Placebo Effect: Detailed Test Lada Granta Cross

AvtoVAZ has been feeding us for a long time with promises of launching an ordinary crossover for ordinary people, and not for hunters and fishermen. However, the cart moved from its place only once: in 2016, the prototype XCODE was shown at the Moscow Motor Show. Since then, the prospects for the serial version of the news are no more than the timing of the end of the coronavirus pandemic. And until the moment (and if) this crossover gets to dealers, in Togliatti they patch the hole from its absence with Cross-versions of other models
Interior
Practicality
Technique and reliability
Riding
Equipment
Competitors
Output

Video: Placebo Effect: Detailed Test Lada Granta Cross

Отличия серверных жестких дисков от десктопных — Video: Убей меня, если сможешь: тест Lada Granta Cross 2023, January

AvtoVAZ has been feeding us for a long time with promises of launching an ordinary crossover for ordinary people, and not for hunters and fishermen. However, the cart moved from its place only once: in 2016, the prototype XCODE was shown at the Moscow Motor Show. Since then, the prospects for the serial version of the news are no more than the timing of the end of the coronavirus pandemic. And until the moment (and if) this crossover gets to dealers, in Togliatti they patch the hole from its absence with Cross-versions of other models

Modifications with plastic body kits and slightly increased ground clearance are available for every modern Lada with the exception of the 4x4. At the same time, the Cross-versions of Vesta are both sedans and station wagons, but Grant, presented in four body types, is "drained" only in a single modification - with a "station wagon" body. We took such a car in the Luxe configuration worth 638,900 rubles for the test to find out if it could replace the crossover.

Placebo Effect: The Detailed LadGrantCross Test

Interior

LadGrantCross is a KalinCross produced since 2014 with a different "face". In all other aspects, the station wagon is almost an exact copy of its predecessor. The interior is the same. However, there are still several differences: a couple of insignificant and one very tangible.

Let's start with the little things. GrantCross differs from Kalina in the fabric on the seats, the material of the inserts on the doors, as well as the absence of orange plastic on the steering wheel and in the edging of the side deflectors

Much more significant changes are on the dashboard. The configuration remains the same (tachometer on the left, speedometer on the right, trip computer in the middle), however, the shield has an orange substrate - the same design as most modern Ladas. And most importantly, the process of controlling the on-board computer has become more logical and meaningful

Previously, you had to flip through the pages, reset the readings and carry out all other operations with two buttons on the end of the right steering column lever. There are no buttons there now: a convenient joystick with clear pictograms appeared on the front of the same lever. And even though this thing looks like a crumpled package from aliexpress, it does its job

Landing behind the wheel can only be called "budgetary". It is possible to live with such geometry, but the steering wheel is traditionally not adjustable for reach, the padding of the seats is too soft, the seats themselves are flat, and the lateral support rollers are much better visible in photographs than they are felt by the body. Well at least there is height adjustment, and already in the basic configuration

Discussion of finishing materials will not take much time: everything is oak plastic. The build quality of this specimen did not cause any complaints. Uncovered caps of self-tapping screws, in the best traditions, are found everywhere

However, for the practicality of the front of the cabin, Granté is an A-plus. In the upper part of the center console there is a large box with a lid and a rubber mat

The glove box is large and generally two-story

There is a deep pocket and two cup holders under the center console. However, they are installed slightly at an angle and cannot boast of depth, so if you manage to shove huge glasses from fast food into them, then with great difficulty

With your permission, I will refer to the device in this photograph as a "multimedia system". Because the complex cannot be called simply "music" - if only because it has a slot for an SD card, a USB port, Bluetooth and, possibly, autoreverse, but this is inaccurate. If you can't figure out what's what, then you are six years old: experienced motorists will subdue this keyboard in less than a minute. But there are also nuances. So, for example, pressing the volume control washer turns on the equalizer settings, and does not mute the sound, as you would expect. The Mute function is displayed on a separate button to the left of the monochrome screen

Practicality

Already in this discipline LadGrantCross must show itself worthily: this is a "barn"! But this shed is compact, so you definitely shouldn't expect miracles from it. The overall length is 4148 mm, and the wheelbase is 2476 mm. For understanding: the KiCeed hatchback is noticeably more grants for each of the sounded parameters.

