The automobile enterprise on the Oka is one of the most significant projects of the former USSR. The plant specialized in the production of medium-sized trucks, the production history of which is closely connected with the history of the country as a whole. Each car is associated with a specific period. GAZ-AA is a kind of symbol of industrialization, GAZ-51 was mainly used during the post-war devastation, GAZ-53 is associated with grandiose construction projects in Siberia. What will GAZon Next become? Owner reviews after serious truck tests will answer this question.
A bit of history
It should be recalled about cars such as 3307 and 3309. They have seen a lot in their lifetime, including the collapse of the USSR. But the question immediately arises: "Does the domestic market need a similar car?" Until the 90s, no one doubted the relevance of medium-tonnage trucks. The reason for this was the lack of roads as such. Under these conditions, the car was used for a variety of purposes, acting as a "universal soldier." This is due to the lack of other categories of cars between cars and trucks.
At that time, the production of special modifications of GAZs was launched, in particular buses, utility vehicles, vehicles for the transportation of specific goods (mail, bread), dump trucks, and so on. Their operation was not highly efficient and required a large amount of fuel, but it just was a lot, and it was very cheap. In general, it was easier for the state to mass produce one type of car without developing and producing other models.
A new stage in development
The right direction in development was indicated by a market economy. Entrepreneurs are more careful about their money and do not want to spend too much. Therefore, the feasibility of large cars that consume a huge amount of fuel has gradually disappeared. Moreover, such machines have never been highly reliable. The company on time began to produce one and a half, more suited to the needs of small businesses. Models 3307 and 3309 were produced in small quantities mainly for military or other purposes.
Long awaited release
20 years have passed and the plant has come to decide on its future plans. The previous model is technically and morally outdated, and in all respects lost to its main competitors: Hyundai HD 78, Mitsubishi Canter. In addition, the car no longer complied with constantly tightening safety and environmental requirements. The popularity of opponents, including in the secondary market, made it clear that demand in the segment of 1.5-2 tons is repaid. The client now does not need loading capacity, he needs loading volumes.
GAZ decided to rectify the situation with the release of the GAZon Next car. Feedback from owners and specialists made it clear that using obsolete platforms or creating hybrid versions of existing machines will not work - they will not be able to compete with their main opponents.
Technical part
The first cars were released in September last year. In 2015, after modernization of production, GAZ intends to sell about 30,000 units of GAZon Next. A test drive of a car ready for sale allowed reporters to conduct it even before its mass production. This is a regular flatbed truck with a 4x2 wheel arrangement and a platform with a relatively high loading height - 1300 mm. In the near future, the manufacturer will present an urban version with a loading height of 1170 mm. The company assures that the novelty practically did not inherit anything from its predecessors. The improved frame from the 3307 model and transmission are the main things that I received from the older relatives of GAZon Next. The reviews of the owners and specialists explain the decision of the manufacturer to use the base from the old box by the fact that it will use imported elements. The decision with the frame is not entirely clear to many.
Engine
In all other respects, the motor is completely new. The role of the main power unit is YaMZ-5344. It is worth noting that the 530th series of YaMZ engines was once awarded the "Best Innovative Technology" prize. Version 5344 was a continuation of these reliable engines. The new engine is a 4-cylinder turbodiesel with a displacement of 4.4 liters and a maximum power of 109.5 kW. It is the result of the joint work of AVL Yaroslavl and Austrian engineers (in the same way, the engines for the VAZ-2108 model were finalized by Porshe employees in the 1980s). The manufacturer used the Common Rail system, but at the same time promised that the fuel equipment would be unpretentious to the quality of fuel for the GAZon Next car. Fuel consumption with this engine averages 19 cubic meters of gas per 100 km.
The engine includes a large number of components from well-known companies in its most important links (valves, filters, piston rings, and so on). They should significantly increase the reliability and durability of the engine (the warranty period is 3 years or 150,000 km). But their use also entails an increase in the cost of the GAZON Next car, the price of which will play a significant role, especially in the current ruble fall. And then the question begs, will they ever release a fully domestic car?
Domestic foreign car
Other equally important components also used parts of well-known foreign manufacturers. From Bosh, GAZon Next received a power steering, ZF clutch, electronic engine control systems, ABS, ASR. Wabco disc brakes, Tenneco shock absorbers are installed on the front and rear axles, and even the radiator is a common Russian-Japanese development. At the same time, the localization level declared by the manufacturer is 90%. The numbers are justified formally, if we take the total mass of our frames, axles and bodies.
New cab
The cabin deserves special attention. A unified line of products was developed at the enterprise. For the first time, one of them was “dressed” on the “GAZelle” of the new generation, and now on the “GAZon Next”. Owner reviews, photos and expert opinions make sure ergonomics, a relatively high level of comfort inside the cabin. The basic equipment of the new item includes heating of side mirrors and armchairs, power windows. The use of galvanized sheet protects the cabin from corrosion, and some elements are completely plastic.
