Gas 2752 Sobol: technical characteristics and fuel consumption

For the new Sobol, a shortened platform from the GAZelle Next was chosen, on which the “cabin” module, common for the entire family, will be installed.

The frame is not just copied, but is equipped with solid side members, which significantly improve the strength and load-bearing capacity of the platform. In addition, a Sobol with increased ground clearance was seen during tests - much greater than that of a standard GAZelle.

Together with this configuration, another one was tested - the Sobol Business 4x4 2022 model year, which is distinguished by modified plastic front part, as well as the presence of glued side windows and diode lighting equipment.

On the page all the details and latest news about the new Sobol 4×4 2022 model:

• Start of sales in Russia;
• Photo;
• Engines (diesel and gasoline), transmission and chassis;
• Prices and configurations;
• Specifications;
• Video test drive.

The history of the creation of "Sable"

Serial production of cars of the GAZ-2752 Sobol family started in Nizhny Novgorod in 1998. By that time, the GAZelle had been in mass production for four years already, and it became obvious that the demand for cars of this class, which had not yet been completely mastered by the domestic automobile industry, turned out to be much higher than the wildest assumptions. Therefore, the range of modifications within the family grew; and, in accordance with market requirements, a related family was created - “Sable”.

The UAZ-3727 prototype is one of the “ancestors” of the GAZelle and Sobol.

The design team, under the leadership of Vladimir Chetverikov, relied on both domestic and foreign experience when creating the GAZelle family. In particular, for the promising development of NAMI (Central Research Automobile and Automotive Engine Institute) and UAZ engineers - the all-metal van "UAZ-3727", which did not go into production. Many also point out the more than obvious similarities between the GAZelle and Sobol and the third generation Ford Transit.

“Externally, there really was a common motive,” Vladimir Chetverikov could not help but agree with this analogy, “but this common motive - a half-hood layout - is typical for most cars of this class.”

The frame for all modifications of the Sobol was taken from the GAZelle, with the side members shortened (wall thickness 3.9 mm) and the wheelbase reduced from 2900 to 2760 mm. The all-metal Sobol van GAZ-2752 is a GAZ van shortened by 660 mm.

"Pre-styling" "Sable" of the first generation.

Since the GAZ-2752 Sobol entered the assembly line four years later than the GAZelle, it was not affected by the time of early modernization of the new model - with the replacement of multi-leaf semi-elliptical springs with few-leaf parabolic ones; Spicer drive axle on banjo, cabin reinforcement; fighting the boiling of antifreeze in the radiator already with the arrival of April warmth... We can say that “Sable” was cured of “childhood diseases” even before its appearance.

In 2003, Sobol, like GAZelle, underwent restyling, which significantly updated its appearance and interior. In accordance with the current “automotive fashion”, the tail design was updated, the rectangular headlights were replaced with modern drop-shaped block headlights. The instrument panel in the cockpit has also been updated and radically changed.

In February 2010, the Gorky Automobile Plant began producing a restyled family of this car, under the Sobol-Business brand. The package of modernized components and assemblies of this version is similar to the GAZelle-Business family. “Sobol” is presented in the price list of the Gorky Automobile Plant in a variety of options: an all-metal van or minibus, a flatbed truck or a universal chassis for installing all kinds of superstructures and special equipment.

Sable Business: when will it be available for sale?

In May 2022, Rossiyskaya Gazeta journalists became aware of the liquidation of the Sobol Business 4×4 2022 project due to the need to concentrate all available resources on the speedy finalization of the GAZelle NN. At the same time, we were talking about equipping an entire line, where, for sure, there would be a place for the new all-wheel drive Sobol, and therefore, potentially, its business modification. Most likely, final answers about the viability of this model will only be obtained next year.

Purpose

This model is very often in demand. Utilities accepted the GAZ 2752 Sobol for use due to the availability of 7 seats. The capacity of the number of employees and the ability to transport a sufficient amount of tools have proven themselves to be positive. Internal structures have been using this model for a very long time. Sable combi is a cargo-passenger model.

