Goals
The GAZ manufacturer presented prototypes of SUVs suitable for solving various problems. The new Sable Next 4×4 can be used in agriculture, recreation, gas or oil industries. The car will also be useful for foresters and those who hunt.
As noted, the car is presented in two versions - a pickup truck and a minibus, which differ in appearance but have identical technical characteristics.
Minibus
Exterior
Sobol Next 4 × 4 2022 is created on the basis of a new unified module, initially installed on GAZelle Next and URAL Next.
First of all, this resulted in a reduction in production costs and a universal design of the car.
But otherwise the new model has changed significantly. It received a custom front bumper, front hood, two rear hinged doors and a number of other elements. All this gave the new car uniqueness and taste.
The rear bumper of the new Sable Next has been completely redesigned and no longer has step cutouts.
But the spare wheel remained in the same place in the lower overhang, which allowed the trunk volume to remain as large as in the previous version.
The rear doors close very smoothly, almost like an expensive foreign car.
The central door is not sliding, as in the first versions of Sobol, but hinged, which made the element more reliable. The fact is that the sliding mechanisms on an SUV get clogged with dirt.
Powerful and beautiful roof rails appeared on the roof, but steps were not invented so that something could be secured to them.
The front overhang is heavily trimmed. This has a positive effect on increasing cross-country ability and approach angles. Experts consider this a good review.
But the problem of centering the rear wheel relative to the arch in the new Sobol Next 4 × 4 model has not been solved. Thus, the rear axle is not located strictly in the center, but is slightly shifted towards the rear edge of the wing (in the previous version it was shifted forward). For this reason, it is not possible to install larger wheels without cutting the fender.
The front and rear towing devices are implemented as follows.
The car is equipped with Hankook Dynapro MT 235/84 R16 mud tires, which aggravates this situation.
The front wheel track, like previous models, is 2 cm wider than the rear. This resulted in the rear wheels being deeply recessed into the arch.
But the length of the chassis of the new Sobol Next 4×4 has been increased by 42.5 cm, that is, the total base was 3.185 meters versus 2.76 for the previous generation.
Such a base, first of all, gives more stability when driving in a straight line on a highway and less vibration on uneven surfaces.
Exterior
The van received the same cabin as that installed on the gazelle of the same Next series. It can hardly be said that this is a drawback. On the contrary, it fits perfectly into the interior and looks very acceptable and attractive. Before releasing the first batches for sale, the design of small parts was changed several times, but these changes are not significant. The bumper is made of durable plastic, but it is divided into three parts, like a puzzle. Each of them can be replaced if necessary. The radiator grille turned out to be expanded. And the windshield has become quite extensive.
Transmission and suspension
First of all, you need to pay attention to the junction box. At first glance, it seems that a standard gas unit in an aluminum casing is installed here.
This is partly true, but if you look above, you can see a servo drive from the Korean company Daedong Movel System for connecting the front axle and reduction gear. Those. The heat cost allocator in the new Sobol Next is equipped with an electric drive, which is switched using buttons in the cabin.
But the design itself remained unchanged: cross members on CV joints, rigidly connected front-wheel drive.
The disadvantage of this design solution is that even the servo drive is located in a vulnerable place and can be easily damaged off-road.
The gearbox remains unchanged and features the same 5-speed gas manual transmission. A 6-speed manual transmission will be available in the future.
The suspension has not changed, the same front and rear springs, but the new Sobol Next 4×4 model has introduced differential locks for the front and rear axles.
But most importantly, the front axle now uses open-type steering rods with constant velocity joints.
The rationale for this solution is that it provides a greater steering angle for the front wheels and increases the vehicle's maneuverability. But from an off-road point of view, such a solution is not considered very successful, since the CV joint boot is very vulnerable.
Interior
Inside, the Sobol Next 4×4 boasts a spacious interior and cabin, offering the driver and passengers a relatively high level of comfort. During the manufacturing process, special attention was paid to protection from vibration and noise.
There are two seats in the cabin (driver and passenger). Both have anatomical support and 5 levels of adjustment. An additional advantage of the chairs is the presence of special support in the lumbar area.
The new Sobol Next 4×4 has a joystick gear shift and electronic transmission control. There are no levers between the seats. The steering wheel is adjustable only in height.
The control buttons are large enough so that you won’t miss them when selecting the desired function. There are niches, chargers, lighters and storage compartments.
There is nothing unusual about the front panel - it is simple and uncomplicated. The instrument panel with on-board computer also remained unchanged.
Features of the Next 4×4 minibus 2022:
- In the central sofa, the backrest can be moved forward, and passengers sit facing each other.
- ERA-GLANASS module;
- Sunroof;
- Capacity - 6 passengers;
- Plenty of space for luggage;
- The doors are very easy to close and open.
- The passenger seats convert into a sofa, which, although not very flat, is still a comfortable place to sleep.
- The rear doors are hinged, the rear bumper has been redesigned (there are no more cutouts for steps).
