"GAZelle Next": reviews, photos, review, specifications, advantages and disadvantages of the car

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

The freight transportation market is developing at a rapid pace. In view of this, the number of commercial vehicles is increasing significantly. If we talk about the Russian market, then the GAZelle can rightfully be considered the most popular light-duty truck. This machine has been produced since the mid-90s. At the moment, the Gorky Automobile Plant is producing a new series of trucks. This is GAZelle Next, which literally means next in English. The machine has been mass-produced since 2013. What is GAZelle Next? Review, specifications and more - further in our article.

Cab

Let's start our acquaintance with the cockpit. She has gone through a lot of changes. First of all, it is worth noting the fact that the Next cab 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 grille and diamond-shaped headlights. The side doors have also changed. The car uses plastic fenders. The mirrors have also changed. They have become larger and more informative.

But there are disadvantages in this cabin. Yes, the reviews arecomplaints about the grille. It does not have small honeycombs and all insects directly fall into the radiator. It clogs and the system does not cool the motor well.

About rust

As you know, the last generation of "Gazelle" had a low quality of the metal. This applies to both the body (but we will return to it later) and the cab. But how are things with GAZelle Next? The cabin is well protected against corrosion. Owner reviews say that the metal does not rust for a long time. The paint quality has also improved. Now the enamel will not peel off over the years.

Booth

Modifications created on the basis of the GAZelle Next cannot be counted. These are short-wheelbase, extended versions, flatbed, curtain-sided, with a sliding roof, refrigerators, all-metal vans, etc.

The dimensions of the "GAZelle Next" may be different. If we take the standard version with a three-meter body, the dimensions of the car are as follows. The 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 meters or more. So, cargo platforms with a length of 4, 5, 5 and 6 meters are installed on the chassis. It can be an all-metal GAZelle Next or with an awning.

A huge plus is the use of aluminum sides that do not rot. All "gazelles" know how quickly the sides on the old "Gazelles" rust. Corrosion is no longer the enemy.

But, unfortunately, this did not happen with every truck. Yes, these carsoften remade by 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 tented versions and all-metal GAZelle Next. Six months later, the paint begins to peel off, corrosion appears under it. Not only the frame is rusting, but also the gate. However, there are no complaints about the functioning of the booth. She will do her job "one hundred percent", but the appearance will quickly deteriorate - the reviews say.

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 there are round air deflectors with the ability to adjust in different directions, a new stove control unit and a multimedia system. True, the latter is not available in all trim levels of the GAZelle Next.

The instrument panel has also changed. The odometer is digital. There is also an onboard computer. The "stuff" has changed. Instead of the archaic two-spoke wheel (which is still in the days of GAZon 3307), there is a comfortable 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 seat has become stiffer, which causes less fatigue on long hauls. The GAZelle Next has a good overview inside (due to the “captain's” landing). Passenger seat - double, designed for twoman.

Note that on 2017 models, the gearshift lever has been moved to the front panel. This solution allowed more rational use of the interior space. Now, if necessary, you can sleep comfortably on the seats - reviews say. Soundproofing has also improved. Regular speakers and power windows appeared.

In general, the passenger compartment of the GAZelle Next has become more comfortable, ergonomic and modern. Compared to the old cabin, this is a significant improvement.

One of two engines is installed on this car. GAZelle Next is equipped with a Chinese Cummins engine and a Russian UMP. The first unit develops a power 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 was called "Evotek". What do reviews say about these GAZelle Next engines? We will discuss the features of each engine separately below.

Cummins and its benefits

So, first, let's look at the diesel GAZelle Next. Among the advantages, reviews note the service interval, which is 20 thousand kilometers. As for fuel consumption, this parameter is influenced by several factors. This is the windage of the booth and the weight of the cargo being transported. But no matter how high the booth may be, 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.

As noted by the reviews, GAZelle Next has the lowest consumption at a speed of 75-80 kilometers per hour. Pleases thatthat the engine starts without problems in the cold.

Disadvantages of the Chinese engine in the GAZelle Next

Reviews indicate that the location of the intercooler was poorly thought out at the factory. It must 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 close to each other. Because of this, the intercooler is often clogged with dust and fluff. As a result, it does not cool the air that the turbine forces into the intake manifold. The engine radiator is also clogged.

