Cars of the Gorky Automobile Plant have a long positive reputation among the population. Among an impressive number of models, we are interested in light trucks, which have a sonorous name - "Gazelle". This car is highly popular with drivers due to some important advantages.
Important advantages of the "Gazelle"
One of the determining factors of popularity is cost. Today, the Gazelle models in the majority do not exceed 1 million rubles. True, diesel options are usually 50-100 thousand more expensive, but they have all the advantages of high-torque diesel units.
Accessibility and real prices for spare parts play a big role. As for maintenance and repair, here "Gazelle" has always been at its best. It should be borne in mind that the car was designed in Russia by our specialists for Russian roads and has excellent suspension.
Beautiful and comfortable "Gazelle Next"
Popular passenger cars "Gazelle" in 2013 received a modernized version. "Gazelle Next" is a family of small cars with a number of advantages. The old car was significantly and qualitatively modified. For the first time, important changes were made in appearance. The cab of the new car was completely redesigned and designed taking into account all the rules of ergonomics. She became much more spacious and received wide doorways.
The large bumper is made of plastic and can be ordered in parts. The wings are also made of plastic, so there will be no problems with rust. Inside, the car has become much more comfortable. What is only one wide windshield. Convenient niches for things and even cup holders also appeared.
The optics of the Gazelle Next model received new beautiful headlights of a complex licked shape. There is now the opportunity to install regular fog lights. The rear view mirrors of the Next are large and give a wide panorama. Thanks to the change of the cab, the Gazelle completely changed its appearance. Now, in comparison with foreign competitors, it looks very worthy.
"Gazelle" and its technical capabilities
All Gazelle models are passenger cars. What does this mean in fact? On paper, this is a passenger car, and you can drive it with the “B” category. But the ability to transport only officially up to one and a half tons of cargo turns the car into a mini-truck. Such a commercial maneuver brought the GAZ plant a big win. In fact, the Gazelles occupied a missing niche in the country's commercial vehicle fleet.
The total weight of the car with cargo does not exceed 3.5 tons. The gearbox on all models is a five-speed manual. The Gazelle suspension is dependent on both the front and the rear, while the Next front has an independent suspension with springs. The brake system includes front brake discs with pads and rear brake drums with pads. Next gazelle's front brakes are reinforced and have pads with a larger working surface.
As for the power unit, there are several options for both gasoline and diesel engines. Consider the varieties and features of the models in more detail.
Power units
Three types of engines are now installed on cars of the Gazelle family. These are gasoline UMZ-4216 and ZMZ-405, and diesel ISF2.8 of the Cummins brand. Interestingly, 2 more types of diesel engines were previously installed:
- Chrysler 2.4 liter
- "Steyr" - 2.8 liters.
Never used domestic options.
The ZMZ-405 engine is available in the Euro-3 version and is a worthy follower of the famous Zavolzhsky engine plant line. The working power of the injection unit is 150 liters. from. with a working volume of 2.46 liters. Ulyanovsk UMZ-4216 is produced in Euro-3 and Euro-4 classes. The second option is more modern and has a working capacity of 125 liters. from. with a volume of 2.89 liters. Cummins turbocharged diesel engine has a capacity of 2.8 liters and a capacity of 110 liters. from. and has high drag.
Engines
There are two options for upgraded Gazelles: one - diesel Cummins, the second - Russian UMP-A274 or EvoTech. And if the diesel engine is practically no different from what was installed on simple Gazelles, Ulyanovsk is a new generation engine with Euro-5 standards.
UMP-A274 is the next model in the line, following UMP-4216 Euro-4. It has a smaller displacement of 2.7 liters, which reduces fuel consumption by 10 percent and reduces oil consumption. Some of the nodes, and not only electric ones, are traditionally taken from the best foreign representatives, such as LG, Bosch, Eaton. The generator and starter have higher parameters than UMP equivalents.
Variety of "Gazelles"
The main, or basic, model of the Gazelle is the airborne GAZ-3302. Instead of a simple side, a tilt or isothermal wagon can be installed . Isothermal options are well suited for the installation of refrigeration equipment. The length of the frame distinguish cars:
- with a short base;
- middle base;
- a long base.
