The freight market is developing rapidly. In view of this, the number of commercial vehicles is increasing significantly. If we talk about the Russian market, then the most popular small-tonnage truck can rightfully be considered the "GAZelle". This machine has been manufactured since the mid 90s. At the moment, the Gorky Automobile Plant produces a new series of trucks. This is "GAZelle Next", which is translated from English literally means the following. The machine has been mass-produced since 2013. What is a Gazelle Next? Overview, specifications and much more - later in this article.
Cabin
We begin our acquaintance with the cab. She suffered a lot of changes. First of all, it is worth noting the fact that the cab of the Nekst has become wider than that of the old GAZelle. This is a big plus - now there is much more space inside. The design itself has also changed. The car received a large V-shaped radiator grill and diamond-shaped headlights. The side doors have also changed. The machine uses plastic wings. Mirrors have also changed. They have become larger and more informative.
But there are drawbacks in this cabin. So, the reviews are criticized regarding the grille. It does not have small cells and all insects go straight to the radiator. It clogs and the system does not cool the motor well.
About rust
As you know, the past generation of "GAZelle" had a low quality metal. This applies to both the bodywork (but we'll come back to it) and the cab. But how are things with GAZelle Next? The cab is well protected against corrosion. Responses of owners say that metal does not rust for a long time. The quality of painting has also improved. Now enamel does not fit over the years.
Booth
Modifications created on the basis of "GAZelle Next" can not be counted. These are short-length, elongated versions, airborne, tented, with a movable roof, refrigerators, all-metal vans , etc.
Sizes of "GAZelle Next" may be different. If you take the standard version with a three-meter body, the dimensions of the machine are as follows. Length is 5.63 meters, width - 2.09, height - 2.14 meters. Ground clearance is 17 centimeters. The minimum turning radius is 5.6 meters. The dimensions of the Gazelle Next with a long base can reach eight or more meters. So, on the chassis cargo platforms are installed in lengths of 4, 5.5 and 6 meters. It can be an all-metal GAZelle Next or with an awning.
A huge plus is the use of aluminum boards that do not rot. All the gazelles know how quickly the sides rust on the old GAZelles. Now corrosion is not the enemy.
But, unfortunately, this did not happen with every truck. So, these machines are often redone at third-party companies (for example, "Luidor"). This company is engaged in the manufacture of various types of bodies and their installation. However, as noted by the reviews, these booths are highly susceptible to corrosion. This applies to both tilt versions and all-metal Gazelles Next. Six months later, the paint begins to peel off, under it appears corrosion. Not only the frame, but also the gate rusts. However, there are no complaints about the functioning of the booth. She will carry out her work “one hundred percent”, but her appearance will quickly deteriorate - say the reviews.
Salon
The interior design has also changed. First of all, it is worth noting the front panel. It is radically different from the previous one. So, on the center console, round air deflectors with the ability to adjust in different directions, a new control unit for the stove and a multimedia system are implemented. True, the latter is not in all trim levels of the GAZelle Next.
The instrument panel has also changed. The odometer is digital. There is also an on-board computer. The "donut" has changed. Instead of the archaic double-spoke wheel (which still stands in the time of Lawn 3307) there is a convenient four-spoke steering wheel. There are various niches for things and small things in the cabin.
The seats have also changed. So, the driver received an armrest and has good lateral support. The chair has become stiffer, which causes less fatigue in long-distance transportation. GAZelle Next has a good overview inside (due to the "captain" landing). Passenger seat - double, designed for two people.
Note that on 2017 models, the gearshift lever has been moved to the front panel. This decision allowed a more rational use of the interior space. Now, if necessary, you can sleep comfortably on the seats - say the reviews. Sound insulation has also improved. There were regular speakers and power windows.
In general, the GAZelle Next cargo compartment has become more comfortable, ergonomic and modern. Compared to the old cab, this is significant progress.
