both power units and gearboxes);
• Luxe:
• Luxe Prestige (in both trim levels a choice similar to that offered for Comfort is available);
• Exclusive (a more powerful 122-horsepower engine is installed in combination with a manual or automatic transmission).

Previously, Renault JH3 mechanical transmissions were used on the X-ray, but for economic reasons and the desire to increase the degree of localization of the model (although the JH3 is assembled at AvtoVAZ, the share of imported components is large) they refused to install them.

Since June 2020, the model has not been equipped with the H4M-K1/Renault-Nissan HR16DE engine (the exception was the limited edition “Lada Xray anniversary”).

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).

Test drive "Lada X-Ray"

The start of sales of the Lada X-Ray crossover, a new product in the Lada line of the AvtoVAZ concern, took place on February 14, 2020. In 2020, almost 8 thousand cars were sold, each of which was sold to regions of the Russian Federation, where it is used in a variety of conditions.

This period of presence of the crossover on Russian roads allowed thousands of Lada XRay owners to conduct an individual test drive to evaluate its advantages and identify shortcomings, since testing in real conditions is the best way to assess the degree to which the technical characteristics of the car correspond to the facts. At the same time, only a set of tests can give the most objective picture - a test drive of the Lada X Ray in various conditions on models of different configurations. To have an idea of ​​what AvtoVAZ is capable of, let’s look at the test results of two XRay crossovers with different engines – HR16DE and VAZ-21179.

Let's start with a review of the components common to the car, regardless of the configuration of the internal combustion engine.

What will please you with the automatic robotic gearbox from the Lada X Rey and what is special about it?

Lada X Ray is a high, compact class B hatchback, which has five doors in its design. This is a front-wheel drive car that has good maneuverability for driving around the city.

For strategic reasons of AvtoVAZ, the Lada X-Ray was equipped with an AMT instead of an automatic transmission. The first reaction of car enthusiasts in this regard was negative, but later in practice the robot proved its worth and met the expectations of management, earning trust and an excellent reputation among car owners. The Lada Xray is equipped with a Russian-made robot, which was able to surpass its foreign counterparts in quality.

The robotic transmission found on the Lada Xray has electronic components built into it that compensate for the clutch. German actuators are installed in the new box, and the clutch is manufactured by VALEO, a world-famous company. The robot operates in “automatic” and “manual” modes.

Characteristic features of the robot installed on X-Rey:

• there is protection against incorrect switching;
• availability of automatic/manual modes;
• Xray with such a transmission allows for fast acceleration;
• there is a gear reset mode;
• low fuel consumption (about 6.5 liters in the city);
• low oil consumption;
• does not require warming up even at very low temperatures, you can immediately turn it on and go;
• the automatic transmission installed on the Xray independently adapts to the driver’s driving style, while normalizing fuel consumption and increasing ride comfort;
• the robot lever on the Xray does not create vibrations, the box operates silently;
• thanks to the robot, the Lada Xray can tow other cars and transport trailers;
• Automatic gears shift quickly, without jerking or various twitches.

Paired with a CVT is the well-known Nissan engine with the H4MK index. It is installed on the Lada X-Ray, starting in December 2020, paired with a manual transmission. During operation, it performed well without any problems.

Why is this particular engine used for the new transmission? The answer is simple: because this engine-variator pair has already been used on many cars. There was no need to make any upgrades or modifications, as would be the case if a VAZ engine was used. It is always easier to use a ready-made solution than to invent something completely new.

1. The engine displacement is 1.6 liters.
2. Number of valves – 16.
3. The highest torque is 152 N*m.
4. Power – 114 l. With.
5. The stated acceleration time from zero to 100 km/h is 12.8 s.

The cylinder block is made of aluminum, and not of cast iron, as is the case with VAZ engines. Solid cast iron sleeves are installed in the block. A cast aluminum alloy oil sump is used. The timing drive is chain driven, not belt driven. The valves are driven by mechanical pushers, and not by hydraulic compensators, as in VAZ engines.

From the factory, a decorative plastic mudguard is installed on the bottom of the Lada XRay automatic, which is better replaced with enhanced protection. When the variator oil sump is deformed, the oil intake of the valve body is inevitably damaged, which leads to oil starvation and failure of the variator transmission.