It can also be used as minibuses around the city. The side door on rails adds convenience to operation. Modern models have become taller, and cargo and passenger capacity has increased. Due to the increased ceilings, you can stand in it, which means that the cargo and passenger capacity has become even greater.

Sobol GAZ 2752 has an all-metal van. It allows you to transport large items and, due to this, has come into service with construction companies, finishing organizations and private entrepreneurs.

Classic van Sobol GAZ 2752

After the modification, the GAZ 27527 began to be used by organizations involved in collection. For this organization, the main quality is cross-country ability. GAZ 27527 easily copes with the assigned tasks.

“Sable” and “Gazelle”: a little about the similarities and differences

“Sobol” became a completely independent development by the engineers of the Gorky Automobile Plant. Despite the obvious similarity with the super popular GAZelle, this is a car of a different class (with a payload of up to 1 ton) and a different specific application. But, of course, there is a lot in common with the GAZelle: the same, unified cabin, engine, gearbox and clutch, as well as headlights, windows, mirrors and door handles.

The differences are as follows: frame with new side members, front suspension (independent double wishbone, pinless, spring, on ball joints); the rear suspension has different springs. In addition, the Sobol has a modernized brake system: the diameter of the front discs is 15 mm larger than that of the GAZelle, and at the rear, since the wheels are not two-wheeled, but single-wheeled, brake drums of a different design are installed. Instead of six wheel mounting studs with M18x1.5 threads and flange nuts, the Sobol has five M14x1.5 pieces for conical, purely “car” nuts (“from Volga”).

The design of the rear cargo part of the van, as well as the interior of the cabin, in the Sobol is more reminiscent of a minivan than a GAZelle and compact trucks in general. Despite the fact that the Sobol van is 66 centimeters shorter in length than the GAZelle, the dimensions of the driver's cabin in the GAZ-2752 remain the same. Access to the rear row of seats is as convenient as possible - through a wide sliding side door. All GAZ-2752 Sobol vehicles are equipped with power steering.

Options and prices

New generation cars will inevitably become more expensive, although the majority of potential buyers will continue to use predominantly installment leasing programs.
Today you can become the owner of an all-wheel drive Sable in the GAZ 221717 version for 1,012,000 rubles. This will be a car with a 6+1 interior, a Cummins ISF2.8s4129P or UMZ-42164 engine, as well as an average roof height. The cost of a Sobol Business commercial van starts at 864,000 rubles, and this configuration can take up to 990 kilograms of cargo “on board”.

Specifications

The carrying capacity of the GAZ 2752 varies depending on the modification. For the semi-passenger version it is 300 kg, for the van – 770-900 kg. The total vehicle weight is 2800 kg. This is an undeniable advantage, since it allows the car to have the right to enter the central regions of Moscow.

Thanks to its compact size, the Sobol driver can maneuver on a narrow road and park in a limited area. The length of the machine is 4840 mm, the height at the top point is 2200 mm, the width is 2075 mm. The wheelbase of the vehicle is 2760 mm. GAZ 2752 has a track of 1700 mm. Due to the small loading height of 720 mm, unloading and loading of goods is as comfortable as possible.

"Sable" has a four-by-two wheel arrangement. The model is adapted to travel along the highway at a speed of 120 km/h.

Engine

The line of power units for the Sobol car includes several engines. The most popular modifications in Russia are equipped with a domestic gasoline unit UMZ-40524.

Characteristics of this motor:

• working volume – 2.8 l;
• rated power – 96 (128.8) kW (hp);
• rotation speed – 4500 rpm;
• maximum torque – 205 (4000) Nm (rpm);
• number of cylinders – 4.

Also, the GAZ 2752 is equipped with a foreign Chrisler-2.4L gasoline engine:

• working volume – 2.42 l;
• rated power - 98 (133.3) kW (hp);
• rotation speed – 5000 rpm;
• maximum torque – 204 (3994) Nm (rpm);
• number of cylinders – 4.