This vehicle is equipped with one of two engines. GAZelle Next is equipped with a Chinese Cummins engine and Russian UMP. The first unit develops a capacity of 149 horsepower with a working volume of 2.8 liters. The second has a volume of 2.7 liters. The Ulyanovsk GAZelle Next engine develops 107 horsepower. This unit is called "Evotek." What do the reviews say about these GAZelle Next motors? We will consider the features of each engine separately below.
Cummins and its benefits
So, first, consider the diesel "Gazelle Next". Among the pluses, reviews note the service interval, which is 20 thousand kilometers. As for fuel consumption, several factors influence this parameter. This is the sailing booth and the weight of the transported cargo. But no matter how tall the booth, in a city with traffic jams, the diesel GAZelle Next spends no more than 15 liters per hundred. On the highway, this parameter is from 12 to 14 liters.
According to reviews, GAZelle Next has the lowest consumption at a speed of 75-80 kilometers per hour. The good news is that the engine starts without problems in cold weather.
The shortcomings of the Chinese engine in the "Gazelle Next"
Reviews say that the factory poorly thought out the location of the intercooler. It should be located at a great distance from the engine cooling radiator so that air can circulate and dirt does not accumulate inside. But these two elements are practically pressed against each other closely. Because of this, the intercooler is often clogged with dust and lint. As a result, it does not cool the air that the turbine pumps into the intake manifold. The engine radiator is also clogged.
Also, owners are faced with such a problem as the appearance of antifreeze in the cylinders. This problem is typical for Euro-4 engines. But this is usually the result of wild overheating. To prevent this from happening, you need to regularly monitor the radiator, which we talked about earlier.
Euro 4 engines have another problem. This is the presence of an exhaust gas recirculation system. The EGR valve bypasses part of the gases into the cylinder so that unburned fuel burns out completely in the engine. But as it turned out, the system is not very reliable. In addition, the USR strongly “chokes” the motor and it becomes less responsive (this can be felt by transferring to GAZelle with Euro-3 with the same engine).
A radiator is also connected to the gas recirculation valve to cool the exhaust. It begins to flow over time. Due to the unreliability of the system, owners have to “jam” this system by installing metal plugs between the exhaust manifold and the valve. Along with this, the firmware of the electronic control unit is made. Thus, the cylinders are not coked, and the motor itself becomes more torquey.
About "Evotek"
This unit has been produced at the Ulyanovsk Motor Plant since 2014. It was built on the basis of UMP-421, which was also put on the old Volga. However, the manufacturer claims that the engine has undergone significant changes. Thus, lighter and more durable materials were used in the design, and the joints received high-quality seals. Improved cooling and lubrication system. Changed the water jacket of the head and cylinder block. The engine is not prone to overheating.
Among the really useful improvements, the owners note the quality of the seals. As you know, the old Ulyanovsk motor "snotty" literally from the factory. Now the oil does not go outside, and the engine no longer “sweats”. Also reduced oil consumption. The reason was the gap between the valve sleeve and the stem. The crankcase ventilation system was changed, which also had a positive effect on reducing oil consumption. As for the resource, this unit runs about 400 thousand kilometers. The service interval is 15 thousand kilometers. However, reviews recommend changing the oil more often - every 10 thousand kilometers.
What else has been changed at Evotek?
The design of this motor was thoroughly modified. So, among the main advantages it is worth highlighting the use of hydraulic compensators for valve clearances. Thus, the engine no longer needs to adjust the valves. In order to reduce friction forces (and as a result, increase efficiency), a molybdenum disulfide polymer layer was applied to the pistons. The cylinder block is made of aluminum, and the valve cover with intake manifold is made of plastic. It is also worth noting the polymer sump. All this has significantly reduced engine weight.
The work of the gas distribution mechanism on the Ulyanovsk motor is carried out due to the engagement of the distribution gear with the crankshaft. Thus, in the drive there are no chains and belts that can stretch and tear.
