GAZ 2217 Sable technical characteristics, engines, design, price

GAZ Sobol 2217 is a light-duty vehicle aimed primarily at the commercial sector.

Serial production of the Sobol family began at the Gorky Automobile Plant in 1998. The new cars were truly pioneers in this segment. Since previously Russian production was not involved in the production of such models, and only foreign ones were on the market.

The main distinguishing feature of the Sables from the Gazelle is the shortened wheelbase and reduced carrying capacity, which is 900 kilograms.

Story

The Gorky Automobile Plant conceived the GAZ-2217 Sobol as a minivan class passenger car. While very similar to the Gazelles, the new model has a lower roof, independent front suspension, and a lifting rear door that provides access to the luggage compartment.

The cabin has wider and more comfortable seats that can accommodate a total of 7 people. Also installed seats have armrests. In addition, the salon is equipped with a small table.

If the Sobol family began to be produced in 1998, then the GAZ-2217 appeared a year later. In addition to the basic version, the Gorky Automobile Plant produced batches of all-wheel drive vehicles with a 4x4 wheel arrangement and factory index GAZ-22177. By the way, in order to separate this car from ordinary models of the same family, it was given the prefix “Barguzin”. But in 2010 they decided to abandon this and the minivan began to be produced as the GAZ-2217 Sobol Business.

For some time, another modified version was also mass-produced, differing from the standard one in a more advanced configuration. This version used higher quality and more expensive interior finishing materials. The model was named "Riviera".

In 2003 and 2010, along with all representatives of the Gazelle and Sable families, the GAZ-2217 was subjected to a slight restyling.

Modifications

Currently, in addition to the basic version, serial production of several modified minivans with a low roof and some other differences is carried out. The entire range of modifications includes:

Modification of GAZ-2217-744. This version has a 4x2 wheel arrangement. Under the hood there is a gasoline power unit manufactured in Ulyanovsk - UMZ-A274 Evotech;
Modification of GAZ-2217-344. The version also has a 4x2 wheel arrangement. Equipped with a Cummins ISF 2.8L diesel power unit;
Modification of GAZ-22177-743. It is an all-wheel drive modification with a 4x4 wheel arrangement. A UMZ-A274 Evotech gasoline engine was chosen for it;
Modification of GAZ-22177-343. It is an all-wheel drive modification with a 4x4 wheel arrangement. As for the engine, an imported Cummins ISF 2.8L power unit running on diesel fuel was used.

Advantages of Sobol/Barguzin cars

Among the advantages of the Barguzin GAZ-2217 car, we can highlight the low cost of spare parts (the machine’s maintainability), handling like a passenger car with a payload of almost a ton, and a spacious interior. If you have some simple skills, you can repair your car on your own.

Winter is not scary for the owner of the Sobol GAZ-22171: the car starts quite well in cold weather, warms up quickly, and two stoves provide the summer temperature in the cabin. The radiator grille can only be closed in severe frosts, when the thermometer drops below -30.

The car’s power is also pleasing; it can accelerate to 140 km/h without any problems.

Cabin

In terms of capacity, both cargo and passengers, the GAZ-2217, for completely understandable reasons (designed on the basis of a cargo van), is significantly superior to conventional minivans.

Although the car has a small overall length, it can quite comfortably accommodate not seven people, as the manufacturer claims, but even ten or more. This is due to the fact that it has a fairly wide interior, in which one row can consist of four seats. However, this arrangement is not common, since to ensure increased comfort on trains, instead of four seats, there are only three in a row, but they are much more comfortable and wider, borrowed from the “Volgov” family. These seats also have armrests.

As for the internal dimensions of the GAZ-2217 Sobol, its interior can easily be compared to a small room. The length of the interior is 2500, the width is 1800, and the height is 1330 millimeters. This height is quite enough for passengers to be able to move inside, albeit crouched down.

The central part of the cabin is equipped with a small folding table with a standard lamp. The majority of the interior trim uses velor, which makes the overall appearance quite decent. There are special curtains on the windows.