One very important change has been made to the design of the variator - an external aluminum radiator has been added. Why is this done? During intensive use, sudden acceleration and braking, the oil inevitably begins to heat up. As you know, lubricant temperature is an extremely important parameter for the life of an automatic transmission. It must be maintained within the optimal range.

To prevent and protect against overheating, the variator circuit is built into the engine cooling system. On all front-wheel drive Lada models, the wheel drives have different lengths, since the gearbox is shifted to the left. That is, the left drive is shorter, the right drive is longer. In the Lada X-Ray configuration with a CVT, due to the use of an intermediate shaft, the left and right wheel drives have the same length. They are completely interchangeable.

On the XRay Cross in this configuration, due to the fact that a new engine is used, a different exhaust gas system is installed. The location of the catalytic converter has been changed, which has reduced the noise of the running engine.

Body

The body design of the Lada X-Ray pleases the eye with its novelty and attracts attention with the unexpected VAZ emblem, but the embossed sides of the car, effectively profiled using the X-design, suggest problems in restoring the edges if damaged.

The steel of the body elements is of high quality - it does not bend when pressed by hand, but there are complaints about the assembly - upon careful examination, the difference in the size of the gaps is noticeable.

The trunk, although small by crossover standards, is spacious enough to fit a baby stroller and a couple more medium-sized travel bags. The trunk lid opens by pressing an electric drive button protected by a rubber sheath. There is a 12 V socket in the luggage compartment on the left, making it easy to use a car compressor to inflate tires. But the raised floor, the purpose of which is uncertain, is fragile and is pressed under load, so transportation of a significant weight of cargo must be carried out without it, and it is not clear where to temporarily place it along the way.

The ground clearance of 195 mm in combination with short overhangs suits the purpose of the car, but the reason for the lack of roof rails is unknown.

Also disappointing is the access to the unlocked compartment lid with the fuel tank neck that is not controlled by the driver.

Engine

Paired with a CVT is the well-known Nissan engine with the H4MK index. It is installed on the Lada X-Ray, starting in December 2020, paired with a manual transmission. During operation, it performed well without any problems.

Why is this particular engine used for the new transmission? The answer is simple: because this engine-variator pair has already been used on many cars. There was no need to make any upgrades or modifications, as would be the case if a VAZ engine was used. It is always easier to use a ready-made solution than to invent something completely new.

Characteristics:

1. The engine displacement is 1.6 liters.
2. Number of valves – 16.
3. The highest torque is 152 N*m.
4. Power – 114 l. With.
5. The stated acceleration time from zero to 100 km/h is 12.8 s.

The cylinder block is made of aluminum, and not of cast iron, as is the case with VAZ engines. Solid cast iron sleeves are installed in the block. A cast aluminum alloy oil sump is used. The timing drive is chain driven, not belt driven. The valves are driven by mechanical pushers, and not by hydraulic compensators, as in VAZ engines.

From the factory, a decorative plastic mudguard is installed on the bottom of the Lada XRay automatic, which is better replaced with enhanced protection. When the variator oil sump is deformed, the oil intake of the valve body is inevitably damaged, which leads to oil starvation and failure of the variator transmission.

Bottom view of the XRay CVT transmission
One very important change has been made to the CVT design - an external aluminum radiator has been added. Why is this done? During intensive use, sudden acceleration and braking, the oil inevitably begins to heat up. As you know, lubricant temperature is an extremely important parameter for the life of an automatic transmission. It must be maintained within the optimal range.

Read more: Removal of construction waste in Tver

To prevent and protect against overheating, the variator circuit is built into the engine cooling system. On all front-wheel drive Lada models, the wheel drives have different lengths, since the gearbox is shifted to the left. That is, the left drive is shorter, the right drive is longer. In the Lada X-Ray configuration with a CVT, due to the use of an intermediate shaft, the left and right wheel drives have the same length. They are completely interchangeable.

On the XRay Cross in this configuration, due to the fact that a new engine is used, a different exhaust gas system is installed. The location of the catalytic converter has been changed, which has reduced the noise of the running engine.

