The Gorky Automobile Plant – Горьковский автозавод – has begun serial production of new versions of vans and minibuses – the “Gazelle NEXT 4.6” microbuses with an extra-long – extended wheelbase and higher permissible total weight.
The change in length has made it possible to increase the cargo volume of the van’s body to 15.5 cubic meters, and the passenger capacity of the minibuses to 22 passenger seats.
This increased functionality provides an increase in the economic efficiency of using the cars in freight and passenger traffic.
First and foremost, the Gazelle NEXT van variant now going on sale features three key advantages: permissible gross vehicle weight increased to 4,600 kg and an extra-long wheelbase – 200 mm longer, accompanied by a 500 mm increase in rear overhang length.
The result is increased body volume.
Thus, compared to the previous-basic edition, cargo volume has increased by 15% – from 13.5 to 15.5 m³, while cargo area has increased by 20% – from 6.8 to 8.1 sq. m.
On top of that, payload capacity almost doubled – to more than 2 tons.
At the same time as the van, an enlarged minibus model began to be produced.
Due to the increase in load capacity and body length, its working capacity increased to 22 passenger seats, including 19 seated and 3 standing, while maintaining the same distance between seats.
Both premiere variants received a new rear axle with increased load capacity and a reinforced braking system with disc brakes at all wheels and ABS.
Improvements also extend to the rear suspension, where a change in spring geometry has made it possible to improve ride comfort and vehicle stability on rough roads.
The introduction of this configuration means that for the first time in its history, GAZ is entering the heavy van segment, according to the international classification referred to as HVAN (Heavy Van), or just heavy vans.
Previously, only products from well-known Western suppliers were present in this segment.