GAZon Next is a new (produced since the end of 2014), the fifth family of medium-duty trucks of the Gorky Automobile Plant. From the very beginning, it was not a narrow-profile truck, but a large family divided into separate groups: urban, universal and (in the future) off-road and increased payload. GAZon Next can be called one of the real examples of the notorious import substitution: the base engine and up to 90% of the parts are produced in Russia. And in terms of its technical, operational characteristics and price, this car is able to compete with imported "classmates". Details below.
The predecessors of GAZon Next in the model range of the plant were GAZ-3307 trucks,. For a quarter of a century, about two million of these machines have been sold. Approximately half of them are still in operation.
However, the cars of these families, developed back in the 80s, have long been outdated both morally and technically. Therefore, when updating the fleet, consumers no longer choose them, but the equipment of foreign competitors. This became one of the main prerequisites for creating a fundamentally new model.
The launch of GAZon Next on September 19, 2014 became one of the most notable events of the year in Russia. The symbolic start of serial production was given by the head of the GAZ Group holding Vadim Sorokin, as well as the notorious Oleg Deripaska and Vladimir Putin (who previously had the opportunity to sit at the steering wheel of a new truck).
"This is an updated version,- Vadim Sorokin painted then to the president, who sat down in the cab of the GAZon Next, - here, for example, is a place for a one and a half liter bottle, from which the driver will drink. What exactly the driver will drink and why the 1.5-liter bottle is a modification, there was no need to explain. Compared to half a liter, this is undoubtedly a real step forward. "Good car", Putin laughed and patted the guide on the shoulder.
The grand opening of sales of the commercial version of the GAZon NEXT truck took place on October 24, 2014 in Nizhny Novgorod. Each version is available with two types of cabs: a regular three-seater ("C41R31"), or a two-row seven-seater (C42R31).
In a double-row cabin, you can additionally install a sofa that will serve as a sleeping place. This makes it convenient to use the truck for long distance transportation. A new single cabin module (created for all trucks of the GAZ group, including Ural Next) was originally borrowed from the Gazelle Next family; with appropriate modifications, of course.
Trucks "GAZon Next" (or "GAZ-C41R11" and "GAZ-C41R31") have, according to the manufacturer, a load capacity of 5.0 tons and 4.7 tons and are designed for operation on all types of paved roads.
except universal series, a special series is designed specifically for use in urban environments "City", which has wheels of a smaller (18.5 inches instead of 20) diameter, low-profile tires and a loading height reduced from 1.3 m to 1.165 m. The ground clearance of the GAZons of the City series is also less: 189 cm instead of 253.
Soon the third version of the family will appear on the market - a car off-road«LAWN NEXT 4×4"(previously they were going to call it" Sadko NEXT ") - the direct successor of the GAZ-66, built on its modernized platform. Off-road "GAZon NEXT" will have a load capacity of 3 tons; single-tire busbar rear axle and a system of centralized regulation of air pressure in tires.
The company also plans to release the fourth series within the family - a six-ton truck "GAZon Next" (4x2) with increased payload, gross weight of 11.95 tons, with a dual-tire rear axle.
The standard GAZon Next, with a wheelbase of 3.77 meters (the extended version is 4.515 meters), can “take on board” 5 tons (the maximum axle load is set as 2650 / 6600 kg).
The standard "GAZon Next" is equipped with a cargo metal platform with folding sides, which can be equipped with a frame awning. Due to the increased platform and awning, the total body area has increased, compared with previous generations, by 20%, and its volume - by 42%.
The use of modern technological solutions and high requirements for spare parts suppliers allow the Gorky Automobile Plant to provide good guarantees to GAZon Next (the best among its classmates): 3 years, or 150,000 kilometers. The service interval between scheduled maintenance has also been increased (up to 20,000 kilometers).
The specialists of the Gorky Automobile Plant paid special attention to localization. Despite the presence of imported components, GAZon Next can rightfully be called a domestic truck. Up to ninety percent of all parts of its design are produced at Russian enterprises.
The import component of GAZon Next is as follows: the steering column with adjustment is produced by CSA Castellon (Spain); steering, clutch and brake system are supplied by German manufacturers ZF and Wabco; American-made in the "GAZon" - the climate system "Delphi" and shock absorbers "Tenneco"; Seat belts are supplied by the Japanese company Takata. These are far from the most elite, but reliable and proven manufacturers with a good reputation.
