Comparison Renault Sandero Stepway vs Lada Xray

Although AvtoVAZ also has a Xray Cross version in its arsenal, it is more logical to compare Renault's Sandero Stepway with the usual version of a high hatchback. Despite the lack of crossover exterior parts, there isn't a huge technical difference between the Xray and the Xray Cross.

Stepway and Xray represent the compact hatchback segment with claims of crossover capability. In fact, these are quite high hatchbacks that allow you to confidently overcome Russian roads. Both machines are well adapted to local operating conditions. But who managed to create the best car is an open question for many.

General technical information

If you do not know whether to choose a Russian Lada Xray or a French Renault Sandero Stepway, it is worth comparing the two cars, studying their features, focusing on the strengths and weaknesses.

The production of a high hatchback or even a pseudo-crossover (SUV) from the domestic company AvtoVAZ started in December 2015. The pre-production version was shown at the end of the summer of 2014. Although the history of the model began with the first show of the conceptual version back in August 2012.

In fact, this is a hatchback, but it has an impressive ground clearance and shapes that make it possible to associate the car with an SUV. Therefore, it is not surprising that in 2018 they began to sell a cross-version of Xray Cross, adding appropriate solutions to the exterior.

The car is based on the B0 front-wheel drive platform, which AvtoVAZ took from the Renault-Nissan alliance. Independent front suspension with MacPherson struts. At the back there is a semi-independent structure and a torsion beam. Rack and pinion steering gear with electric booster. The front brakes are ventilated disc brakes, while the rear brakes are classic drum brakes.

Renault Sandero Stepway is already presented in its 2nd generation. Its presentation took place in August 2014 in Moscow. But sales started only in November of the same year. This is a cross-country hatchback. It can hardly be called a crossover. Something in between a SUV and just a tall hatchback.

The French pseudo-crossover is built on the basis of a conventional hatchback. Independent front suspension with MacPherson struts. Semi-independent torsion beam at the back. In a circle there are anti-roll bars. Stepway has a stiffer and stronger suspension than the previous generation. This made it possible to adapt the car to Russian conditions. Front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes. The rack and pinion steering gear is combined with a hydraulic booster. The basic version includes ABS and EBD.

Additionally, it is worth noting that Sandero Stepway has an anti-gravel factory coating on the bottom of the body, the use of mastic to close all joints and seams, the conclusion of the fuel line in plastic casings and steel protection for the engine crankcase. Even the Russian Xray model does not have this.

Exterior and external dimensions

In terms of design, the new generation of Stepway has become more attractive and interesting. This is no longer the boring hatchback that it used to be. Off-road body kits, which made it possible to add aggression and masculinity, favorably emphasize the image. The overall impression is good.

Externally, Lada Xray is definitely not losing. Nice, modern and quite fashionable car that is able to attract the attention of consumers of any age and gender. AvtoVAZ designers really managed to create a memorable image.

It is difficult to determine a favorite based on external data. But the fact is, both tall hatchbacks look decent. And especially considering the attitude towards the budget car category.

The dimensions of the Xray are as follows:

• length 4164 mm .;
• width 1764 mm .;
• height 1570 mm .;
• wheelbase 2592 mm.;
• ground clearance from 170 to 195 mm.

Sandero Stepway offers these numbers:

• length 4080 mm .;
• width 1757 mm .;
• height 1618 mm .;
• wheelbase 2589 mm.;
• ground clearance (clearance) 195 mm.

So far, you can see the parity between the two tall hatchbacks, made in the style of an SUV.

Interior and luggage compartment

The interior of Sandero Stepway is made in exact accordance with the interior decoration of Renault Sandero. The only difference is additional noise isolation. The materials used are practical, good quality plastic, not very hard. The salon is budgetary, but well thought out, with good ergonomics.

There is a lot of space in front, but in the back there is a slight lack of legroom for tall passengers. Since this is a subcompact class, this was to be expected.

The luggage compartment offers 320 liters. If you fold the back row, you get 1200 liters.