For these units, AI-92, AI-95 gasoline is used. The power system is a multi-point injection.

Some versions of the Sobol are equipped with a 2.8-liter Cummins diesel unit (120 horsepower). The main advantage of the engine is reliability (lifetime - over 500,000 km). Gas-powered versions are also available.

Fuel consumption

The fuel consumption of GAZ 2752 depends on the type of power plant:

• modifications running on diesel – 9.8 l/100 km;
• petrol versions – 9.1-10.6 l/100 km;
• models operating on gas – 12.3 l/100 km.

Transmission

Each of the engines listed above is paired with the same five-speed manual synchronized gearbox. It is connected to the engine via a standard friction clutch of a dry design, equipped with a hydraulic control drive. All-wheel drive versions of the Sobol van (GAZ-27527) are additionally equipped with a locking center differential and a 2-speed transfer case with a reduction gear.

GAZ-2752 “Sobol” 4x2 and all-wheel drive: bottom view.

Suspension

The front-mounted rear-wheel drive suspension has an independent 2-link system. Vehicles with an all-wheel drive system received a dependent suspension on leaf springs.

Front suspension All suspensions have a stabilizer along with hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers. The rear suspension is leaf spring, with a stabilizer and hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers. The designers spent many hours building a good suspension for the GAZ Sobol 4x4.

Steering

The steering device is of the “screw-ball nut” type. It also comes with an integrated hydraulic booster. The steering column has a double-joint steering shaft. It is possible to adjust the steering column in terms of reach and tilt height.

Brake system

There is a hydraulic drive with a pair of separated circuits for the front and rear wheels. There is also a pressure regulator and a vacuum booster.

The front wheels received disc brakes, while the rear wheels received drum brakes. Hand brake on cables that act on the rear wheels.

"Sobol Business" 4x4: the broadest opportunities for a narrow target audience

— Don’t forget, this is still a minibus, not a jeep! “Yeah,” I muttered and two minutes later I completely forgot about it.

Because when the all-wheel drive Sobol Business finds itself off-road, you can forget about anything. And who said that this is not a jeep?! Personally, it’s hard for me to imagine a situation where the all-wheel drive Sobol would be in any way inferior to the so-called modern SUVs!

The reason for our meeting with Sobol Business 4x4 was... a change in the type of all-wheel drive on the model! If earlier Sobol and GAZelle in all-wheel drive versions had permanent all-wheel drive, then since last year the drive has turned into a classic part-time: the rear axle is constantly driving, and the front axle is connected only when necessary.

For those who have ever driven all-wheel drive Gas minibuses, this is good news. If only because part-time allows you to reduce fuel consumption on public roads. Plus the dynamics are at least a little better.

The second good news is the replacement of conventional driveshafts with more modern ones, with CV joints. They are produced by Spicer Ayra Cardan SA and, according to Nizhny Novgorod marketers and engineers, significantly reduce the level of noise and vibration for which the all-wheel drive gas light-duty vehicles of the previous generation were so famous.

Well, the third good news for those who often have to drive on rough off-road conditions is that a forced-locking ELocker differential manufactured by the American company Eaton has appeared in the rear axle. Moreover, this news also applies to those who already have a GAZelle or Sobol with all-wheel drive - a differential with forced locking can be installed in any previously produced car for an additional fee. Well, now let’s check how good the updated Sobol 4x4 is! To do this, let's go... That's right, to the track!

After all, whatever one may say, 90% of such cars spend 90% of their mileage on public roads, maybe not always asphalt, but still on roads with appropriate speed limits. That is why the most important thing was to evaluate how much quieter and more comfortable the Sobol became after the update. What to say? Yes, in comparison with the previous version there are indeed much less vibrations and noise too. However, if a comparison is made with a regular Sobol, it is immediately clear that there is still room for improvement in the car: at 90 km/h in the cabin you need to speak in a raised voice, since the noise from the engine and transfer case is still higher than we would like...

