"Sable 4x4": review, description, characteristics

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Car enthusiasts who live in different countries of the world choose different cars for themselves. It is very easy and simple to explain. Different countries have their own road conditions, their own economic conditions and many other factors. Often these factors dictate the laws of auto fashion to motorists. If the average resident of any country in the European Union chooses a compact car for himself, Asians value efficiency, Americans respect the huge size of jeeps, then a resident of the Russian outback is aiming for the most passable car.

The topic of Russian roads has given rise to many anecdotes. And these jokes don't lie. That is why motorists are forced to adapt to existing realities. It's good that now you can easily buy a decent car with increased cross-country ability, and even at affordable prices. One of these cars is the all-wheel drive diesel GAZelle Sobol.

Reality of Russian roads

Those who like to travel outside their hometown know very well how difficult it is sometimes to get where the soul calls. Perhaps it will be a trip to your favorite lake, or perhaps a business trip on business matters - not every car can master the roads of the Russian hinterland. You can not even talk about trips to the forest and mud -roads in cities are even worse than forest roads. And if there is a need to urgently deliver goods or transport people to a village or another city? Here, when choosing a car, you need to be extremely careful.

It pleases many that the modern domestic automotive market is ready to offer potential buyers a huge selection of various off-road models. However, you need to know that only Russian engineers can understand Russian roads. Therefore, the best cars can be considered those that are equipped with all-wheel drive. So, the most famous of these is the new Sobol, one of the latest developments of the Gorky Automobile Plant.

What kind of animal?

"Wild Beast" is a cargo-passenger car with increased cross-country characteristics. The car should replace the already legendary "loaf". This car has long since, since the first versions, earned a high score and rave reviews. It's all about the simple design. If repairs are needed, Sobol won't require a lot of money.

Also, the maintenance of this beast will not cost the owner serious sums.

What makes the new Sable different?

The machine is distinguished by a new transmission system, which, in addition to all-wheel drive, boasts cardan shafts with CV joints, as well as a rear axle locking differential. Equipped with a reduction gear, the SUV can master any gullies. In addition, the novelty installed a center differential lock, a two-stage transfer case,and the steering was equipped with a hydraulic booster. In addition, the Sobol car has a unique mirror heating system.

In appearance, you simply cannot find any differences - they simply do not exist. The interior also remained completely untouched by the creative hand of the designer. And why is this needed, because we have a completely utilitarian car. He does not have to impress everyone around him with his appearance. The car is functional - that's enough.

In the interior

The large doors of the GAZelle Sobol car can be opened almost without difficulty.

However, for some reason, there are no handles on the front pillars, which should be inside the cab. The driver and passengers must get into the cab by jumping. About half of the seats in the cabin are equipped with very rigid anchorages for seat belts. The passenger version of the model is designed for a comfortable fit of seven people.

There is a lot of light inside the cabin, as well as free space. Ahead there is a common ceiling, behind there are two large ceiling. Another lamp is located at the bottom of the steps of the sliding door on the side. There is a separate switch for each lamp.

Besides, the new "Sobol" is quite comfortable - for this, two air conditioners can work in the cabin. One of them is located in front, while the other is mounted on the roof at the back. Together, this couple can turn the interior into a refrigerator in a couple of minutes. As for heating, there are two heaters. In addition to the main one, there is also an additional one - it is under the passenger seat on the right side. Those who alreadyI managed to use the heater on the Sobol 4x4 car, the feedback is only positive - it heats perfectly.

Dashboard and driver's seat

The instrument panel has good ergonomics and is quite nice in itself. Many appreciated the excellent visibility through the rear-view mirrors. Also, the majority liked a large number of different glove compartments, cup holders. A sunroof is installed in the roof. The steering wheel is equipped with controls for the radio, power windows, and heated mirrors.

The driver's seat is very familiar to those who at least once sat behind the wheel of any GAZ Sobol car or an ordinary GAZelle. There is a steering wheel with the ability to adjust the angle of its inclination, the chair also has a wide range of adjustments.

Ergonomic slips

With all the merits of the interior and dashboard, you can see imperfections. So, there is no platform on which the left leg usually rests. There is no armrest - open windows are used instead. But with a serious summer heat, an open window can cause certain troubles, but it will not work to close it either. There seems to be air conditioning. But those who used it on the Sobol 4x4 car, the reviews say that this option is of little use. At all speeds and in all modes, the air is only slightly cool.