Xray's interior is quite modern and noble. The dashboard is informative, albeit without design frills. Top configurations create a pleasant impression. But in basic versions, everything is much simpler.

The interior of the Xray is made with a lot of hard plastic. The seats use a pleasant fabric. The front seats lack lateral support. The back sofa has a good profile, but about the same space as the Sandero. It will be comfortable for 2 passengers. Perhaps a little more. Here it is better to personally check the level of comfort.

When stowed, the luggage compartment holds 376 liters. When folding the rear row, a flat area with a volume of about 1382 liters is formed. The superiority of Lada in terms of dimensions in comparison with Sandero Stepway affects.

Motors, gearboxes and their capabilities

Choosing between the French Renault Sandero Stepway and the Russian Lada Xray is actually not so easy. The obvious superiority of Renault, contrary to the expectations of skeptics, is not observed.

In many ways, you can get an answer to this question by looking at the technical characteristics of the two cars.

AvtoVAZ prepared 3 engines for Xray. All of them are 4-cylinder and naturally aspirated, run on gasoline, and comply with Euro 5 environmental standards. The drive is exclusively front. Plus there are a couple of gearboxes.

• The initial 1.6-liter engine with a 16-valve timing is considered. It produces 106 horsepower and 148 Nm of torque. Combines only with a 5-speed automatic transmission. From zero to hundreds, the car accelerates in 11.9 seconds. The maximum speed with this engine is 170 km / h. In the combined cycle, 7.5 liters of fuel are required to overcome 100 kilometers.
• The middle engine is from Renault-Nissan. It is also a 16-valve unit with a volume of 1.6 liters and a timing chain drive. It produces 114 horsepower and 153 Nm of torque. It is completed with a 5-speed manual transmission. The increase in power and torque made it possible to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 10.3 seconds. The maximum speed increased to 171 km / h, and fuel consumption fell to 6.9 liters in the combined cycle.
• The top engine is the development of AvtoVAZ. This is a 1.8-liter internal combustion engine with 122 horses and 173 Nm. The gearbox can be 5-speed manual or robotic. With a robot, it accelerates to hundreds in 10.9 seconds. at a maximum speed of 183 km / h. Fuel consumption is about 7.1 liters per 100 km. With mechanics, sprints take about 10.5 seconds. at the same maximum speed.

Not bad enough, especially for a domestic car.

In order to determine what is better and more effective in the confrontation between Lada Xray and Renault Sandero, you should look into the engine compartment of the latter.

Currently, the updated 2nd generation Sandero Stepway is offered with 3 engines and 2 gearboxes. These are the same internal combustion engines, then in the case of the usual Renault Sandero.

• For the role of the base engine, an atmospheric engine with a 1.6-liter 8-valve timing belt was presented. It produces a modest 82 horsepower and 134 Nm of torque. Combines with 5-speed manual transmission.
• Further down the hierarchy is another 1.6-liter aspirated, but already 16-valve. Works in tandem with an automatic transmission. The motor generates 102 horsepower and 145 Nm.
• A 1.6-liter engine and 16 valves with a return of 113 horsepower and 152 Nm is considered the top-end. Works in conjunction with a 5-speed manual. There is also a CVT variator box to choose from.

In terms of the dynamics component, the car is not very impressive. Although it is not necessary to expect another from Renault Sandero Stepway. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes 10.5 to 12.3 seconds. The maximum speed varies from 165 to 178 km / h. The fuel consumption will be from 7.0 to 7.6 liters per 100 km. paths depending on engine and gearbox used.

Security and manageability

It is still difficult to decide which is preferable to choose - the domestic Lada Xray or the French Renault Sandero Stepway. Therefore, an additional comparison should be made in the component of machine safety and controllability. Here Sandero and Xray demonstrate largely equal opportunities, and with a plus sign.

In terms of safety and the level of performance of the body, AvtoVAZ has taken a big step forward. These are no longer the domestic models that were produced literally 3-5 years ago. Yes, there is something to work on and where to strive. But the work is going in the right direction.