Although, as far as vibrations and noise are concerned, the all-wheel drive Sobol turned out to be quite good: on the highway there is no need to “catch” it with the steering wheel, the suspensions do not seem excessively stiff, and in general, apart from the higher “landing” of the car, the driver does not feel not much different from the usual “Sable”. So, if sound insulation is improved, the 4x4 version will be able to catch up with conventional modifications in terms of comfort.

But as soon as you drive off the asphalt, you instantly forget about noise, vibrations, and everything else. He's coming! Driving an all-wheel drive Sobol off-road, you feel like at least the pilot of a racing “brother”, because the suspensions demonstrate the same “equanimity” on potholes, and to test the cross-country ability you have to climb where not every SUV can go! We need to jump - let's jump! We need to climb the hill - let's climb it! We need to follow the rut - let's go!

The only thing is that not everyone can get the joy of communicating with an all-wheel drive “Sable” off-road; in particular, girls will simply not be able to do it. For the “picket fence” of levers forces one to apply truly masculine efforts to oneself. And if the gearbox works, in general, quite easily and clearly, then connecting all-wheel drive or a low gear requires “force”, and quite a strong one at that.

But who cares at this point? All-wheel drive is on, low-range too - and our fellow travelers, with their mouths open, are watching what this “Sable” is doing! It’s hard to find another word - he just “gets up”: sometimes walking, sometimes crawling, sometimes slipping, sometimes simply “coasting”, he calmly takes on all the obstacles that we offer him. Even sitting behind the wheel, I see that you won’t be scared of it by steep hills, deep holes or sharp slopes - the geometric cross-country ability is simply excellent, the angles of approach, departure and ramps have some prohibitive values ​​by today’s standards! Hey, who else can do that? Maybe a “loaf”. But those who have ever sat behind the wheel in it remember it with a shudder... And here there is a normal landing, ABS, climate control, music with steering wheel controls, but at the same time the Sobol 4x4 is in no way inferior in cross-country ability " loaf"!

And at certain moments it may even leave the “loaf” behind! Because now it has a rear differential lock, which allows the driver to have absolutely no fear of “diagonal”, that is, hanging the wheels diagonally, which stops any SUV without locks. Here, as soon as you hear the tires rustling, you simply press a key on the panel, wait a couple of seconds - and continue to be amazed at how great the Sobol 4x4 drives off-road! The only thing you need to remember on such “special stages” is that the lock is automatically turned off at speeds above 30 km/h or after you turn off the engine.

Pricing

The all-wheel drive Sobol is offered in three main versions: cargo, cargo-passenger and passenger. The engine is either gasoline, as in the tested car, or a Cummins turbodiesel.

The cargo version with three seats in the cabin costs from 239 million rubles for the gasoline version and from 299 million for the diesel version. The cargo-passenger Sobol with a 7-seater cabin and a fenced-off cargo compartment in a gasoline version is priced from 251.8 million rubles, with a diesel engine - from 323.2 million. Finally, a purely passenger version, without a partition, but still with a 7-seater cabin costs from 247.3 million with a gasoline engine and from 325.3 million rubles with a diesel engine. However, in the current situation, all prices, as you understand, are approximate.

The basic equipment of the Sobol Business includes climate control, an audio system with steering wheel controls, power steering, and front disc brakes. If we are talking about a purely passenger version, then ABS and an additional interior heater are added to the “base”, and for diesel Sobols a pre-start heater is also standard equipment.

Pavel KOZLOVSKY Photo and video of Olga-Anna KANASHITS ABW.BY

The editors express gratitude to , the official distributor of GAZ OJSC in Belarus, for the car provided for the test

Device

The combined version, intended for service companies, has a 7-seater cabin and a reduced luggage compartment. This modification of the Sobol is used for transporting medium loads or equipment with a team of workers. All latest versions of the GAZ 2752 are equipped with a hydraulic booster system that makes driving easier. Thanks to this innovation, the turning radius of the machine was reduced to 6000 mm.