The declared volume of the trunk is small - 355 liters. However, he himself is comfortable. There are bag hooks and a separate lighting lamp. For an inexpensive car, it will do

The main problem is that it is short. Two large suitcases fit into it, but only across. But on the sides there is room for small bags. Loading something heavy into Grant is problematic: a tall threshold interferes

Naturally, there are no handles for folding the backs of the second row seats in the trunk. But when folded, the rear sofa of Grants forms a flat floor - if you raise the pillow, placing it against the backs of the front seats. The volume in this case will increase to 670 liters - it should be enough for a dacha march

The second row is not abundant in stock of space, but you cannot call it too cramped. However, the three of us in the gallery are unlikely to be comfortable: the sofa is narrow, and the middle passenger will be hindered by the high central tunnel

The equipment for passengers in the second row is meager: there are only power windows. And even those are available only in the Luxe configuration: on the simpler versions, if you please turn the "oars". But on the backs of the seats there are convenient mating parts of the seat belt locks so that the locks themselves do not dangle around and do not interfere with sitting

Technique and reliability

The entire LadGrant family was built on a distant relative of the platform, which appeared on the VAZ-2108. Since then, of course, there have been many improvements and modifications, but each still has a pinch of Porsche and a whole collection of archaic technical solutions. For example, not a single model of the family has a front subframe, and the body structure has not fundamentally changed since the appearance of Kalina: only the attachments were altered.

The suspension, of course, without frills: in front of the MacPherson strut, in the back - a beam. The brakes are also simple: front disc, rear - drum

The LadGrantCross engine range consists of a pair of 1.6-liter aspirated gasoline engines. The base unit is the 11186 eight-valve unit, which produces 87 horsepower. On more "fat" modifications they put the 21127 engine with sixteen valves. This motor develops 106 horsepower and 148 Nm of torque

The base engine is combined only with a five-speed manual transmission, and for a more powerful engine, a robotic transmission with one clutch is also available, which is based on the same five-speed. The gear ratio of the main pair is the same for all transmissions - 3.9

The claimed ground clearance of the Cross version is 198 millimeters, almost two centimeters more than the original.Raised the station wagon with new springs and other shock absorbers. Measurements with our ladder show that the front can fearlessly approach obstacles up to 24 centimeters high

The staircase goes completely under the rear bumper, however, in the area of miniature mudguards, the clearance decreases to about the same 24 centimeters

Due to the fact that the components and assemblies that are put on the Grant remember the dollar at 30 rubles each, their serious problems remained in about the same era. In any case, both motors must walk 100 thousand kilometers or more, and the eight-valve engine, with proper care, is completely capable of resource records

However, there are still problems. For example, the generator belt tensioner does not differ in high reliability: it can fail after 15,000 kilometers. In the case of 16-valve engines, it happens that the generator and the thermostat quickly fail - sometimes not even reaching the 10-thousandth mark

Yet another problem with these motors was recently solved: grooves appeared on the pistons that prevent them from meeting the valves when the timing belt breaks - and it is quite possible: the quality of the belts is unstable, and they break, sometimes by 10,000 - 15,000 kilometers

There are several problems with the gearbox. For a mechanical transmission for 10,000 - 20,000 kilometers, synchronizers can fail, and for a robotic one - actuators. However, the latter problem becomes relevant on a run of approximately 50,000 kilometers

Riding

Describing how LadGranta rides, even in the Cross-version, is like telling an old friend at every convenient opportunity the same story, in which not only you, but also he was a direct participant. The rolls are large, the steering wheel is empty, and the tendency to drift is so obvious that you don't want to drive the Grant any actively at all.

And it is unlikely that it will work: even the top-end 106-horsepower engine will support the driver's desire to pose as a racer in a very limited range. In the city, that is, up to 80–90 kilometers per hour, you feel more or less confident: you can keep up with the flow rate. If you go faster, then the "gear" is not enough traction, and attempts to spin it up more lead to an increase in transmission noise, but not to additional acceleration.

In general, Grant is noisy. True, the sounds are mainly not of external origin, but of internal origin. In addition to the already described transmission hum, the background is complemented by non-stop clicking relays, as well as the roar of the motor. But the wheels are almost inaudible. Not like in the S-class, of course, but the noise from the tires is quite bearable.

The impressions of the manual transmission since the summer of 2019, when we tested the LadGrant sedan with the same power unit, have not changed: the wings are not long, but I want more clarity and information from the clutch pedal.

And the "robot" AMT has finally ceased to be a half measure, and a car with such a transmission can really be recommended as an alternative to "mechanics". The box is really able to crawl in traffic jams without gassing, and now it takes much less time to change steps. Still, I would advise Grant with AMT only to calm and sedate motorists: when a demon wakes up in the driver, she will quickly drive him out - with delays and unobvious selectivity.