Interior
It’s worth saying right away that the Sobol Next minibus has very comfortable and ergonomic seats. Particular attention was paid to the work chair. Not every car allows you to sit in the driver's seat, which has a heating function, lumbar support and several adjustment options. You can also change the height of the steering wheel. Passenger seats have comfortable headrests and special seat belts that meet European standards. The console was also modified - it received a more modern design. Also, less noise “penetrates” into the cabin, and vibration is almost inaudible. The gearbox, the lever of which is made in the shape of a “poker,” does not fit into the overall interior of the Sobol Next car.
Pickup
The front of the Sobol Next pickup truck turned out to be less aggressive than that of a minibus. The chassis here is exactly the same as that of a minibus, we will not repeat it.
In front of the pickup truck there is an original body kit, like many SUVs. There is also a winch (hidden behind the license plate) and two towing eyes.
The plant's specialists went on an experiment. For the first time we made a double cabin module. The result was a car that looked similar to GAZelle Next and Ural Next (they are also presented on the same forum). The front can accommodate 3 people, including the driver, and the rear - 4 people.
But the highlight of the car is its large body, 5 m 35 cm long, with a side height of 1067 mm and a load capacity of 1350 kg.
4 drawers are integrated into the body (can be used for tools).
The spare wheel is in the same place as the minibus.
Our truck manufacturers, as it happens, do not spoil us with new products often.
“Stability is a sign of mastery,” they apparently believe. And only one Gorky Automobile Plant seems to think otherwise. The wait for a new KAMAZ cab has turned into a half-century legend. For now, she is being replaced by someone else, from Mercedes-Axor, who is also turning twenty. MAZ workers, out of habit, call their cabin “new,” although it is already closer to thirty. All other Belarusians, including MAZ-MAN and MZKT, are forced to use it as a camouflage. UAZ continues experiments with cutting the Patriot into a commercial vehicle with varying degrees of unsuccess. The same commitment to classic designs is observed in the units of these machines. And ZIL, Yarovit and several other brands died a little.
But GAZ workers are constantly working on updating and expanding the range. The cars at their stands are always the main “show stoppers” at all the largest exhibitions in the country. For several years now, since the advent of the Next generation, all-wheel drive advocates have been waiting for the new Sables. It looks like their dream will come true - the first prototypes “lit up” at the international forum “National Security Week” as part of the “Army 2018” exhibition.
01
. It is not surprising that the new product aroused great interest - even taking a photo of the car without people was a difficult task. The main innovations (besides the Next body, of course): reduced departure and departure angles, a wheelbase increased by 425 mm, a swing door instead of a finger-smashing gazelle.
02
.
The new Sobol
is easy to distinguish from the GAZelle in appearance - it has a modified front part. The optics are our own (the same ones are installed on the Vector Next bus), the radiator grille, hood and bumper are different.
03
. Externally, the car turned out to be stylish and harmonious. The minibus is designed for seven people, including the driver, plus 800 kg of cargo. Of course, it’s not a fact that production cars will look exactly like this, because these are prototypes to “determine potential demand.”
04
.
Under the hood is the same engine as on regular Nexts - UMZ Evotech
(2.7 l, 120 hp).
And in the transmission, of course, there are changes: the transfer case has received electronic control from the Korean Daedong
, and the front axle drive crosspieces have been replaced by CV joints.
05.
The second experimental “brother” is also an all-wheel drive Next pickup truck with a double three-door cab recognizable from the Gazelle. Numerous teams of repairmen roaming the gullies on loaves and tadpoles will be incredibly happy about him. In terms of “stuffing”, it is completely similar to a minibus.
06.
But the cars differ in appearance. The “nose” is covered with a stylish plastic trim with an enlarged logo, and a winch is hidden behind the reinforced bumper.
07
. The pickup's carrying capacity is respectable: six passengers and 1.3 tons of cargo. As is customary for cars of this class, the hinged rear door forms a loading area.
Of course, all-wheel drive versions will clearly be inferior to regular GAZelles in terms of production volume. But in terms of the importance of the tasks being performed - in no case. Because the off-road conditions in our open spaces stubbornly do not give way to smooth asphalt. And it looks like it won’t give up for a long time.
General technical features of a minibus and pickup truck
Sable Next 4×4 has the following features:
- The presence of a winch (in a pickup truck).
- On the front axle, the constant velocity joints have been replaced with cross members.
- The unit is full.
- The presence of a reduction gear.
- Differential lock (for both axles).
- The door opening pattern is hinged.
- The wheelbase has increased to 3.185 meters (the previous parameter was 2.76 meters).
Feedback from web users varies. Some note that the design of the Sable Next 4×4 has become more interesting, but there are also motorists who did not like the new look.
The advantages include a special frame, high-quality glass around the perimeter and an original body. But it is worth considering that this is just a prototype, so the vehicle will not appear in mass production in the near future.
Specifications
The engine installed in the car is turbodiesel. Its volume is 2.8 liters. It works in tandem with a 5-speed manual transmission. Thanks to this, the van will be able to accelerate to 150 km/h with minimal fuel use. If you drive at a speed of 60 km/h, then only 7.5 liters will be consumed.
The suspension has some improved features. As usual, the front wheels received an independent model, which has two levers and springs. There are springs at the rear. This will ensure maximum comfort for passengers.
There are also such features as heated mirrors, central locking, navigation system, heater, etc. The functionality of this car is truly amazing.