The driver's area received two separate seats. If previously there was a small sofa in the passenger seat, then only one, but more comfortable passenger seat with folding armrests was installed here.

Since this vehicle was developed on the basis of a cargo van, some elements inherent in it were transferred to the new passenger model. First of all, it is worth noting the presence of a high partition separating the driver’s compartment from the passenger compartment. But this solution is not entirely clear, at least for a minivan, since in order to get, for example, from the main cabin behind the wheel, you need to enter from the street.

Modern modifications of the car have a redesigned interior. Basically, the manufacturer paid attention to the little things and such shortcomings, as, for example, in the previous situation with the partition.

In addition, the new minivans have a fairly significant degree of interior transformation. Now the backs of the passenger seats can be folded, which gives an additional volume of 3.5 cubic meters for transporting any cargo. It is also possible to fully recline the seats, which can be used as a wide bed on long trips.

Disadvantages of Sobol/Barguzin cars

The main weak points of the car are: steering units, gearbox, suspension.

Having traveled only a few thousand kilometers, many owners of Sobol cars are already experiencing problems with the gearbox: they have to either rebuild it or change it. By the way, problems with gearboxes are among the most common among Sobol car owners.

After the first 10 thousand km. On some Barguzin GAZ-2217, the power steering hose bursts: as a result, the entire engine can be filled with oil.

As for the suspension on the Sobol minibus, in addition to its rigidity (it shakes even on the back seat), some owners of GAZ-22171 already after 40 thousand km. have problems with tie rod pins, ball joints and pendulums. Some car enthusiasts have to change ball joints almost every year.

After 90 thousand km. There is a drop in engine power in Barguzin GAZ-2217 cars.

Car enthusiasts also have complaints about the quality of design and assembly. Even the new Sobol minibuses have uneven gaps, and the side door cannot be adjusted. After a year of operation, extraneous squeaks appear in some places, which can be eliminated with the help of sealant; On some cars the rear trunk door begins to knock.

Another problem with Sobol/Barguzin model cars is the problem with antifreeze: car enthusiasts complain that it constantly leaks.

In order to clean the fuel pump mesh on a Sobol/Barguzin car, you must first remove the fuel tank, which is extremely inconvenient.

There is no towing eye at the back of the car, so if your GAZ-2217 is stuck, you can only pull it forward, which is an obvious flaw of the engineers.

Specifications

Engine

For the first generation, the manufacturer offered several options for power units, both carburetor and injection. The range of engines is represented by the following engines:

ZMZ-402

It is a four-cylinder in-line power plant equipped with a carburetor power system. This engine has eight valves in the gas distribution mechanism.

Characteristics of ZMZ-402:

Working volume – 2.49 l;
Rated power – 100 hp. (at 4500 rpm);
Cylinder diameter – 92 mm;
Piston stroke – 92 mm;
The compression ratio in the combustion chamber is 8.2:1;
Maximum torque – 181 Nm (at 2500 rpm);
Engine weight – 180 kg.

ZMZ-406.3

It is a four-cylinder in-line gasoline engine with a carburetor power system. The gas distribution mechanism also has 8 valves.

Characteristics of ZMZ-406.3:

Working volume – 2.28 l;
Rated power – 110 hp. (at 4500 rpm);
Cylinder diameter – 92 mm;
Piston stroke – 86 mm;
The compression ratio in the combustion chamber is 9.3:1;
Maximum torque – 186.4 Nm (at 3500 rpm);
Engine weight – 190 kg.

ZMZ-406

This four-cylinder in-line gasoline power unit is equipped with an injector and also has a 16-valve gas distribution mechanism.

Characteristics of ZMZ-406:

Working volume – 2.28 l;
Rated power – 110 hp. (at 4500 rpm);
Cylinder diameter – 92 mm;
Piston stroke – 86 mm;
The compression ratio in the combustion chamber is 9.3:1;
Maximum torque – 186.4 Nm (at 3500 rpm);
Engine weight – 187 kg.