A convenient variety of "Gazelle" are the so-called "Farmers" - GAZ-33023, the cabin of which has a second row of seats. An additional 4 seats significantly expand the capabilities of commercial vehicles. Such cabins can be installed on frames of different lengths and have vans of all kinds.
A separate group is our favorite minibuses - the Passenger Gazelle model (GAZ-3221) is an all-metal minibus. On the basis of this car, versions for ambulance, police, mail and other services have been made. All-wheel drive options GAZ-32217, GAZ-322171, GAZ-3221173 and GAZ-3221174 are also popular. All Gazelle models with all-wheel drive have increased cross-country ability due to both driving axles, as well as a locked differential.
Gazelle Next expansion
The initially modernized Gazelle models were available only in the onboard version. True, there are several subspecies:
- GAZ-A21R22 - an on-board version having an average base (3100-3500 mm) and equipped with a Cummins diesel engine with a volume of 2.8 liters;
- GAZ-A21R23 - the same average length, but with the Ulyanovsk UMZ-A274 engine in Euro-4 and Euro-5 versions;
- GAZ-A21R32 - a car with a long base (3500-3900 mm) with a diesel engine;
- GAZ-A21R33 is also a long option, but with EvoTech under the hood.
The next extension of the line was the Gazelle Next Farmer model, which has the letter abbreviation A22. Cars with a double cab are also available with long and medium bases and are equipped with both diesel and gasoline units. Like the Gazelles of the previous generation, Next has cars with vans in its ranks. In this case, one-piece isothermal and tented options are installed. The Gazelle model, the tent of which is installed from the factory, has more chances of long-term operation.
Modern Buses Next
A real discovery from the GAZ plant was the new Next bus. This is a completely new solution for transporting passengers. Modern design, coupled with compact dimensions and an economical engine, quickly won hearts.
As for the technical characteristics of the car, everything related to engines is similar to any on-board Gazelle Next car. Two options are also installed here: Cummins diesel with a capacity of 2.8 liters and gasoline from UMP with a volume of 2.7 liters. There are also two options for the length, and there is a separation of the gearbox. In addition to the standard box, there is a reinforced version that comes with a reinforced cardan shaft.
The passenger compartment of the minibus is designed for 19 passengers and has a height of 190 cm. For a comfortable stay in the car, comfortable seats are installed, an autonomous heater is present. Safety is confirmed by the presence of a new generation of ABS systems and a noticeable reduction in braking distance.
All-metal gazelle Next
Another new product with the Next cab was the all-metal van GAZ-A31 with one row of seats and the GAZ-A32 with two. The car in 2016 won the "Top 5 Auto" in the nomination "Light commercial vehicle". Among the competitors were strong foreign opponents: VW Transporter 6, Mitsubishi L200 and Toyota Hilux. Why did the jury amaze the simple-looking van from GAZ?
The main feature of the car was the long-awaited cable shift from Toyota. The fashionable control joystick is located on the front panel and has a silent, accurate and reliable movement. The long gear knob looked strange in the Next cabs for a long time. And so it happened. Modern car with convenient controls. Gazelle Next models, photos of which are present in the text, all have a noble appearance and are comparable with the best foreign counterparts.
All-metal machines "Next" are presented in three versions:
- freight;
- combined;
- fully passenger, designed for 16 passengers.
The height of the vans is 190 cm, which allows them to be in full growth. The cargo compartments are sheathed with laminated plywood and equipped with lifting loops for cargo. The volume of transported cargo for combi in cubic meters is 9.6, and for freight - 13.5.
Conclusion
Cars of the GAZ group of companies under the proud name Gazelle can rightfully be considered the most popular cars for commercial vehicles. Unpretentious in maintenance, convenient in operation and so familiar to our eye, the Gazelle does not stand still, but is constantly evolving. The proof is the modernized Gazelle Next line.
A wide selection of cars due to various applications and capabilities. Popular Gazelle Next models with a berth significantly expand the capabilities of commercial vehicles. For on-board cargo transportation, an on-board modification or a van is useful; for passengers, a light and maneuverable bus. In any case, all Gazelle models will meet the standards of reliability and quality.