Detailed review of the new “Farmer” based on Gazelle Next
After the start of sales of the small-tonnage car Gazelle Next, the Gorky Automobile Plant announced the release for sale of another modification - Gazelle Next with a double cabin , which is also known in professional circles as the “Farmer”.
The new “Farmer” is a universal vehicle, capable of transporting not only cargo weighing up to 1.5 tons, but also 6 passengers in the cabin. This is an excellent working machine that is perfect for use in many areas of human activity: cargo transportation, agricultural activities, transportation of building materials, etc. The two-door all-metal cabin of increased size with two rows of seats has all the advantages of the new “Next” series, which can accommodate 7 people and, as an additional option, can install a berth.
For the convenience of transporting goods and performing other tasks on the Gazelle Next Farmer, it is possible to install an onboard body, a body with a tent cover, a manufactured goods metal van and all kinds of additional installations, such as cranes and manipulators.
“A new car breaks down too”
I can’t say that during the first 150 thousand kilometers – the warranty period – there were no problems. In one of the cars with a mileage of 80 thousand, the wheel bearing fell apart while driving. We had to evacuate her to the nearest service station. In addition, locks that date back to the Soviet past were constantly broken. Fortunately, as already mentioned, the dealer unconditionally acknowledged and eliminated all the problems.
Immediately after the warranty expired, the particulate filter on one GAZelle became clogged. The reason is that the driver let the car idle for a long time, which is critical for a Euro-4 engine. As a result, fuel gets into the crankcase and the crankshaft is destroyed due to lack of lubrication. Two weeks of downtime and 2000 rubles for repairs.
At 275 thousand kilometers I had to change the clutch; the original Sachs kit cost 800 rubles including labor. On another car, after 300 thousand, the gearbox fell apart. It in Next is almost the same as on the 24th Volga, and cannot withstand high loads. The repair cost almost 1000 rubles.
These are all major breakdowns, but there are also plenty of minor troubles. Periodically, the injector seals leak, the brake pads fall out of the calipers - and the car is actually left without brakes.
On both cars, with a mileage of 285-300 thousand, the starter bendix failed, which cannot be purchased separately. But the original Cummins starter costs only 220 rubles.
And other spare parts are cheap. For example, wheel bearings - 150 rubles apiece, a set of gear shift cables - 280, cooling pump - 80 rubles.
Separately, it is worth dwelling on the quality of the metal. The thresholds are “blooming”, there is rust around the locks. The roof above the windshield, rear doors and window frames are covered with red spots.
This is the situation on both cars, only on the second one the back door is falling apart. And this despite the fact that the dealer performed anti-corrosion treatment after purchase. To be fair, I note that the problem with corrosion is also typical for some Russian-made foreign cars, including the popular Mercedes Sprinter Classic.
dimensions
The “Farmer” modification has two platforms: standard (A22R22) and extended (A22R32). The standard version comes with a 3 meter long platform. The extended platform is 4 meters long. Depending on the body installed, the overall length of the vehicle also changes. The length of the car with a standard platform is 5.62 m, and the length of the extended version is 6.41 m. The remaining parameters, such as width and height, of the Farmer are identical to other modifications of the car of this family.
All-metal van Gazelle Next
For now, the majority of audio systems are simpler, but soon they will be completely replaced by double-din ones.
For now, the majority of audio systems are simpler, but soon they will be completely replaced by double-din ones.
A pilot batch of minibuses should appear in early summer. These will be both tourist modifications and minibuses. In the route transportation market, GAZelle Next has an excellent chance of ousting foreign cars. A relatively inexpensive minibus with a high roof simply has no competitors in terms of price and quality ratio. Even conversions from imported vans are more expensive than branded GAZ minibuses. But something tells me that, by hook or by crook, minibuses converted from all-metal Next vans will seep into the market.
Engine and transmission
The car is equipped with a 2.8-liter Cummins ISF turbodiesel power plant made in China.