The layout of the GAZon Next truck is front-engine, rear-wheel drive. The basis of the car is a two-axle platform with a steel frame.
In the frame structure, reinforcements of the side members, rear brackets were used, and an original cross member was developed for installing towing devices. The GAZon Next frame is fully adapted to work in Russian road conditions, designed for an increased load, which has been confirmed by numerous tests.
The frame is protected by an anti-corrosion catapheous coating. A novelty in the design is also the front suspension with three-leaf springs, which is equipped with anti-roll bars on both axles. The length of the front springs is 1600 mm.
All versions of GAZon Next are equipped with three engine options that meet the requirements of Euro-4 and Euro-5 environmental standards. These are the diesel YaMZ-5344-20 and Cummins ISF 3.8 E4R, as well as the pride of the GAZ group - the YaMZ-534 CNG, which runs on liquefied gas. Each of these modern motors is powerful and economical; provides the traction characteristics and reliability of operation necessary for such a machine.
- The diesel engine of the Yaroslavl Motor Plant is used as the base engine. YaMZ-5344-20. The in-line four-cylinder 4-stroke liquid-cooled engine weighing 470 kg has a volume of 4.43 liters and a maximum power of 148.9 hp. (109.5 kW), at 2300 rpm. The engine is equipped with a turbocharger and Common Rail direct injection system. I must say that the YaMZ engines of the 530th series in 2010 were awarded the Adam Smith Institute as the "Best Innovation / Technological Breakthrough" award. The resource of this power unit exceeds 700 thousand km. The maximum torque of this engine is 490 N m / 1200-2100 rpm; compression ratio - 17.5; specific fuel consumption - 197 g / kWh / 145 l. s./h
- Engine " YaMZ-534CNG"- the latest and most promising development of the Yaroslavl Motor Plant, which is part of the new family of four-cylinder in-line engines YaMZ-534 and is specially designed to run on liquefied gas. The power of this motor is 170 horsepower; maximum torque - 750 N.m (80 kgf.m). The frequency at maximum torque is 1200-1600 min-1. The minimum specific fuel consumption is 197 g/kWh (145 g/hp.h)
- An alternative option is GAZon Next, equipped with a Chinese-made turbocharged diesel engine. "Cummins ISF 3.8 E4R". (Used for a long time on Valdai GAZ-33106 cars). It is also a 4-cylinder diesel weighing 335 kg, a cylinder displacement of 3.76 liters, and a power of 152 hp. (at 2600 rpm).
Both diesel engines (both YaMZ and Cummins) comply with Euro-4 standards, are equipped with Common Rail, have liquid cooling and supply cooling. Their indicators are not identical, but close to each other: the compression ratio "Cummins ISF" - 17.2; Torque - 497 N m, in the range of 1200-1900 min-1. As an additional option, the engine can be supplemented with a preheater.
The gearbox for any of the motors is the same - a five-speed mechanical, modernized, with a torque increased to 490 Nm. The real reason for the pride of designers and the optimism of buyers is that all gears have a synchronizer, and the steering is of an integral type. By the way, the operation of the gearbox is controlled through the joystick, as well as the control of the electronic gas pedal.
The cuffs of the wheel hub and the main pair are imported, the flange connection with end slots is made according to ISO, the cardan gear is maintenance-free, the main gear is hypoid.
Integral steering mechanism "ZF" with the transmission "screw-ball nut-rail-sector" provides precise control, information content when driving a truck on any type of road surface. Steering components - maintenance-free; the number of revolutions of the steering wheel is 4.2. The hydraulic power steering pump is a vane, double-acting.
On all wheels of this medium-duty truck, Wabco ventilated disc brakes with pneumatic drive and anti-lock function (ABS) are used. The air system is from Valdai. In addition, the base GAZon Next is also equipped with an ASR traction control system and an EBD system, which helps the driver maintain control of the car during emergency braking.
The GAZon Next pneumatic brake system works efficiently and has a good power reserve. Pedal effort is minimal. Reliability indicators are high (even with partial depressurization of the system, the brakes work normally). The resource of brake pads is 200 thousand kilometers.
The GAZon Next clutch is dry, single-disk. Clutch and steering units (power booster available) were purchased entirely from Sachs ZF.
The suspension is mostly left over from older designs. However, according to the manufacturer, the front springs have been modernized. One way or another, the installation of air suspension is not expected, and the GAZon Next family rides on springs (which are designated by the manufacturer as soft, three-leaf), supplemented with anti-roll bars.