In 2003, the first generation was replaced by the second. New engine options were also offered for the new models, namely:

ZMZ-40522.10

It is a four-cylinder in-line gasoline engine with a fuel injection system and a 16-valve gas distribution mechanism.

Characteristics of ZMZ-40522.10:

Working volume – 2.46 l;
Rated power – 140 hp. (at 5200 rpm);
Cylinder diameter – 95.5 mm;
Piston stroke – 86 mm;
The compression ratio in the combustion chamber is 9.3:1;
Maximum torque – 210 Nm (at 4200 rpm);
Engine weight – 193 kg.

ZMZ 40524.10

It is a four-cylinder in-line gasoline engine with a fuel injection system and a 16-valve gas distribution mechanism.

Characteristics of ZMZ 40524.10:

Working volume – 2.46 l;
Rated power – 140 hp. (at 5000 rpm);
Cylinder diameter – 95.5 mm;
Piston stroke – 86 mm;
The compression ratio in the combustion chamber is 9.3:1;
Maximum torque – 214 Nm (at 4000 rpm);
Engine weight – 190 kg.

UMZ-42164

It is a four-cylinder petrol power plant with a fuel injection system. The gas distribution mechanism has 8 valves.

Characteristics of UMZ-42164:

Working volume – 2.89 l;
Rated power – 78.5 hp. (at 4000 rpm);
Cylinder diameter – 100 mm;
Piston stroke – 92 mm;
The compression ratio in the combustion chamber is 8.8:1;
Maximum torque – 220.5 Nm (at 4000 rpm);
Engine weight – 172 kg.

Chrysler 2.4L-DOHC

It is a four-cylinder in-line engine from the American manufacturer Chrysler. This power plant is equipped with distributed fuel injection and a 16-valve gas distribution mechanism with lower camshafts. Only the luxury version of the Riviera was equipped with this engine.

Chrysler 2.4L-DOHC Specifications:

Working volume – 2.43 l;
Rated power – 137 hp. (at 5200 rpm);
Cylinder diameter – 87.5 mm;
Piston stroke – 101 mm;
The compression ratio in the combustion chamber is 9.5:1;
Maximum torque – 224 Nm (at 4000 rpm);
Engine weight – 179 kg.

In 2010, the range of engines offered changed again. This time only two options became available, namely:

UMZ-A274 Evotech

It is a gasoline four-cylinder in-line engine with a microprocessor injection control system and a fuel injection system.

Characteristics of UMZ-A274 Evotech:

Working volume – 2.69 l;
Rated power – 107 hp. (at 4000 rpm);
Cylinder diameter – 96.5 mm;
Piston stroke – 92 mm;
The compression ratio in the combustion chamber is 8.8:1;
Maximum torque – 220.5 Nm (at 2350-2500 rpm);
Engine weight – 167 kg.

Cummins ISF 2.8L

It is a four-cylinder in-line engine running on diesel fuel. It has a turbocharging system and a charge air cooler.

Characteristics of Cummins ISF 2.8L:

Working volume – 2.78 l;
Rated power – 120 hp. (at 3200 rpm);
Cylinder diameter – 94 mm;
Piston stroke – 100 mm;
The compression ratio in the combustion chamber is 16.5:1;
Maximum torque – 297 Nm (at 1600-2700 rpm);
Engine weight – 214 kg.

checkpoint

All engines are equipped with one five-speed manual transmission with synchronizers in first, second, third, fourth and fifth gears. It has a friction single-plate dry clutch, standard for the entire family, which has a hydraulic control drive.

The first cars had a domestic clutch, but later it was replaced with a German one from Sachs.

On modified versions with all-wheel drive, the transmission has a locking center differential and a two-stage transfer case with a reduction gear.

Chassis

If other members of the family used the same suspension for the wheels of the front and rear axles, then in the GAZ-2217 Sobol model the designs are radically different.

The front of the car is equipped with an independent double-wishbone spring suspension, gas-filled shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar.

The rear suspension remained conventional. There are longitudinal parabolic springs and bidirectional hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers.

