AvtoVaz, the Russian automobile manufacturer formerly known as VAZ (Volzhsky Avtomobilny Zavod), but better known to the world under the trade name Lada, has taken the covers off of its striking, new, Lada XRAY concept at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show. We don’t blame you for grabbing a second look, we think it looks absolutely stellar.

The Lada XRAY concept is a small crossover, designed by the same person who brought us the Mercedes-Benz ML and the Volvo XC60. The XRAY’s designer is a man by the name of Steve Mattin and he is now in charge of future Lada and Volga models.

With hints of Range Rover Evoque at the front, a bit of general Kia Sportage and a little Citroen DS4 around the rear, the Lada XRAY concept debuts the brand’s new ‘X’ front-end, with it’s striking and dominant combinations of headlights, foglights, grille and lower air intake. The ‘X’ front styling is set to become a feature of all future Lada vehicles.

The interior of the cabin carries with it the same modern, edgy, styling of the exterior. Leather upholstery combines with a futuristic dashboard and switch gear. Lada says the first production models showcasing this new design language will be available in 2015. No details of the Lada XRAY concept’s powertrain are available, but the XRAY is intended to be a future design showcase.

Peter Schreyer started the trend of established designers finding gainful employment with manufacturers where their efforts were most sorely needed. Steve Mattin has followed suit. Let’s hope Lada can enjoy a similar turn around in fortunes as what Kia have.