MAZ-5440В9 “Prostor” (MAZ 5440В9 “Prostor”): bringing the exterior and interior design to a new European level

Cargoautoinfo. Freight transport in detail.

“Crossed in the latest fashion, dressed like a London dandy - and finally saw the light.” For some reason, these very lines of the classic of Russian poetry came to mind when I first looked at the new Minsk car class=”aligncenter” width=”800″ height=”533″[/img] MAZ-5440B9 “Space” is a dandy in everything that concerns appearance. In addition, this is the first representative of the Minsk truck family, which enters the market not under a faceless index, but under its own name.

But in addition to the fashionable appearance, the Prostor family has incorporated a number of innovations regarding interior decoration. The changes are quite significant. The Prostor has completely new dashboard, instrument panel, steering column, seats with three-point seat belt. In general, almost everything that directly affects the driver’s work comfort is new. These details are of main interest. However, external innovations are also worthy of detailed consideration. Let's start with them.

Exterior

At the beginning of last year, the Minsk Automobile Plant commissioned a completely new section for painting cabs with the most advanced equipment that allows the use of two-component enamels. There are several suppliers of enamels: from Russia, Belarus and Europe. Among the European partners is the famous concern BASF.

The difference in visual perception is very clearly visible in comparison with the production car.
The outer panels of both trucks are exactly the same, however, due to the higher quality and more expensive paint, as well as the color accent on the parts, the Prostor looks much more impressive than the MAZ Prostor - a clear illustration of the fact that money and effort were spent on creating a new section for painting the cabs not in vain. The first thing you notice when you approach this car is the quality of the paint. This has probably never happened before on domestic trucks.

The yet unusual color scheme also adds to the pleasant impression. The main surface is painted in dark gray metallic, and individual elements - rear-view mirrors, door handles, radiator grille trim - in matte light gray. Combined, this gives the truck a noble appearance.

Rear view mirror system - classic

The door handle shape is new. It has definitely become more convenient. The color of the part, contrasting with the color of the truck, turns the handle into an image accessory

Elegant steps in the front bumper - a useful functional element in a decorative frame

Decorative wheel caps are borrowed from MAZ buses, and external splash-proof plastic shields are supplied by Petroplast JSC from St. Petersburg

“Petroplast” shields have a nice feature - the inside is lined with polymer pile, which provides additional protection against splashes

Since ancient times, there has been a saying among stylists: “even if you wear a simple dress, but your shoes should be expensive.” MAZ designers were also able to give the effect of expensive shoes to Prostor, and in a fairly simple and budget-friendly way. The truck was fitted with chrome caps from second generation MAZ buses. This detail fits perfectly into the look. All these “little nuances” together transformed the familiar appearance of the Minsk tractor. After a trip to a “fashion boutique,” ​​a hard worker in overalls transformed into a gentleman in a suit.

Interior

The inside of “Prostor” is completely unrecognizable. Nothing remains of everything that formed the interior of MAZ tractors before. The first feeling was that I was in the cabin of a Volvo, Mercedes - anything, but not a MAZ.

The instrument panel of the Prostor is so strikingly different from the old one that before touching it, you want to rub your eyes. Does it exist in reality? Exists. Let's touch. Oh Gods! The material is pleasant to the touch. Moderately soft and at the same time elastic. And the design itself corresponds to modern European trends.

Completely new instrument panel. The design is the author's development of MAZ. The car plant itself is also involved in production.

The steering column is tilt adjustable. It is not MAZ, but borrowed from Mercedes-Benz. Hence the color difference

The configuration of the new instrument panel is very different from the previous version. You have to get used to it

Only those who are personally familiar with both domestic and European trucks can appreciate how big a breakthrough this is - the appearance of a new, high-quality European-style dashboard on a domestic truck. Perhaps, in our realities, this is a more serious innovation than, for example, a new engine or gearbox.

The design and quality of the material of the dashboards have always been the weak point of all domestic trucks. According to this indicator, car factories throughout the former USSR constantly lagged behind Europeans by ten or more years. What MAZ managed to do brought it several steps closer to its European competitors.

No third parties were involved in the development of the new dashboard. Both the design and production of this element were carried out by the car plant itself.

Naturally, the new dashboard should also have a new instrument panel. And he is. MAZ itself also developed the design, but the shield was manufactured by the Minsk Electromechanical Plant and the Vitebsk Electrical Instruments Plant.

The new configuration of the shield provides for the placement of dials, noticeably different from the usual. If previously the large speedometer and tachometer were located in the center, and the remaining sensors on the sides of them, now the main instruments are located on the edges of the dashboard, and the diameter of the speedometer and tachometer dials has noticeably decreased. The fuel level indicator, engine temperature sensor and pressure gauges of the primary and secondary circuits are now located in the upper part of the panel.