High quality painting is another advantage of the GAZON Next car. The feedback from the owners of the previous GAZ products spoke of significant problems in this regard. The manufacturer decided to rectify the situation, so the body of the novelty is painted along with the popular Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the assembly of which is also organized at the GAZ enterprise.
GAZon Next: photo, design
In the design of the car, despite the completely new cab and body, the features of many predecessors are noticeable. For example, the layout solutions embedded in the "gazika" frame, the former - the bonnet layout remained unchanged. This decision leads to a decrease in the useful length of the body, despite the talk of developers about increasing the level of passive safety. It is important to note that the main opponents have a capless layout.
Legislative norms do not make it possible to simply increase the overhang back, and even every additional meter in urban conditions will be superfluous. And this despite the fact that marketers primarily counted on the urban version of the car. The longest version of the truck is 8 meters. Another drawback is the use of 19.5-inch wheels (20-inch ones installed on the base), when 17.5-inch wheels would be a good option for the GAZon Next car. The price of the latter is cheaper by a third.
The controversy led to the design of the front bumper. And even taking into account the fact that it was nevertheless made of iron, and not of plastic, the size of the foot platform is insufficient. For example, if the driver is put on boots of the 45th size, he will not be able to stand on it with his whole foot while working under the hood - he will not be able to lean on his heels, and you won’t be able to hold on toes for a long time. The manufacturer indicates safety standards, but in any case, inconvenience will arise.
First tests
For some reason, the manufacturer decided to show the driving quality of the model on a closed highway. In addition, a large number of journalists who conducted test drives did not have category “C” rights, so they were provided with an impression. There are no complaints about the convenience of landing and disembarkation, visibility for the driver and the ergonomics of seats with many adjustments - here the designers deserve a solid “five”.
In the standard cabin, it became more by one passenger seat. An option is also available with a maximum number of seats - up to seven. An optional aluminum body is also available. The GAZon Next car is spacious enough in the cab, but there are clearly not enough niches for small items on the rear wall. A warning hangs in the cabin, which indicates that it is necessary to adjust the chair for a certain driver weight before starting to move. Otherwise, it may break. The dashboard went to the car from the new generation of "GAZelle", and the shape of the gearshift lever has not changed at all. Large side mirrors provide such good visibility that drivers, replacing each other, do not even adjust them to their height.
Driving a GAZON Next car
Reviews indicate a fairly strong vibration in the car. Even taking into account the 4-cylinder diesel, its level is unreasonably high. This is a consequence of savings on the engine mount. If you do not touch the controls, sit comfortably enough, as the chair qualitatively damps irritants from the outside. But even so, strong vibration causes the clatter of gears in the transmission. With an increase in speed, the situation improves slightly.
The box deserves due attention. If the operation of the first and reverse gears leaves much to be desired, then from the second to the fifth situation is radically opposite. In general, imported spare parts fully justify their money, which directly affects the coordinated operation of the transmission. The new GAZon Next, even in a semi-loaded state, can fully start from second gear. Car loading capacity reaches 8 tons.
At the wheel there is a feeling of driving a car: an informative steering wheel, clear and error-free gear shifting, reliable brakes, “soft” pedals (the distance between the gas and brake pedals should be increased, since it would be inconvenient to press them with your feet, for example, in felt boots )
Racing truck
Although the race track is intended for sports cars, they also tested a new truck on it. It is almost impossible to get into a skid. The correct weight distribution made the model flexible: the tires tenaciously crash into the road, and the stabilization system (available in the basic configuration) works without fail. Despite the 8-ton truck weight, disc brakes work clearly and reliably.
Good visibility and practically “passenger” controls make it possible to maneuver the “snake” without special problems, reverse parking, brake or accelerate in a narrow passage. Even taking into account the fact that the restrictive cones were very tight, the greater number of journalists in the race practically did not yield to factory drivers. The press service of the company said that representatives of driving schools showed interest in the truck. On a new car, passing an exam is easier. They plan to replace the old 3307.
Advantages and disadvantages
The initial cost of 1,000,000 rubles increased to 1,300,000 rubles, therefore, the GAZon Next car moved to a different price category. For example, the popular Mitsubishi Fuso, surpassing the novelty in all respects, costs in the range of 1,500,000-1,700,000 rubles. The use of imported parts leads to an increase in the cost of the truck, but GAZ representatives assured that its owners will be able to significantly save on its repair.
According to calculations, the cost of operating new items will be lower by 12-17%. Parts of foreign manufacturers, although not elite, but reliable enough. Therefore, the manufacturer increased the service interval by 20,000 km. Another significant plus is warranty service for three years (150,000 kilometers).