Car "GAZon Next": testimonials of owners, test drive, photo, fuel consumption and price

The automobile company on the Oka is one of the most significant projects of the former USSR. The plant specialized in the production of medium-duty trucks, the history of which is closely related to the history of the country as a whole. Each car is associated with a certain period. GAZ-AA is a kind of symbol of industrialization, GAZ-51 was mainly used during the post-war disruption, GAZ-53 is associated with grandiose construction projects in Siberia. What will become "GAZon Next"? Feedback from owners after serious tests of the truck will answer this question.

A bit of history

It should be reminded of such cars as 3307 and 3309. They saw a lot in their time, including the collapse of the USSR. But the question immediately arises: "Is a similar car necessary for the domestic market of Russia?" Until the 1990s, no one doubted the relevance of medium-tonnage trucks. The reason for this was the lack of roads as such. In 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 located between cars and trucks.

At that time, production of special modifications of GAZs, in particular buses, communal vehicles, cars for transportation of specific cargoes (mail, bread), dump trucks and so on, was established. Their operation was not very efficient and required a large amount of fuel, but it was just a lot, and it was very cheap. In general, it was easier for the state to produce one type of car massively, without developing or manufacturing other models.

A new stage in development

The right direction in development was indicated by the market economy. Entrepreneurs are more careful about their money and do not want to spend too much. Therefore, the feasibility of large cars consuming a huge amount of fuel, gradually disappeared. In addition, such machines have never been very reliable. The enterprise in time began to produce lorries, more in line with the needs of small businesses. Models 3307 and 3309 were produced in small quantities mainly for military or other purposes.

Long-awaited release

Twenty years have passed and it is time for the plant to decide on its further plans. The former model is technically and morally obsolete, and in all respects lost to its main competitors: Hyundai HD 78, Mitsubishi Canter. In addition, the car no longer met the constantly tougher requirements of safety and ecology. The popularity of opponents, including in the secondary market, made it clear that demand in the 1.5-2 tonne segment was extinguished. The client now does not need load capacity, he needs loading volumes.

GAZ decided to correct the situation by the release of the car "GAZon Next". Feedback from owners and experts made it clear that using outdated platforms or creating hybrid versions of existing machines will not do anything - they will not be able to compete with their main opponents.

Technical part

The first cars were produced in September last year. In 2015, after modernization of production, GAZ intends to sell about 30,000 units of "GAZon Nekst". The test drive of a car ready for sale allowed to hold journalists even before its large-scale issue. This is a conventional flatbed truck with a 4x2 wheel arrangement and a platform with a relatively high loading height of 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 has not inherited anything from its predecessors. The advanced frame from model 3307 and transmission is the main thing that got from older relatives "GAZon Next". Feedback from owners and specialists explains the manufacturer's decision to use the base from the old box in that it will use imported elements. The solution to the frame is not quite clear to many.

Engine

In all other respects, the motor is completely new. In the role of the main power unit is YMZ-5344. It is worth noting that the 530 series of engines YaMZ in its time was awarded the "Best Innovative Technology" award. Version 5344 was the continuation of these reliable engines. The new engine is a 4-cylinder turbodiesel with a working volume of 4.4 liters and a maximum capacity of 109.5 kW. It is the result of the joint work of Yaroslavl and Austrian engineers of the company AVL (in the same way in the 1980s the engines for the VAZ-2108 model were modified by the Porshe employees). The manufacturer used the Common Rail system, but at the same time promised that the fuel equipment would be unpretentious to the quality of the fuel for the GAZon Next vehicle. The fuel consumption with this engine on average is 19 cubic meters of gas per 100 km.

The engine includes a large number of components from well-known companies in its most important parts (valves, filters, piston rings and so on). They should significantly increase the reliability and durability of the engine (warranty period is 3 years or 150,000 km run). But their use also entails an increase in the cost of the car "GAZON NEXT", the price of which will play a significant role, especially in the conditions of the current fall of the ruble. And then the question arises whether the domestic car will ever be released completely?

Domestic foreign car

Other equally important sites also used the details of well-known foreign manufacturers. From Bosh, "Gazon Next" received a power steering, a ZF clutch, electronic engine management systems, ABS, ASR. The front and rear axles are fitted with Wabco disc brakes, Tenneco shock absorbers, and even the radiator is a common Russian-Japanese development. At the same time, the level of localization declared by the manufacturer is 90%. Figures are justified purely formally, if we take the total weight of our frame, bridge and body.