Sable in the city

I must say that such a car in urban conditions is quite crowded.

Formally speaking, thispassenger car. Its dimensions are such that they allow you to drive through the center of the capital of Russia without any problems. The length of the body is equal to the length of business-level sedans - here you can try to park in the passenger rows. However, the width is already - like that of medium-duty trucks.

Many are pleased with the landing height. So, where the Hammer has a roof, the driver of the Sable will have a shoulder. The best overview of the traffic situation can only be a truck driver. However, it has more dead zones. But the Sobol car can be parked without even using modern technologies. You can do without parking sensors, because the rear bumper passes over any massive details of the landscape. In addition, all obstacles can be perfectly seen in the rear window.

Engine

Auto "Sobol" is produced with two engines to choose from. This is a domestic gasoline engine UMZ-4216 and an American diesel engine from Cummins ISF. It has already shown itself perfectly - it starts in any weather and at any, even the most extremely low temperatures. The diesel has a volume of 2.6 liters, the gasoline unit - 2.8 liters. By the way, the power of the American diesel is only 120 hp. With. However, as practice shows, this is more than enough for such a car.

The design of the unit is advanced. It was first tested on a regular GAZelle, and then this model was also equipped with it.

It is reliable, well repaired. There is only one glow plug in it, and it heats the air directly in the manifold. When the specialists of the plant, who saw this motor for the first time, were verysatisfied with the oil and water pump arrangement.

Heated fuel filter and booster pump all installed within easy reach. An independent coolant heater is also installed.

He pulls quite confidently at low speeds, but he has practically no agility at all. The engine accelerates the car to 100 km / h in half a minute. "Sable" does not like sudden movements. He sees life philosophically. But the unit works fine on our fuel.

The maximum possible speed at which the Sobol diesel car can accelerate is 120 km/h. At the same time, the ride of the car is quite soft, and the movement at high speeds is quite stable at any speed and even off-road.

Transmission

Specially for this unit, a 5-speed manual gearbox was developed, as well as a transfer case.

The transmission system has slightly different gear ratios. The designers preferred to reinforce the gearbox housing with stiffeners. Gears and shafts in the box are made of durable steels. Oil seals, as well as bearings, are not domestic, but imported. A synchronizer went under the replacement - now it is also imported. The clutch is also not domestically produced, but supplied by a high quality manufacturer.

The transfer case was well done too. All production of these mechanisms is located in our country. Gears are polished, which has significantly increased strength. Also, in this way, it was possible to remove the howl characteristic of thismodels.

After thinking a little about what type of all-wheel drive to choose, the engineers decided to use a permanent all-wheel drive or use the classic scheme. This scheme is remarkable in that it has been used for a long time and very successfully on eminent all-wheel drive models of well-known brands. One of them is Land Rover's Defender.

Such a scheme, by the way, is used in Lithuania for the assembly of GAZelles equipped with Polish diesel engines and Czech transfer cases.

Being in the cockpit of an SUV, you immediately want to stop looking at the abundance of levers that stick out from under the floor. In addition to the traditional manual gear selector already familiar to everyone, two more others fit in there. One is needed to lock the differential. The other is used to change the mode of the transfer case.

On other other modern SUVs, all these functions are performed by one lever, but for some reason, on a Sobol car, it is traditionally suggested to use two levers. Well, okay, especially since there are certain advantages to this. For example, you can downshift without locking the center differential.

So that the driver does not get confused by the switches, a diagram is pasted on the dashboard that clearly explains how to use this system.

Despite this, this transmission works very well. The car confidently goes where others become tightly. Even if he does not always go through difficult sections the first time, he breaks the road for himself and can even leave a deep ravine.

"Sable" -Specifications

This model received the GAZ 2117 index. The length of the body is 4880 mm, the width is 2066 mm, and the height of the car is 2300 mm. The wheelbase length is 2760 mm. Ground clearance compared to previous models has been increased and is now equal to 205 mm, which is quite good for an SUV. The curb weight of the car is 2250 kg, and the total weight is 2785 kg.

Transmission, as already mentioned, mechanical, five-speed.