There is no expected total advantage of the Frenchman over the Russian car. Although the fact of using the platform from Nissan-Renault to create the Xray played an important role here. The presence of airbags, a pseudo-SUV equipment with safety systems and a fairly strong body allow the Xray to be approximately on par with the Sandero Stepway.

As for handling, the power steering on the Stepway outperforms the Xray electric power steering in terms of steering response at high enough speeds. Sandero turned out to be somewhat more maneuverable and obedient. There are no particular complaints about Lada, but I would like a sharper reaction. Otherwise, everything is done at a decent level.

There is almost complete parity here, but with a slight superiority of the French high hatchback.

Service costs

The thesis that domestic cars are the simplest and cheapest to maintain is gradually losing its relevance. This can be clearly seen on the example of comparing Lada Xray and Renault Sandero Stepway of a new generation sample.

You can do a little experiment here using the Operational Cost Calculator. For this, general parameters will be set:

• basic, simplest complete set;
• operation in the city of Moscow;
• the average mileage per year is about 12 thousand kilometers;
• the cost of one liter of fuel is 45 rubles.

If we start from these data, then about 60 thousand rubles will be spent on the maintenance of the high hatchback Lada Xray per year. Of these, 50 thousand will be required for fuel, and another 10 thousand are needed for OSAGO. Only here the cost of maintenance, unscheduled repairs, the purchase of consumables, etc. is not taken into account.

Now the same input applies to the Renault Sandero. OSAGO will cost about 9 thousand rubles. At the same time, fuel costs are almost identical. As a result, a little less than 60 thousand rubles a year.

These are conditional figures, since the real cost of maintenance and service depends on many factors.

The cost of spare parts and consumables is slightly lower for AvtoVAZ products, which is understandable. But other things being equal, Xray will probably need to be serviced more often. Still, the resource and the level of reliability are slightly lower in comparison with Sandero Stepway. And it directly depends on the person in Lada, his attitude to the car.

Options and prices

The French pseudo-SUV Sandero Stepway is offered in several equipment options, as well as its conditional competitor in the person of Lada Xray. From the start, the usual Xray high hatchback is slightly cheaper than the Xray Cross crossover version.

To compare the two cars, it is worth taking the Stepway and the usual Xray without the Cross attachment as a basis.

Lada Xray is offered in the following trim levels:

• Standart.
• Classic.
• Comfort.
• Luxe.
• Luxe Prestige.

If you do not take into account all sorts of promotions, discounts and special offers, but look at the net value, then the prices for Lada start at 615 thousand rubles. The starting price of the average level of equipment is 740 thousand rubles. For the top version, you will have to pay from 850 thousand rubles.

For comparison, Xray Cross costs from 760 thousand rubles, and the richest version starts at 972 thousand rubles, confidently approaching a million.

Renault Sandero Stepway has only 4 configurations:

• Life.
• Life City.
• Drive.
• Drive City.

The minimum car from the French automaker can be taken for 740 thousand rubles. Medium configurations cost 820-840 thousand, while the most saturated version will cost at least 923 thousand rubles.

And here a natural question arises as to whether it is worth overpaying for the basic version of the Sandero, if the average Xray configuration is available for the same money. More likely no than yes.

The most optimal version looks like Drive, where for the amount of 820 thousand rubles there is already a remote engine start, climate control, cruise control and a multimedia system. The gadgets of the top version may seem superfluous to many, and some will not want to overpay for them.

Who to give preference to

To make a final decision and make a choice, a number of requirements should be presented, personal wishes and personal preferences should be taken into account.

It was not possible to identify an obvious favorite in this confrontation. Therefore, it is impossible to say what to choose and which car is much better than the other. Each of them has its own strengths and weaknesses. Xray turned out to be more roomy and spacious. Although the salon is made of inexpensive materials, like the interior of the Sandero Stepway, it was the Frenchman who used a higher quality finish and was able to competently dispose of the available opportunities.

Xray definitely shouldn't be discounted. Sandero Stepway feels great in Russian conditions. The car is strong, reliable, maneuverable enough and economical in every sense. If you are ready to spend more than 900 thousand rubles, then you should take Stepway. But the final decision is yours.