Optics

The headlights of the Lada X-Ray are block-shaped, separate for low and high beam.

During the test drive there were no complaints about their work, but the use of the fog lights was disappointing - they were clogged with snow, and cleaning did not bring results - the turned on fog lights did not affect the visibility and the degree of illumination of the road.

More about the checkpoint

Lada X-Ray has three gearboxes of the following modifications:

• mechanics JR5518 is a French-made five-speed transmission with multi-cone synchronizers;

mechanics JH3512 is a French-made manual gearbox with 5 gear levels;

• the VAZ-21827 robot is a Russian-made robotic transmission.

On the Lada X-Ray, manual transmissions are available in all vehicle configurations, from basic to top prestige. The robotic automatic machine on the Lada Xray is not available in all configuration options; it can only be obtained by purchasing Optima Comfort, Top and Top Prestige.

Interior

A review of the LadaXRay interior leaves a good impression. The seat fabric is of good quality, the rear seats are trimmed with a combination of fabric and leatherette, the plastic trim looks great, the heated front seats have a comfortable anatomical profile and are adjustable - the legs do not become numb even after several hundred kilometers, the steering column is equipped with height adjustment, the head unit monitor is large format.

The layout of the pedal assembly is successful - the size of the pedals and the distance between them make it possible not to cling to the gas pedal when pressing the brake (and vice versa) even in large shoes, and the clutch and brake pedals do not require excessive effort.

XRay performance characteristics

The Lada X-Ray suspension fully complies with Russian road conditions, is characterized by energy intensity and elasticity, and handles road defects of varying degrees well; punctures are present only when hitting potholes at speed.

Repeatedly accelerating the car to 160 km/h showed that the XRay holds the road well. The car, despite its decent height, almost does not react to gusts of side and head wind while driving.

Entering the “comb” at speeds above 90 km/h causes the rear part of the body to skid.

The crossover confidently takes sharp turns, indicating the normal operation of the ESP (electronic stability control) system and good suspension design. The steering wheel is “sharp” and informative, the degree of its responsiveness is pleasing, but there is a transmission of road irregularities to the steering wheel.

ESP interferes when driving through flat areas (there is a switch) covered with melted snow, but the same option helped to get out of a slippery knurled rut without the all-wheel drive desired in such cases.

The operation of the power steering when the car is stopped is almost inaudible, but the steering wheel turns quite heavily in place.

The brakes of the Lada X-Ray turned out to be excellent, despite the fact that the front are disc and the rear are drum. The brake pedal is responsive and does not require effort when pressed.

Version with HR16DE engine

“Lada X-Ray” with an economical Japanese HR16DE unit, combined with a 5-speed manual transmission from the manufacturer Renault, is an average version of the model, designed for minimal fuel consumption.

Main characteristics of H4MK:

• engine capacity – 1,598 cm³;
• cylinders – 4;
• power – 110 l. With.;
• dynamics – 11.2 seconds;
• Max. speed – 181 km/h;
• fuel - AI-92/95.

Until recently, this engine was equipped with the Lada X Ray of the Comfort, Top and Prestige trim levels, tests of which give equal results.

Advantages of this motor:

• gas distribution mechanism with chain drive;
• device for automatically changing valve timing;
• the presence of two injectors per cylinder, which increases power, improves efficiency and reduces idle speed.

The internal combustion engine does not have hydraulic compensators, so valve adjustment is necessary every 80 thousand km.

The engine works equally well on AI-92 and AI-95, the difference in dynamics, as well as in fuel consumption, when changing the octane number is insignificant. In 10-degree frost, gasoline consumption in the city was 9.6 liters, on the highway at the same temperature it was 8.2 liters.

The combination of the HR16DE with a reliable manual transmission allows you to feel confident on the track when overtaking. The transmission operates silently, the gears are switched on easily, and the shift lever is fixed clearly. One feature that attracts attention is that engaging first and reverse gears adds engine speed, and the car starts moving when the clutch pedal is released without pressing the gas.

This version of XRay is equipped with an anti-rollback function - it prevents the car from moving downhill for a few seconds when starting uphill, which makes it easier to manipulate the pedals.