In general, the GAZon Next small-leaf spring suspension provides a fairly high level of active safety, has a high resource and decent reliability.
- Length: 6.435 m (7.960 m - extended version); Width: 2.307 m; Height: 2.418 m - in the cabin, 3.1 m - in the awning.
- Ground clearance: 262 mm.
- Wheelbase: 3.770 m (4.515 m - extended version);
- Rear track: 1.690 m, front track: 1.740 m.
- The mass of the equipped car (onboard, without an awning): 3.31 t; 4.13 t - extended base.
- Gross weight: 8,700 tons.
The Gazon Next truck can overcome exits and entrances with an angle of 18 and 30 degrees and reach speeds of up to 100 km / h on a flat asphalt road, when fully loaded. The maximum speed set by the manufacturer is 110 km/h.
Overview of modifications « GAZon Next" and special equipment on its chassis
As already mentioned, GAZon Next is produced in two versions: urban and universal; "on the way" - off-road and increased payload options. The universal "GAZon Next" replaced the "GAZ-3309", which is being withdrawn from the model range of the plant. And the urban version is designed to replace the Valdai.
All modifications are available with standard and extended wheelbase, as well as with single-row and double-row cabs. The number of modifications of special equipment that can be created on the basis of GAZon Next is impressive: it amounts to hundreds of pieces.
These are isothermal, grain and manufactured goods vans; europlatforms, paddy wagons for transporting prisoners; dump trucks (including those with 3-sided unloading); hook loaders; tank trucks; mobile workshops; garbage trucks; tankers; vacuum machines; combined road machines; shift buses; autohydraulic lifts; tow trucks (including those with a sliding platform); cranes-manipulators; special vehicles for transporting gas cylinders; portal loaders; truck tractors; asphalt distributors; sweepers; fire trucks.
The list of basic configurations of "GAZon Next" is as follows:
- "GAZ-C41R11"- chassis and flatbed truck with a wheelbase of 3.77 m and a Cummins ISF 3.8 engine;
- "GAZ-C41R13"- chassis and flatbed truck with a wheelbase of 3.77 m and a YaMZ-53441 engine;
- "GAZ-C41R16"- Chassis and flatbed truck with a wheelbase of 3.77 m and a YaMZ-543 CNG gas engine;
- "GAZ-C41R31"- chassis and flatbed truck with an extended wheelbase of 4.515 m and a Cummins ISF 3.8 engine;
- "GAZ-C41R33"- chassis and flatbed truck with an extended wheelbase of 4.515 m and a YaMZ-53441 engine;
- "GAZ-C41R36"- chassis and flatbed truck with an extended wheelbase of 4.515 m and a YaMZ-543 CNG gas engine;
- "GAZ-C42R13"- chassis and flatbed truck with a double 7-seater cab, wheelbase 3.77 m and engine "YaMZ-53441";
- "GAZ-C42R31"- Chassis and flatbed truck with a double 7-seater cab, wheelbase 3.77 m and Cummins ISF3.8 engine;
- "GAZ-C42R33"- a chassis and a flatbed truck with a double 7-seater cab and an extended wheelbase of 4.515 m and a YaMZ-53441 engine;
- "GAZ-C47R13"- a truck tractor for operation as part of a road train with a gross weight of 12 tons.
The shape of the truck cab is slightly pointed and has a sloping stamped hood. The front has an original radiator grille with horizontal slats and a powerful metal bumper with fog lights built into it. The modern appearance is emphasized by optics with integrated turn signals and daytime running light. Wings are made of impact-resistant plastic. The hood is equipped with a stopper. Behind the cab, on the driver's side, a fuel filter-separator and an air filter are installed.
Landing in the cabin is comfortable: the steps are wide, the doorways are large. The driver's seat is quite comfortable, adjustable, including height. Thanks to a carefully thought-out seating position, the driver has good visibility in all directions, and the presence of "blind spots" is significantly reduced due to new large rear-view mirrors. For a separate surcharge, you can order an air seat in the cab (like real "truckers").
The steering wheel is quite ergonomic, but it can only be adjusted by tilt. It is worth noting that the steering wheel has radio and cruise control as standard. It is difficult to say whether the GAZon drivers need the cruise control function, but this dilemma was decided by the manufacturer in advance, since cruise control is included as standard (unlike a stereo system with a monitor and a tachograph).
In the basic configuration, "GAZon Next" is equipped with a central lock, air conditioning, interior heater, heated driver's seat, power windows, on-board computer, audio preparation.