In addition, the dashboard displays many pictograms informing about the voltage in the on-board network, engine oil pressure, and so on. The central place is occupied by a multifunction display, which displays a variety of other data. In general, domestic drivers have yet to get used to this amount of information received. You will also have to get used to the bright green illumination of the scales in the dark.

By the way, about the backlight. Finally, the ABS, ASR buttons and other control keys located on the right hand of the driver received it. It seems like a small thing, but very important.

Next to the dashboard there are two very convenient horizontal shelves

Electric mirror control knob. On domestic trucks - still a rarity

The differences between the new door panel and the previous version (right) are clearly visible in comparison

Just above these buttons is a very convenient shelf. Above her is another one. Relative to each other, these two shelves for small items are arranged in steps. A simple and at the same time convenient solution.

The interior door panel has also been replaced. The shape of the armrest has become more comfortable. The side pocket has taken on a more ergonomic shape. It's strange that there are no electric lifts for the side windows. I would like to hope that this is just the cost of the first copy. But the Prostor features electrically adjustable mirrors, also for the first time. The mirror control lever is located on the armrest.

Sleeping area

The role of a sleeping place in the life of a truck driver is enormous. Those who sleep in a truck know this very well. What new does MAZ Prostor provide in the field of sleeping achievements?

There are some small changes, but they cannot be called revolutionary. The width of the sleeping shelf has increased slightly. I guess that's all. The headrest cannot be raised. There are no small pockets for small items next to the sleeping bunk.

In general, the sleeping bag from “Prostor” is quite good, but the designers and designers of this part of the interior should turn to studying the vast experience of the “Big Seven” in this matter.

In case the truck driver stops to rest during the day, a useful option is provided - a sunshade is lowered across the entire width of the windshield from above. This solution is much more effective than standard folding sun visors. It blocks frontal bright sunlight really well, tested. There are also such curtains on the side windows. They can also be successfully used while driving. True, they will have to be lowered “not at full capacity.”

For overnight stays in the cabin, the perimeter is covered with thick curtains. However, to completely curtain the windows, you need patience, diligence and a large supply of obscene words. You cannot move the curtain along the cornice with a slight movement of your hand. Each hook must be pushed separately with your finger, literally a centimeter at a time. As a result, night curtaining turns into a serious ceremony.

There is also a complete curtain around the perimeter of the cabin. A necessary option for drivers who spend the night in the car

However, in order to close the curtains, you will have to suffer. Hooks on the eaves are difficult to move

The night curtain cornice and its fittings are perhaps the only element of the interior that I frankly didn’t like. However, this is a complaint not so much to the car plant as to the component supplier. A part, the cost of which in the total cost of the truck is mere pennies, and at the same time causing real inconvenience, is an obvious mess. However, the disorder can be solved. I think replacing the curtain rod and its hooks is just a matter of one phone call to another supplier.

Summary

For reference, it is necessary to say a few words about the Prostor units. An in-line diesel engine YaMZ-651.10 with a power of 420 hp is installed under the cabin, meeting the Euro-4 environmental standard. This is an engine that has been produced by GAZ Group for several years under license from Renault Trucks. MAZs with such an engine have long been a serial product.

Transmission - mechanical 16-speed ZF 16S1820TO. Of course, an automatic transmission would be nice to give the Prostor more prestige, but this is a question of price.

Since Prostor is not innovative in terms of aggregate filling, we did not pay close attention to them. Both the engine and gearbox are familiar from previous models.

When creating the MAZ-5440V9 “Prostor”, Minsk residents pursued the goal of making a truck with an attractive appearance, significantly modified and modernized interior, which at the same time should not be noticeably more expensive than usual serial products. We liked the car. The factory workers managed to achieve their goal. The appearance is great. Interior decoration has been taken to a new level. “What do you want more? The world decided that he was smart and very nice.”

Modifications

The original version of the truck and its restyling are not the only models that the Minsk Automobile Plant produces. In addition to them, the line contains a lot of modified versions, including:

Modification of MAZ 5440A3.

The version is a two-axle truck tractor equipped with a power plant with a maximum output power of 250 horsepower;

Modification of MAZ 5440 A5.

It differs from the base model in the presence of an engine with a maximum power of 330 horsepower;

A series of modifications of MAZ 5440 A8, A9, 19 and E9.

These versions are the most successful and popular two-axle mainline tractors. A Yaroslavl-made motor was chosen as the power plant for them, the maximum power of which reaches 400 horsepower;

Modification of MAZ 544018.

This truck has a turbocharged imported engine from the manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. The power plant used has a maximum output power of 435 horsepower;

Modification of MAZ 5440 V3.

It features a motor with a maximum power of 260 horsepower. In addition to the engine, there is another cabin, designed for two people and without a sleeping bag. The version is focused on interregional and city flights;

Modification of MAZ 5440 V9.

This tractor is equipped with a Yaroslavl-made power unit, which has a maximum output power of 420 horsepower. There were also changes in the transmission, where a German 16-speed ZF gearbox appeared;

Modification of MAZ 544021.