But what cannot be taken away from Grants is a margin of safety.Several times I had the opportunity to drive this car along hummocky country roads and roads made of concrete slabs sticking out in a wide array, and never - do you hear! - NEVER did the shock absorbers close to the travel stops. And this on condition that I regretted the car only once - when I got into such conditions for the first time. Each next time the speedometer needle did not fall below 60–65 km / h.

However, this is a family trait of all Grants: it is more difficult to break through the suspension of a sedan than to predict the ruble exchange rate for the day after tomorrow. Why then do you need a two-centimeter increase in ground clearance? By and large, this is a placebo. Because on the Cross-version, if it turns out to drag through the muddy field further than on the usual one, then not much: in any case, the drive is only front-wheel drive. And in itself, the ground clearance even in the usual Grants is greater than that of many "real" crossovers.

Equipment

The basic version of LadGrantCross is called Classic. Such cars are equipped with only an 87-horsepower engine and a manual transmission. Initial modification cost - 574 900 rubles… These cars are equipped with a driver's airbag, on-board computer, front power windows, air conditioning and 15-inch alloy wheels.

The next Comfort package in the hierarchy is available with all engines and with all transmission types that Granta has. Prices start at 597 900 rubles… These cars will additionally have a passenger airbag, a four-speaker audio system, heated front seats, remote-controlled central locking and a folding key.

The top version Luxe is offered only with a 106-horsepower engine paired with a manual transmission or "robot". Such a station wagon will stand at least in 638 900 rubles… It differs from other options in a third rear headrest, fog lights, rear power windows, heated windshield, rear parking sensors, rain and light sensors and cruise control. And it is this modification that we consider the best in the line. Yes, it is the most expensive, but it has everything that is necessary for a normal life.

Competitors

LadLargus

Недорогих универсалов в России практически нет. Поэтому за клиентов GrantCross борется с одним из своих родственников - Ларгусом. В отличие от Гранты, более крупный «сарай» можно заказать даже с тремя рядами сидений. При этом обычный Ларгус комплектуется только механической коробкой передач. Цены на модель начинаются с 615 900 рублей. У универсала тоже есть Cross-версия, но она обойдётся ещё дороже" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Renault Sandero Stepway

Идеологическим конкурентом, несмотря на другой тип кузова, вполне можно считать Renault Sandero Stepway. Приподнятый хэтчбек представлен в России с тремя бензиновыми моторами 1.6 мощностью 82, 102 и 113 лошадиных сил. Цены на пятидверку начинаются с 761 000 рублей " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Lifan X50

Вероятно, вы уже забыли о марке Lifan, потому что в последнее время она заметно сдала свои позиции в России. Зато у Лифана тоже есть конкурент Гранте - X50. По цифрам, у хэтчбека огромный багажник - 570 литров. Правда, цены тоже немаленькие: минимум 689 900 рублей. Причём любой X50, доступный в России, будет 2018 года выпуска." style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Lifan X50 You have probably already forgotten about the Lifan brand, because recently it has noticeably lost its positions in Russia. But Lifan also has a competitor to Grant - X50. By the numbers, the hatchback has a huge trunk - 570 liters. True, the prices are also rather big: at least 689,900 rubles. Moreover, any X50 available in Russia will be produced in 2018

Audi A6 Allroad

Если же вас не смущают пробеги свыше 100 000 километров, то за стоимость универсала Лады можно присмотреться и к премиуму. Скажем, к Audi A6 Allroad. Полный привод, «автомат», кожа, 290 лошадиных сил и 599 000 рублей" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Output

So what is more about LadGrantCross: real value or marketing? For me, the answer is obvious: the second. Of course, AvtoVAZ came up with a very cool body color for an all-terrain station wagon, and all these moldings and protective body kits add brutality to the "barn". However, I would not pay extra for this kit and two centimeters of ground clearance, which will come in handy only when parking at the curb.

After all, the overpayment for the "off-road" package is rather big, especially in the context of a budget car - 23,100 rubles. On the other hand, GrantCross is a unique offer in our market. Why? Because there are simply no crossovers for that kind of money in Russia - even front-wheel drive, even on the "handle". Empty as a drum, front-wheel drive Duster with almost the same ground clearance costs at least 741,000 rubles. 126-strong base Creta - another 200 thousand more. Yes, Grant is smaller than any of them, but at the same time much cheaper.

So, if you are looking for a raised car, the thresholds of which are not a pity to rub against the curb stones, and which costs more than a million rubles, then it seems that you do not have much choice.