The instrument panel in the GAZon cab is very convenient and easy to read. However, the cheap and rather flimsy plastic of the panel and the entire interior does not inspire confidence or respect. Inside the standard cabin of the GAZon, there was one more passenger seat than its predecessor.
For a surcharge, you can install an aluminum alloy body, but the manufacturer claims that in terms of corrosion resistance, the plant has managed to achieve good results from ordinary standard metal. We are talking about painting in a special Eisenmann block bought from the Germans in 2013, but there is no talk of processing the metal directly. Probably, the first reviews of GAZon Next after several years of operation will dispel doubts about corrosion resistance.
The first impressions from the operation of the new GAZ trucks are, for the most part, restrainedly positive. The essential advantages of the model, according to the owners, are:
- comparatively compact with good capacity;
- simplicity of design, low cost and availability of spare parts, high maintainability;
- the possibility of loading (unloading) in a limited space;
- extended warranty from the manufacturer (150,000 km or 3 years).
Outwardly, this is not particularly noticeable, but the cabin interior in the GAZon Next has become a third larger than that of the GAZ-3309, and no less than as much more comfortable. The owners note a soft ride and good control accuracy of the car, which does not throw from side to side even during sharp acceleration, braking and cornering.
The YaMZ engine is high-torque, although somewhat slow to accelerate. On the highway, the truck goes perfectly, but in a rut it starts to throw very strongly. The clutch is very soft, like on a passenger car.
Praise the new upgraded gearbox. According to drivers, the clarity of gear shifting is noticeably improved compared to its predecessors; noise and vibration levels are much lower. Although not everyone is lucky: many, quite the opposite, complain about the noise of the gearbox (which warranty dealers explain with the poor quality of domestic bearings, their high percentage of defects).
Of the minuses, the owners of GAZon still note an insufficiently verified, rigid suspension, which, on an unloaded car, conscientiously transmits all the slightest bumps in the road surface to the driver: “When you go not loaded, then every bump is felt. You even begin to tense up in front of bumps and wait for a blow. The turning radius of the truck is too big, and it is far from always convenient to perform such maneuvers on it.
As with many other domestic cars, wheel bearings are the weak point. Not "going out" of the due date, they begin to buzz when moving, crumble. However, as you know, this arises not only from the poor quality of the part, but also due to the poor quality of the road surface. In addition, the price of this consumable is not very expensive.
And finally, the biggest disappointment. “I took the car as a 5-ton truck, but when I loaded 4 tons into it, the springs arched in the opposite direction! Began to understand, call the officials. As a result, it turned out - attention! - the car, it turns out, has a carrying capacity of 3 tons 600 kilograms, since empty it weighs 5,100 kg, and not 4,700 kg, declared under the TCP, and the total weight is 8.7 tons. 8.7-5.1=3.6 tons. Just cheating."
Unfortunately, such reviews are not uncommon, especially from the owners of the GAZon Next extended versions: you load 4 tons - and the car is “on its knees”, clearly falling short of the five tons proudly declared by the manufacturer!
In spite of everything, it is still possible to conclude that Nizhny Novgorod specialists have created, albeit somewhat “raw”, in need of improvement, but a worthy truck for business. Which has real practicality, good economic performance, as well as low-cost maintenance.
In addition, Gazon Next is well adapted to Russian conditions and is able to become a reliable assistant in the field of small and medium-sized cargo transportation for years, working in a busy rhythm and bringing real profit. According to experts, the operation of the GAZon Next truck will cost, on average, 12-17% cheaper than its predecessors.
Initially declared cost of "GAZon Next" - 1 million rubles, as usual, by the beginning of real sales managed to "creep" up to 1.3 million rubles, for the simplest configuration of a flatbed truck. Soon, the minimum price for the base "GAZon Next" has grown even more significantly, and now it is from 1,650,000 rubles for a variant with a conventional cab, and from 1,725,000 rubles for a two-row 7-seater cab.
In general, this transfers the car to a completely different “weight category”, where potential buyers have in mind options that are slightly more expensive than the GAZon in all respects.
Of course, all imported components affect the price increase, but GAZ representatives assure that the owners of GAZon Next will be able to subsequently save on its maintenance and repair.
The market for used GAZon Next trucks, given the recent start of their production, has not yet developed. Similar to GAZon Next in terms of technical capabilities, domestic models on the modern market are in the CIS, KrAZ-5401.