New cab

The cab deserves special attention. The company unified their line of products. For the first time, one of them was "dressed" for a "GAZelle" of a new generation, and now - for "GAZON NEXT". Reviews of owners, photos and opinions of experts make sure of ergonomics, a relatively high level of comfort inside the cabin. The basic equipment of the new product includes heating of the side mirrors and seats, electric windows. The use of galvanized sheet protects the cabin from corrosion, and some elements are completely plastic.

High quality painting - another advantage of the car "GAZon Next". The feedback of owners of previous GAZ products spoke about significant problems in this regard. The manufacturer decided to correct 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 cockpit and body, the features of many predecessors are noticeable. For example, the layout solutions embedded in the frame "gazika", the former - the hood arrangement remained unchanged. This decision leads to a reduction in the useful length of the body, despite the developers talking about increasing the level of passive safety. It is important to note that the main opponents have a no-cap configuration.

Legislative norms do not allow simply to increase the overhang back, and every additional meter in urban conditions will be superfluous. And this despite the fact that marketers primarily counted on the city version of the car. The longest version of the truck is 8 meters. Another disadvantage is the use of 19.5-inch wheels (20-inch wheels are installed on the base), when 17.5-inch steel would be a good option for the GAZon Continuous car. The price of the latter is cheaper by a third.

The construction of the front bumper led to the disputes. And even with the fact that it was still made of iron, and not plastic, the size of the foot pad is not sufficient. For example, if the driver is shod in boots of the 45th size, he will not be able to stand on it with a full foot while working under the hood - he can not lean on his heels, but on his socks he will not hold out for a long time. The manufacturer indicates safety standards, but in any case, inconveniences will arise.

First tests

Driving quality model manufacturer for some reason decided to show on a closed road. In addition, a large number of journalists who conducted test drives, did not have the rights of category "C", so they were provided with impressions. No complaints about the comfort of boarding and disembarking, visibility for the driver and the ergonomics of the seats with a lot of adjustments are not present - here the designers deserve a solid "five".

In the standard cabin, there is more for one passenger seat. There is also a variant with a maximum number of seats - up to seven. Also available is an aluminum body. In the cockpit of the car "GAZon Next" is quite spacious, but on the back wall clearly there are not enough niches for small things. In the cabin there is a warning, where it is indicated that it is necessary to adjust the seat for a certain weight of the driver before the traffic starts. Otherwise, it may break. The instrument panel went to the car from a new generation of "GAZel", and the shape of the gearshift lever did not change at all. Large side mirrors provide so good visibility that drivers, substituting each other, do not even adjust them for their growth.

At the wheel of the car "GAZon Next"

Reviews say a fairly strong vibration in the car. Even with the 4-cylinder diesel engine, its level is unreasonably large. This is a consequence of savings on the engine mount. If you do not touch the controls, sit comfortably, since the chair qualitatively damps the stimuli from the outside. But even so, strong vibration causes the gears to knock in the transmission. With an increase in speed, the situation improves slightly.

The box deserves attention. If the work of the first and the rear gear leaves much to be desired, then the second to fifth situation is radically opposite. In general, imported spare parts fully justify their money, which directly affects the coordinated work of the transmission. The new "GAZon Next" even in a semi-loaded state can fully start from the second gear. Car load capacity reaches 8 tons.

Behind the wheel there is a feeling of driving on a car: an informative steering wheel, precise and error-free gear shifting, reliable brakes, soft pedals (the distance between the gas pedals and the brake should be increased, since it would be inconvenient for them to press the feet, for example, in felt boots ).

Racing Truck

The race track, though designed for sports cars, but a new truck was tested on it. It is almost impossible to withdraw it. The correct weighting made the model easy: the tires cling to the road, and the stabilization system (it is in the base configuration) is triggered unmistakably. Despite the 8-ton weight of the truck, the disc brakes work clearly and reliably.

Good visibility and almost "passenger" controls allow you to maneuver without any problems "snake", park in reverse, slow down or accelerate in a narrow passage. Even with the fact that the restrictive cones were very tight, a greater number of journalists in the race practically did not give way to factory drivers. The press service of the company said that representatives of driving schools showed interest in the truck. On the new car, the exam is easier to pass. They plan to replace the old 3307.

Advantages and disadvantages

The initial value of 1 000 000 rubles rose to 1 300 000 rubles, therefore, the car "GAZon Next" went into a different price category. For example, the popular Mitsubishi Fuso, in all respects superior to the novelty, is 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 save considerably on its repair.

According to calculations, the cost of operation of the novelty will be lower by 12-17%. Details of foreign manufacturers, although not elite, but quite reliable. Therefore, the service interval was increased by 20,000 km. Another significant plus - warranty service for three years (150 000 km run).