GAZ 2752 has a standard transmission for products of this manufacturer - a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The Sobol owners are generally satisfied with the car. It is suitable as a workhorse.

Cabin

It was with the advent of GAZelles and Sobols that our views on equipping the cabins of domestic trucks changed in many ways. In the second half of the 90s, when they began to spread, the interior trim in the cabins was perceived as nothing less than luxury. Judge for yourself: the voluminous plastic dashboard was unusual on a domestic truck, where previously painted metal surfaces reigned. The instrument cluster of the GAZelle had a tachometer, which at that time was not yet found on all domestic passenger cars, and the interior of the cabin was made of light molded panels instead of boring leatherette.

After restyling, working behind the wheel of the Sobol became even more enjoyable. Those who have used cars of the old and new versions will probably unanimously say that the updated panel is an order of magnitude higher and more convenient than the previous one. I’m glad that on top of the new panel they left a “glove compartment” for documents, and it is very roomy. Drivers who have to carry a lot of accompanying documents have more than once recalled with gratitude the GAZelle designers for this box.

Another successful discovery by Gorky engineers is a double cell for installing additional electronic devices. Many times, on cars of the first releases, a radio station was inserted instead of a radio (on an ambulance, for example, or on operational vehicles of law enforcement agencies) and there was simply nowhere to install “music”. In cars with the new dashboard, this problem was solved.

By the way, something special can be said about audio preparation in the cockpit. Initially, the place for the speakers was allocated somewhere at the level of the feet of the driver and passengers. After restyling, this annoying mistake was corrected, and a place was allocated for the speakers on top of the dashboard, so that they were directed directly at the windshield. This is a very good option from the point of view of proper sound distribution in the cabin - glass is a good screen for its reflection.

The interior heating in the Sobol cabin is good: it works efficiently, the air duct deflectors are located where they need to be. The lighting system has not only a common lampshade, but also lens lamps that allow you to use the light at night without disturbing the driver.

This is what the Sobol interior looked like before restyling.

Among the things that need revision in the modern Sobol cabin is the fleecy door upholstery. Here we need more hygienic material. Since this upholstery is poorly cleaned using improvised means, and during use it inevitably takes on an unsightly appearance, with stains.

The driver's seat, by modern standards, does not have a sufficient number of adjustments and is completely devoid of shock absorption. Instead of the damping suspension that has already become common on imported Odnoklassniki, ride comfort is ensured only by the seat cushion itself - this, of course, is a thing of the last century of trucks (including light-duty ones).

Just like the long gear lever sticking out alone from the floor. Modern light-duty trucks have long used compact joystick levers. And, of course, it’s also convenient to work long, but not on a trip with two passengers. Its moves are so huge that when working with a lever, you constantly need to “poke” it at the legs of the passenger sitting next to you.

New generation overview

Sable in the Business package. The first all-wheel drive GAZ Sobol in prototype form was shown by the designers of the Gorky Automobile Plant in 2012. A year later, the GAZelle Next was put into mass production, and the Sobol 4×4 built on its platform in the form of the first experimental production version was launched in 2018.

Salon of a new generation The model passed full road tests only in the spring of this year, but the developers again and again postpone the start date of official sales of the all-wheel drive frame minibus, and according to the latest information, the new Gas Sobol 4x4 2022 model year should enter the market simultaneously with the new GAZelle NN. By the way, the latter was promised to be put on sale at the beginning of 2022.

Body

Thanks to the cabin module of the Next series, the new Sobol 4×4 2022 has acquired a larger and more embossed hood, sculpted front fenders, lensed optics and an extremely expressive front end with an abundance of unpainted plastic, which in a number of modifications will also be used to build a small front bumper, behind which can be hidden winch. The same material is seen in the contours of the wheel arches.

New Sable in the back of a pickup truck. The body of the minibus at the rear has a squared shape, and huge roof rails are installed on the roof. Also, the body of such a car will be offered with different options for placing a side door, and in general, the manufacturer expects that modifications for various special purposes will be created on the basis of the new all-wheel drive Sobol.