More 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 completely burns out in the engine. But as it turned out, the system is not very reliable. In addition, the USR strongly "strangles" the engine and it becomes less torquey (this can be felt by transferring to a GAZelle with Euro-3 with the same engine).

A radiator is also attached to the gas recirculation valve to cool the exhaust. It starts leaking 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 being produced. Thus, the cylinders do not coke, and the engine itself becomes more torquey.

About Evotech

This unit has been produced at the Ulyanovsk Motor Plant since 2014. It was built on the basis of UMZ-421, which was also installed on the old Volga. However, the manufacturer claims that the engine has undergone significant changes. Thus, lighter and stronger materials were used in the design, and the joints received high-quality seals. Improved cooling and lubrication system. The water jacket of the head and cylinder block has been changed. 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 come out, 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 has been 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 advise changing the oil more often - every 10 thousand kilometers.

What else has been changed in Evotech?

The design of this motor has been thoroughly improved. So, among the main advantages, it is worth highlighting the use of hydraulic valve clearance compensators. Thus, the engine no longer needs to adjust the valves. In order to reduce the strengthfriction (and as a result, increase efficiency), a layer of polymer molybdenum disulfide was applied to the pistons. The cylinder block is made of aluminum, and the valve cover with the intake manifold is made of plastic. Also worth noting is the polymer oil pan. All this allowed to significantly reduce the weight of the engine.

The operation of the gas distribution mechanism on the Ulyanovsk engine is carried out by engaging the timing gear with the crankshaft. Thus, there are no chains and belts in the drive that can stretch and break.

Fuel injection is implemented using Delphi electronic injectors. The piston group is supplied by the South Korean company LG. And the sensors for electronic controls are manufactured by Bosch. Hydraulic compensators were developed by the American corporation Eaton.

Another plus is the possibility of extending the life of the engine through a major overhaul. The piston group has as many as three repair sizes.

About the consumption of the Evotech engine

Compared to the old Ulyanovsk engine, Evotech has become more economical. But still, its consumption is higher than that of the Chinese Cummins. So, for a hundred, a car 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 on gasoline. And the cost of fuel is almost half that.

As for the technical characteristics, the GAZelle Next is still torquey and frisky. The difference in driving on gasoline and gas is not felt. By the way,installation of gas equipment is possible directly at the factory (of course, for a fee).

Chassis

The design of the suspension has also been changed. Many people know that on the old GAZelles, a pivot beam with springs is used in front. Now it has been replaced by an independent suspension with coil springs, ball joints and levers. At the back, there was a classic bridge with suspension brackets and an anti-roll bar. The main gear is a hypoid type with a bevel gear differential. Shock absorbers - hydraulic, double-acting.

The steering system has also been changed. So, instead of a gearbox, a more modern rail was used. The machine is equipped with hydraulic booster in any configuration.

The brake system as a whole has not changed, but there are minor improvements. So, it is still of a hydraulic type, dual-circuit with a vacuum booster and a cable parking brake. Disc brakes are implemented at the front, drums at the rear. 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 hills 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 it behaves much better than with the ZMZ engine, which was installed on the GAZelle earlier.

Now about the ride. Howstrangely enough, but the archaic spring beam turned out to be softer. But the spring independent suspension has one significant plus. With it, the car does not heel when cornering. The path up front will be a little harder, but the car enters the corners much easier and easier. Also, the car confidently keeps a straight course due to the rack and responds well to steering turns.

The rear suspension has not changed, and therefore its characteristics remain 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-wheelbase models. On the five- and six-meter versions, the springs are already starting to sag with a full load.

By the way, recently the auxiliary air suspension has become very popular. This is especially true for long-wheelbase models that weigh under 3 tons without load.

In terms of maintenance, the suspension has become more whimsical, as an additional front stabilizer and ball joints have appeared. 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 what you need anywhere in the city.

Summing up

So, we found out what features and technical characteristics of the GAZelle Next have. The car made a lot of people happy. This is really progress. Finally, a reliable and competitive light truck has been created at GAZ. However, it should not be compared with modern "Sprinters" andother foreign cars. Although there are many foreign solutions in the design, the car still has different “jambs”. However, their number is much smaller if we take the same GAZelle Business as a comparison. Well, let's recap. 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.
• Availability of useful options.
• Spacious and comfortable interior.
• Low fuel consumption.
• Possibility of lengthening the base on an individual order.

Among the shortcomings are a rigid front suspension, a rusting Luidor booth 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.