The test drive of the car included a 10-hour overnight parking of the car in cold weather of 15 degrees, after which the engine started confidently on the first try.

Currently, the HR16DE engine is installed only on the limited edition anniversary version of the Lada X-Ray - 50 Anniversary, which makes this version of the car even more attractive.

LadaXRay with VAZ-21179 engine

The VAZ-21179 power unit is the most powerful VAZ engine; on the X-Ray it is installed in combination with a robotic automatic transmission (AMP).

Main characteristics of the VAZ-21179 internal combustion engine:

• engine capacity – 1,774 cm³;
• cylinders – 4;
• power – 122 l. With.;
• dynamics – 10.2 seconds;
• Max. speed – 187 km/h;
• fuel - AI-95.

The engine with AMP should only be started with the brake pedal pressed; this is even indicated by the warning icon displayed on the display.

To drive after warming up, it is not enough just to release the brake pedal - you need to press the gas; at idle speed the car is motionless.

The test drive was carried out on an X-Ray with a mileage of just over 3 thousand km, that is, run-in (the operating instructions indicate the need to run the car in the amount of 2 thousand km).

Those who are used to driving an automatic transmission need to get used to the operation of the AMP. Until a control algorithm is found and developed - gas balance in first and second gears, jerks when switching while driving are inevitable. If the shifts of a conventional automatic transmission can be accompanied by jolts, then with an AMT it seems like a complete loss of dynamics for 1-1.5 seconds, after which the movement continues. When a common language with the AMP is found, ride comfort is ensured. In addition, the robotic gearbox saves fuel consumption of the powerful VAZ-21179, allowing you to drive at low and medium engine speeds.

And yet the assessment of the transmission’s performance is ambiguous. Even the achieved smoothness of gearbox switching is liked by some, but irritated by others - due to delays that interfere with dynamic overtaking and force them to use tiptronic - to switch to mechanics. In addition, AMT does not have an anti-rollback function, and the start of movement on an uphill slope is in manual mode.

Characteristics of power units.

The engines intended for the Lada X-ray are also used on other AvtoVAZ models (Kalina 2, Priora, Granta, Vesta) and demonstrate reliability and a high level of performance indicators.

The VAZ engine 21129 was created as a modification of the famous engine 21127.

Among the important design changes that deserve attention:

• The use of flaps in the intake manifold that dynamically change its length. The result is obtaining an optimal mode at high and, partially, low.
• Replacing the mass air flow sensor with a pair that controls temperature and pressure. The modification is designed to improve control of the fuel-air mixture and eliminate instability at idle.
• Modernization of the exhaust system;
• Firmware change.

The latest improvements are designed to ensure compliance with Euro 5 emissions standards.

Design:

• The arrangement of the cylinders in the block is in-line;
• Installation – transverse;
• Number of cylinders – 4;
• Number of valves -16 (4 valves per cylinder);
• Cylinder diameter - 82 mm;
• Piston stroke - 75.6 mm;
• Working volume - 1596 cc;
• Compression ratio – 10.7.

Fuel and lubricants:

• Type – gasoline, atmospheric;
• Recommended fuel is unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 95 (for example, AI-95). Due to electronic settings, the use of 92 gasoline is allowed.
• Power supply – microprocessor-controlled injection system (injector);
• Amount of oil in the lubrication system – 3.5 l:
• Recommended lubricants - viscosity class according to SAE J30, depending on winter temperature, for most Russian territories - 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40.
• Oil consumption – 0.3% of fuel consumption.
• Fuel consumption on a Lada Xray with 5-speed manual gearbox per 100 km (urban / suburban / mixed cycle) - 9.3 / 5.9 / 7.0 l.

Traction characteristics:

• Power (max) – 78 kW / 106 hp. at a rotation speed of 5800 rpm.
• Torque (max) – 148 Nm at a rotation speed of 4200 rpm.

Dynamics for Lada X-ray with 5-speed manual transmission:

• Maximum speed 172 km/h;
• Acceleration time when starting from a standstill to 100 km/h is 11.7 s.