Fuel injection is implemented through electronic nozzles brand "Delphi". The piston group is supplied by the South Korean company LG. And the sensors for electronic controls are manufactured by Bosch. Hydrocompensators are developed by the American corporation "Eaton".
Another plus is the ability to extend the life of the engine due to overhaul. The piston group has as many as three repair sizes.
About the consumption of the Evotek engine
Compared with the old Ulyanovsk engine, the Evotek has become more economical. But all the same, its consumption is higher than that of the Chinese Cummins. So, for a hundred cars consumes about 16-18 liters of fuel. In view of this, many owners install gas equipment. According to reviews, GAZelle Next spends only 1-2 liters more on gas than gasoline. And the cost of fuel is almost half that.
As for the technical characteristics, GAZelle Next is still torquey and playful. There is no difference in gas and gas driving. By the way, the installation of gas equipment is possible directly at the factory (of course, for a fee).
Chassis
The suspension design was also changed. Many people know that on old GAZelles a pivot beam with springs is used in front. Now it was replaced by an independent suspension with coil springs, ball bearings and levers. At the back, there was a classic bridge with springs and anti-roll bar. The main gear is a hypoid type with a bevel gear differential. Shock absorbers - hydraulic, double-acting.
Changed and steering system. So, instead of the gearbox, a more modern rail is used. The car is equipped with a hydraulic booster in any configuration.
The brake system as a whole has not changed, but there are minor improvements. So, it is still a hydraulic type, double-circuit with a vacuum booster and a cable parking brake. Front disc brakes are implemented, and rear drums. The changes affected the size of the brake pads. By increasing the working area, the car has become more responsive to the brake pedal.
How does the car behave on the go?
First of all, it is worth noting the traction of the car. With a diesel engine, the car overcomes climbs without problems and even accelerates on them. There is enough torque to confidently overtake. With a gasoline engine, the car is less responsive to the pedal, but behaves much better than with the ZMZ engine, which was put on the GAZelle earlier.
Now about the ride. Oddly enough, but the archaic spring beam was softer. But the spring independent suspension has one significant plus. With her car does not heel in the corners. The front path will be a little tougher, but the car enters into turns much easier and easier. Also, the car confidently keeps a direct course due to the rack and responds well to steering turns.
The rear suspension has not changed, but because of its characteristics remained the same. But it is worth saying that the machine does not sag when fully loaded. Additional springs are rarely installed here, as was the case with the old Gazelles. But this applies to short-base models. On five- and six-meter versions, the springs are already starting to sag with full load.
By the way, recently, auxiliary pneumatic suspension began to be very popular. This is especially true for long-base models that weigh 3 tons under no load.
In terms of maintenance, the suspension has become more whimsical, as there is an additional front stabilizer and ball bearings. They do not like pits and generally heavy loads. Therefore, their resource is only 50 thousand kilometers. On the other hand, spare parts for GAZelle Next are cheaper than for foreign cars. And you can find the right anywhere in the city.
To summarize
So, we have found out what features and technical characteristics of Gazelle Next have. The car pleased many. This is truly progress. Finally, a reliable and competitive small-tonnage truck was created at GAZ. However, it should not be compared with modern "Sprinters" and other foreign cars. Although there are many foreign solutions in the design, the machine still has different “jambs”. However, their number is much smaller, if we take the same "GAZelle Business" in comparison. Well, let's summarize. Among the advantages of the car it is worth noting:
- Available spare parts for GAZelle Next. Their cost is lower than for foreign cars.
- Good handling.
- The presence of useful options.
- Spacious and comfortable lounge.
- Low fuel consumption
- The possibility of lengthening the base for an individual order.
Among the shortcomings are a stiff front suspension, a rusting booth "Luidor" and small "jambs" on the engine. In general, this car is a good alternative to German light trucks. First of all, GAZelle attracts with its price and lower cost of maintenance. Also this car has high liquidity in the market.