The version is equipped with an engine from the German manufacturer MAN with a capacity of 370 horsepower;

Modification of MAZ 5440 M9.

At the moment, it is the latest generation of long-haul tractors produced in Belarus. It has a number of changes, including an engine from Mercedes-Benz that develops 475 horsepower and an updated cabin. It is worth noting that the engine here complies with Euro 6 environmental standards.

Price

One of the main features of this truck is its affordable price. The price tag of the Minsk car is significantly lower than its foreign counterparts, but the level of comfort and ease of use is not very different. Thus, the cost of trucks of the MAZ 5440 family varies from 2.5 million to 3.6 million rubles, depending on the equipment and year of manufacture.

The secondary market also has many offers. Here, depending on the year of manufacture, technical condition, configuration and mileage, the price of used trucks can range from 700 thousand to 800 thousand rubles for equipment produced from 2007 to 2008.

For versions produced between 2011 and 2013, the average cost is from 850 thousand to 1.8 million rubles.

But there are also more recent samples from 2015 and 2016. Such a truck can be purchased at an average price of 2 million to 3 million rubles.

Design: first impressions

The appearance of this truck has been radically redesigned. Belarusian engineers took the design of the MAZ V9 (shown in the photo on the left) as a basis.

The new product features a reinforced cabin frame, new air supports and cladding elements. One of the features of the new MAZ-5440M9 is an enlarged cooling radiator. Its width is about a meter. Due to these dimensions, engineers had to redo part of the cabin. The radiator grille has also been expanded. On all versions it is painted black. The tow hooks are hidden behind rubber plugs in the bumper.

Please note: the MAZ logo and the bison emblem are placed separately, at a great distance. But this is not a design whim at all - these details significantly reduce the cooling area of ​​the radiator.

From the side, the cabin resembles the contours of a Volvo FN-12 from the mid-2000s. By the way, side boxes appeared on this MAZ for the first time. They are located on both the right and left sides. Their total volume is 400 liters. Here you can place all the necessary tools, technical fluids and a gas cylinder for cooking on the go. Between the front and rear axles there are two fuel tanks with a total volume of 1100 liters. They are covered with a decorative skirt. Experts say that this solution has a positive effect on fuel efficiency. Consumption is reduced by 5-6 percent. The truck tractor is also equipped with a side and roof spoiler. The rear-view mirrors received a different shape and became more informative. The driver can control everything. On trucks of this type, this is the area at the front right wheel and the right side of the bumper. The architecture of the mirrors reminds many of Iveco Stralis. If we compare these cars in more detail, we can assume that the mirror was taken from the original without a single alteration.

Nevertheless, they provide a good overview, which was so lacking in the previous MAZ. It wouldn’t hurt to have a small “window” at the bottom (at least on the passenger door side).

Thermal insulation and stove

To modernize the MAZ’s thermal insulation system, a small restructuring will be required in the car’s interior. To improve the heating system, a heating device housing from KamAZ is suitable.

Before installing a new stove, it is necessary to dismantle the old mechanism by turning off the electrical equipment and removing all fasteners and the support frame. After this, you need to cut a hole wide enough for 2 small motors and a new heater housing along with a cut-out outlet intended for blowing the windshield of a vehicle.

In order to retain heat longer inside the driver’s cabin, it is recommended to install additional soundproofing coating in the rear of the MAZ. For these purposes, thermal insulation building materials will be required. The old Shumka is completely removed, and the new one is laid sequentially in 3 layers. The second layer should be with a material that absorbs vibration. This will help reduce the amount of heat loss.

Specifications

The systems installed on the car are modern.
The manufacturer, having more than fifty years of experience in creating trucks, took into account all the necessary factors, which ultimately allows us to see excellent characteristics. Considering the Minsk Automobile Plant’s craving for modifications, the “6312” model also could not do without it. In this regard, we will highlight three main ones and consider them in tables. MAZ-6312ВХ

Although the maximum speed can reach 100 km/h even when fully loaded, trucks are often fitted with speed limiters of up to 80 km/h.
MAZ-6312V5

Engine fuel consumption in this line serves to roughly calculate the technical condition of the car. In other cases, the data may have minor deviations. The YaMZ-6511.10 engine is much more practical than its counterparts. This concerns not only increased power, but also a higher environmental class Euro-3.

MAZ-6312 has many systems that require hydraulic filling. These include:

1. Engine lubrication system – 32 l;
2. Cooling system – 48-50 l;
3. Gearbox – 7.5 l;
4. Main gear housing, middle axle and rear axle - 13 l (in each mechanism);
5. Power steering – 6.5 l;
6. Hydraulic platform lifting system – 65 l;
7. Tank with washer fluid – 10 l;
8. Cabin suspension system – 0.75 l;
9. Transfer case housing – 4.5 l.

The steering system uses four wheels, which gives the truck additional maneuverability.

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