Resource - 200 thousand kilometers.

Despite all the positive reviews, the engine has a significant drawback - it is rather weak for a heavy X-ray, as fuel consumption and dynamics indicators clearly indicate.

As with the previous one, the prototype of the motor was the 21126/21127 series.

However, the power unit has undergone significant modifications:

• By increasing the radius of the crankshaft, the stroke of the pistons became longer, which, while maintaining the diameter of the cylinders, ensured an increase in working volume and power.
• Mahle valves are installed in the engine cylinder head.
• The throttle valve lost its mechanical drive (the gas pedal became electronic).
• The diameter of the collector inlet channels has increased to 39mm.

Design:

• The arrangement of the cylinders in the block is in-line;
• Installation – transverse;
• Number of cylinders – 4;
• Number of valves -16 (4 valves per cylinder);
• Cylinder diameter - 82 mm;
• Piston stroke - 84 mm;
• Displacement - 1774 cc;
• Compression ratio – 10.3.

• Type – gasoline, atmospheric;
• Recommended fuel is unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 92 (allowed due to additional electronic settings), 95 (recommended).
• Power supply – electronically controlled distributed injection system (injector);
• Amount of oil in the lubrication system – 4.1 l:
• As for the previous one, lubricants with viscosity class SAE J30 are recommended; depending on climatic conditions, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40 are used.
• Standard oil consumption is 0.3% of fuel consumption.
• Fuel consumption per 100 km (city/highway/combined cycle)

-In configurations with 5-speed manual transmission – 9.3/ 5.8/ 7.4 l.

-In configurations with 5AMT – 8.6/ 5.8/ 6.8 l.

• Power (max) – 90 kW / 122 hp. at a rotation speed of 6050 rpm.
• Torque (max) – 170 Nm at a rotation speed of 3700 rpm.

• Maximum speed 185 km/h;
• Acceleration time when starting from a standstill to 100 km/h is 10.4 s.

Dynamics indicators when equipped with a robotic gearbox:

• Maximum speed 186 km/h;
• Acceleration time – 12.3s.

Resource - 200 thousand km.

Engine H4M-K1.

The engine is an adapted version of the HR16DE power unit produced by the Renault-Nissan alliance. The model is well designed and has proven itself on many popular cars - Renault Duster and Captur, Nissan Tiida, Wingroad, Note, Qashqai, etc.

The modification produced by VAZ enterprises has less power - 110 hp. With.

This motor has several interesting features:

• The timing drive uses a chain;
• Classic adjustable valves are installed, not hydraulic compensators.
• Throttle valve – electronically controlled (“electronic gas pedal”);
• A pair of injectors, etc. are installed in the cylinders.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer found several reasons to refuse to continue using the excellent engine in the Lada Xray. The main ones

• The desire to reduce dependence on foreign supplies and increase the level of localization of domestic cars;
• Lack of production capacity - engines produced by VAZ are also installed on other Alliance models.

Characteristics of H4M-K1 – at a solid level

Design:

• The arrangement of the cylinders in the block is in-line;
• Installation – transverse;
• Number of cylinders – 4;
• Number of valves -16 (4 valves per cylinder);
• Cylinder diameter - 76 mm;
• Piston stroke - 88 mm;
• Displacement - 1598 cc;
• Compression ratio – 10.7.

• Type – gasoline, atmospheric;
• Recommended fuel is unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 92/95.
• Power supply – distributed injection with microprocessor control (injector);
• The amount of oil in the lubrication system is 4.6 (4.3 when replacing) l:
• Recommended lubricants are the same as for domestic models, viscosity class according to SAE J30, depending on climate - 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40.
• Oil consumption – 0.3% of fuel consumption.
• Fuel consumption on a Lada Xray with 5-speed manual gearbox per 100 km (urban / suburban / mixed cycle) - 8.9/ 6.8/ 5.6 l.

• Power (max) – 81 kW/ 110 hp. at a rotation speed of 5500 rpm.
• Torque (max) – 150 Nm at a rotation speed of 4000 rpm.

• Maximum speed 181 km/h;
• Acceleration time when starting from a standstill to 100 km/h is 11.1 s.