As for the drive, for the new version it is full permanent, but the previous modifications had a full drive, but connected if necessary.

Diesel engine, four-cylinder. The exact volume of the American Cummins is 2.78 liters. Its power indicators are equal to 120 liters. from 3200 rpm. The torque that this engine produces is 297 Nm at 1700-2700 rpm. Acceleration to 100 km / h with this engine takes 28 seconds. For a heavy Sobol car, the characteristics are quite good, but you can only reveal all their power if you move off comfortable asph alt.

Front and rear suspension - dependent type. The brakes are disc front, and the rear is traditionally drum type.

How does this SUV drive?

The steering is not very transparent. If you move at a speed of more than 90 km / h, then it is necessary to taxi from time to time. Sometimes the dependent front suspension draws attention. The brakes are quite grippy and the ABS holds up a heavy car well. When braking on ice from a speed of 60 km, the car does not deviate fromcourse.

Due to the fact that the center of gravity is quite high, and also because of the structural features of the front suspension on the Sobol 4x4 car, the response of almost every owner indicates that the car does not digest sudden movements well. You need to move more gently.

If you move off the asph alt

Long distance routes are not a strong point, as the maximum speed is only 120 km/h. The owners unanimously say that even at 110 km / h it becomes uncomfortable to move, in addition, fuel consumption increases significantly. But it's on asph alt.

But it's worth driving off-road, as the talents of this SUV, and maybe even an all-terrain vehicle, are revealed to their full potential.

Thus, solid sprung axles, plug-in drive, a two-stage development box, very powerful driveshafts, an electric rear differential lock - this is a serious set.

It is worth saying that the car participated in the Silk Way Rally in 2013. Even on rubber tires for asph alt, the all-wheel drive all-terrain vehicle moves very confidently over stones, sands, and in winter it also drives very well through mud and snow. This car pulls very well.

"Sable 4x4" - review

It's not a Land Rover, of course. Many do not even want to call this model an SUV. Here, the layout of the car, the characteristics and suspension settings, as well as many other little things make us abandon the idea of calling this car an all-terrain vehicle. But if you look from the other side, then, looking at today'smodern crossovers or SUVs, as well as direct competitors, we can conclude: the domestic model should be a role model. It will not sink in the mud, but it moves quite seriously on the asph alt surface.

And in general, the technical characteristics of the Sobol car are at a good level.

The secret here is simple. This is the application of a simple and successful all-wheel drive scheme. Here the engine is located longitudinally, the transmission is separate here, the transfer case too.

However, one good design is clearly not enough for our drivers. You also need high quality, then resource and reliability. And GAZ specialists coped with this successfully. Even if you buy a domestic "Sable" with mileage, then with proper maintenance it will please its owner for a long time.

Driving in this car, sometimes it seems that nothing is impossible. It feels like complete freedom. Here, probably, now the car will just stand up in this mud, and he picks up and goes.

So, this is a real beast of the desert. Yes. It makes a little noise, it is metal, on springs, it does not differ in speed characteristics. But this car is economical, spacious, stands out with fantastic cross-country capabilities. And if you consider that the price for "Sable 4x4" is from 300 to 700 thousand rubles, then it is out of competition.

There is an analogue of this model. It was also offered under the Sobol brand, but it was distinguished by a low roof. The body has a pleasant appearance, but herethe side door caused an uproar from drivers. This car is "GAZ Sobol Barguzin". It is positioned as a minivan. Although in terms of comfort of movement it is not and is far inferior to the Mercedes Vito.

The salon of the Russian "Barguzin" is a small room. The driver's seat is also comfortable and quite ergonomic - a tradition for this series. Noise isolation is surprisingly good, the dashboard does not cause negative.

If we talk about the technical characteristics, there are mainly gasoline engines. But some dealers offered Cummins diesel cars. "Barguzin" is a rear-wheel drive version, but there are also all-wheel drive modifications.

Among the positives is the low price. For example, in the basic configuration, the model is available at a cost of 475 thousand, and if you buy a used car, then its price is about 200 thousand rubles.

So, we found out what reviews and technical characteristics of the domestic car "Sobol" has. As you can see, this is a great car for hunting and fishing trips, or for those who just want to go off-road with full confidence that their car will not have to be pulled by a tractor.