Salon

The latest images of the interior of the new Sobol 4×4 2022 could be seen in 2019 at the Comtrans exhibition, where the manufacturer actually showed the new architecture of the front panel with the transmission lever placed on it.
It is located immediately under the central block of relay switches and looks more ergonomic than a long handle sticking out of the floor. At the same time, you can now switch transmission modes using buttons. Otherwise, the front console looks ordinary, although it does have a small central display for a modest multimedia system.

Engines and transmissions (diesel and gasoline)

Plans to equip the GAZ Sobol 4×4 minibus 2021 model year with engines were announced a long time ago. The base unit should be a Chinese Cummins diesel turbo engine, which has already been successfully “married” to a Russian six-speed manual transmission from GAZ.

An alternative to the power plant from the Middle Kingdom can be engines that will be purchased from Peugeot-Citroen or Iveco. It is also planned to offer customers the option of an automatic transmission, which will be either an American Allison automatic or something developed in-house.

Modifications

GAZ-2752 “Sobol” is presented on the market in a cargo or cargo-passenger version. In the second case, there are seven full seats and a cargo compartment isolated from the passenger compartment.

The cargo, three-seater version of the GAZ-2752 van has a standard load capacity of 770 kilograms. The cargo compartment volume reaches 6.86 m3, its exact dimensions: 2,460/1,830/1,530 meters. Loading can be done either through the rear hinged doors or through the side sliding doors. The loading height of the cargo platform is only 70 centimeters.

The van can easily accommodate not only all kinds of boxes/packages with goods and tools; but also quite bulky items. Since the height of the luggage compartment is more than one and a half meters, and it is wider than the GAZel one (due to the fact that the Sobol has single-pitch wheels and the distance between the wheel arches is increased).

The combined cargo-passenger version of the GAZ-2752 “Sobol” has, in addition to the driver’s seat, six more seats for passengers, and has 3.7 m3 of usable space in the luggage compartment. The standard carrying capacity of the combi version of the GAZ-2752 is 305 kilograms. The dimensions of the cargo compartment are as follows: 1,330/1,830/1,530 meters. As already noted, the cabin in the cargo-passenger Sobol is separated from the cargo compartment by a solid partition, which has a positive effect on the comfort of passengers and their protection from cargo. It is possible to install a ceiling ventilation hatch in the passenger compartment.

In addition to rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive all-metal Sobol vans are also produced (their factory index is GAZ-27527). The Sobol 4x4 is also available in three-seat cargo and seven-seat cargo-passenger versions, the features of which are described above.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros of the car

• The car is easy to use;
• Fully justifies its purpose;
• Not bad appearance;
• The presence of a spacious and roomy interior, high ceiling;
• You can arrange a sleeping place;
• Good visibility of the driver;
• Spacious luggage compartment;
• Availability of a high-quality and easy-to-maintain Cummins power unit;
• There is Webasto for starting the engine in cold weather;
• There is a hydraulic power steering wheel;
• Good cross-country ability on dirt roads;
• Quite democratic pricing policy;
• Reliable rear suspension;
• In terms of comfort, the Sobol will surpass the UAZ or GAZ-66;
• Many modifications;
• It is possible to install an air conditioner;
• There are modifications with an all-wheel drive system;
• Low fuel consumption;
• Small dimensions.

Cons of the car

• Poor workmanship. Many cars do not even cover 40,000 km with the 80 thousand stated in the warranty;
• Weak frame structure;
• Problems often arise with the 5th speed in the box, which is a factory defect;
• The car does not compete with the UAZ, if there is heavy ground the Sobol will not pass and can simply sit on bridges;
• Despite the large trunk volume, it is quite inconvenient. It is tall and short, so the load often falls off from above;
• Insufficient adjustment of the driver's seat;
• There are no niches or pockets inside for various things;
• Frequent rolls when turning at high speeds.