The main differences between Barguzin and Gazelle

It is believed that the Sobol is a more compact version of the Gazelle, and this is true. Although the Sobol is a car of a completely different class, the models have a lot in common - the same components and assemblies, appearance, interior and exterior elements. When comparing models, it is better to consider the main differences. And the main differences between Sobol are as follows:

One wheel is installed on the rear axle (the Gazelle has a gable tire);
Load capacity is approximately one and a half times less;
The wheelbase is 140 mm shorter;
Unlike springs, the Gazelle is equipped with a front spring suspension (4x2 version);
More compact luxury interior;
Barguzin interior and torpedo
Short frame of our own design;
Other brake drums;
The diameter of the brake discs has been increased by 15 mm;
Other springs are installed on the rear suspension.

The big advantage of the front suspension on the Barguzin is that it does not have kingpins. Ball joints are installed instead.

Peculiarities

This car has excellent visibility and handling, which is often mentioned in owner reviews.

The driver's seat is distinguished not only by its high comfort, but also by well-thought-out ergonomics. It is worth noting that on long trips the driver does not get tired or feel back pain, which was a problem on some other models. The salon is equipped with a very efficient stove, which is also noted by the owners.

When it comes to dynamics and maneuverability, the model is truly one of the best in its segment. Moreover, in these parameters it is very similar to ordinary passenger cars. Access to the cargo area is provided by a large, upward-opening, convenient door.

Among the shortcomings, owners most often note poor build quality. Moreover, this applies not only to the technical part, but also to the interior, where various details and finishing elements often disappear.

Other problems are related to the transmission, hydraulic power steering hose, and also the suspension. Speaking of suspension. Although the manufacturer has used a more modern suspension design, it is not well thought out. The first malfunctions in this area appear after reaching the first 50 thousand kilometers. Having crossed the 100 thousand kilometers mark, the ball joints fail, and the springs begin to sag. And the rear suspension turned out to be much more reliable. Here any problems occur much less frequently.

Minibus GAZ-22171 Sobol

GAZ-22171 “Sobol” is a small minibus characterized by comfort and driving performance. The car is intended for family, office or tourist use.

The basic version of Gaz-22171 Sobol is equipped with 6 passenger seats and a table. The 10-seater version does not have a table, and the passenger seats are located in the direction of travel.

If compared with the Barguzin, the body of the GAZ 22171 is slightly higher. The level of comfort is comparable: GAZ-22171 is equipped with comfortable seats with headrests and armrests.

One of the main advantages of the minibus is that when developing the Gaz-22171 “Sobol”, specialists eliminated many of the design flaws of the GAZelle (GAZ-322132 / 3221). The developers completely redesigned the suspension and springs, thereby ensuring a smooth ride, like a fairly good passenger car. The interior of the Sobol minibus has become more spacious due to being equipped with a single rear wheel.

Price

The cost of a new GAZ-2217 Sobol car from an official dealer is determined depending on the modification.

For the gasoline version of the GAZ-2217-744 in the minimum configuration you will need to pay from 860 thousand rubles. For the diesel modification of GAZ-2217-344, also in the minimum configuration – from 1.1 million rubles;

The all-wheel drive model GAZ-22177-743, equipped with a gasoline power plant, will cost an average of 890 thousand rubles, while the same one, but with a diesel engine (modification GAZ-22177-343) has an average price tag of 1.1 million rubles.

On the secondary market, such minivans can be purchased at prices ranging from 100 thousand to 450 thousand rubles, depending on the type of modification, year of manufacture, mileage, and, of course, technical condition.

Price policy

What is the cost for a Barguzin 4x4 minivan? Price is another positive feature of this SUV. A new all-wheel drive car in basic configuration can be purchased for around 500,000 rubles. A five-year-old used car can cost about 200 thousand.

So, we found out what technical characteristics, design and price this minibus has. As you can see, “Barguzin” is an excellent and inexpensive alternative to modern foreign cars such as “Mercedes Vito” and “Volkswagen Transporter”, and also has all-wheel drive.