This engine has a power of 120 hp. paired with a 5-speed gearbox allows you to accelerate the car to 130 km/h. Average fuel consumption per 100 km. the distance traveled ranges from 8.5 to 10.3 liters, depending on the speed limit. Specifications
“The cost per kilometer is the same as for 20-year-old cars”
The car's fuel consumption was 12 liters per 100 kilometers, and after removing the particulate filter it dropped to 10.5. As a result, taking into account the twofold loss of value over three years and all maintenance costs, the cost of one kilometer is 23 kopecks. In my experience, a kilometer costs about the same on 20-year-old imported vans.
But a “used” car is good when you have one or two cars and no plans for the weekend, since with mileages of over 10 thousand per month in old cars you constantly need to do something. Therefore, for myself, I would not consider a used van at a price higher than the down payment for a GAZelle.
When choosing a new car, I would choose Next again. Despite the stated shortcomings, this car has a good price, favorable leasing program, cheap spare parts and insurance. But based on existing experience after purchase, the next Next would immediately void the warranty, since the service from the “officials” is three times more expensive than at a regular station, and many issues take quite a long time to resolve.
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Cabin
The main advantage of the new Farmer is its updated double cab. If in earlier versions passengers could enter the rear seat through the front door, then in the new generation an additional rear door on the left side is installed for this purpose. The installed rear seat allows seating for 4 passengers. Also optionally available is the installation of a rear seat with the possibility of converting it into a berth. In such a seat, the back is covered with soft material on both sides and when folded forward, it forms a flat surface, which is a sleeping bag.
All-metal van Gazelle Next
There are folding tables in the backs of the front passenger seats
There are folding tables in the backs of the front passenger seats
The three-seater GAZ-2705 Business van, that is, the previous generation GAZelle with a 120-horsepower diesel engine, costs 1,047,000 rubles, and the new GAZelle Next with a 149-horsepower diesel engine costs 1,107,000 rubles. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Classic 313 CDI with 136 hp engine. already amounts to 1,662,000 rubles. But it is also assembled by the GAZ Group enterprise in Nizhny Novgorod. Other foreign cars are also significantly more expensive.
According to factory workers, the demand for GAZelles with an all-metal body is distributed as follows: 40% goes to three-seater vans, 30% to seven-seater combis, and another 30% to buses.
The plans include the release of modifications with a 107 hp EvoTech gasoline engine. With it, the number of domestic parts in the car will reach 75%, and the price of the van will start at 1,090,000 rubles.
Photos
Options
Gazelle Next Farmer is available in the basic configuration, as well as in the “Comfort 1” and “Comfort 2” trim levels.
The basic package includes climate control, an on-board computer, heated side mirrors, and a steering column with reach and height adjustment. The driver's seat has height and horizontal adjustments. The doors, except the rear one, are equipped with electric windows. Audio preparation is provided on vehicles of this configuration.
the “Comfort 1” package includes electric mirrors and an improved driver’s seat. A radio is also installed with the ability to control it using keys located on the steering wheel. Vehicles with Comfort 2 are also equipped with a high-capacity battery. In addition, the engines of these configurations are equipped with a pre-heater.
In addition to these configurations, it is possible to install and install additional options on the Farmer, such as: an autonomous heater, a winch, a fairing, a transformable rear seat, as well as additional sound insulation and insulation of the cabin.
“The main advantage is the price”
– I have two all-metal GAZelle Next vans with 2.8-liter Cummins diesel engines. Both cars were purchased new in 2022 and today have a mileage of 350 thousand kilometers. Their main advantage is price. Among new cars, there are no other options for similar money. And combined with the low price, there are also good leasing conditions without an increase in prices in Belarusian rubles. Another financial advantage is cheap CASCO insurance.
Each region has official services, which is also useful. The quality of these services sometimes leaves much to be desired; they do not work on weekends, but during the warranty period they take care of the car first. There are no questions regarding warranty service; all defects were eliminated without dispute.
I was pleased with the low cost of spare parts, but you need to choose them carefully, because there are a large number of frankly “crooked” fakes. For example, it is better to sharpen brake drums immediately to avoid beating when braking.
Body parts are also cheap, for example, a new tail light costs 100 rubles. And this is practically a consumable item for a delivery vehicle.
Another advantage of Next is its spacious body. Its volume is 13.6 cubic meters and can easily accommodate four Euro pallets.
