New GAZelle-Next 2012-2013

By Lukas Müller On Oct 7, 2022

GAZelle-NEXT, shown at the Moscow Motor Show 2012, will replace the first generation of Nizhny Novgorod-made lorry, produced with minimal changes for 18 years. I don't think that the photo shows another attempt by gas specialists to breathe life into their offspring. The new GAZelle-Next 2012-2013 inherited from the previous generation of the model only the frame and rear axle with suspension, everything else is completely new.

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body design

The front part of the novelty is with a huge false radiator grille and a large bumper, in which there was a place for fog lights. The plastic body kit of the new Gazelle-Next 2012-2013 consists of three segments, so in the event of a small accident, the entire “front” will not have to be changed.

Highly located almond-shaped headlights, took a position at the confluence of the sloping hood, fenders, plastic bumper side impact. Large and comfortable steel doors with handles for a natural “grip”, landing in the cabin provides a footboard installed 8 cm below, and a wide doorway.
For the manufacture of steps, wheel arches, body side panels, doors and hood, galvanized metal is used. The area of the windshield and side windows has increased, new, larger rear-view mirrors have been installed, which positively affects visibility from the driver's seat.

In profile, the new GAZelle-next shows straight lines and is easy to confuse with a beaded car to get into the cabin through the sliding door on the starboard side. The rear end with stylish “Bars” sizes, raised above the designers from a compact bumper (less likely to be damaged when maneuvering in reverse or in contact with another car), large “gate” hinged doors.
Fresh, stylish and bright – this is how three words can describe the appearance of a hazelnut. The car looks great not only from the back of the van, but also in the clearance of cargo.

Interior – ergonomics and quality

In the observed new torpedo of a massive form with a great variety of shelves, drawers, coasters, from a dispenser and pockets for small things. The first visitors of the exhibition tried to count how many compartments the Gazelle-Next has for storage, as a result they lost count, and, as it turned out, many of the boxes did not even guess.

Cecile's dashboard is next to it – with two dials and an on-board computer screen, a driver's seat with a wide range of adjustments (even adjustable lumbar support), the steering wheel can change the angle of inclination. What happiness! on the doors appeared normal armrests.
The new GAZelle-Next will be equipped with air conditioning on Delphi, a multimedia system with a touch screen (CD with MP3 and Bluetooth support, a GPS navigator), a starting preheater and an autonomous Webasto heater – of course, all this as options. The trim materials and fit quality were better, but… as they say, there is something to strive for.

Buyers can choose from two wheelbase sizes: standard 3145mm and long wheelbase 3745mm. overall dimensions of the onboard Gazelle Next: 5630 mm long, 2070 mm wide, 2140 mm high, ground clearance – 170 mm. cargo platform is made of lightweight aluminum, improved canopy for tarpaulin installation. The new “sextasya” Hijina will later be installed on the entire model range of the Gorky Automobile Plant, starting from the Gazelle and Sable and ending with Valdai and Ermak, and, perhaps, the “lawn” is a lucky change of “face”.

Specifications

The Gazelle-Next minibus will be equipped with a Cummins turbodiesel engine (120 hp) with the “old” 5 speed manual transmission providing a top speed of 130 mph and urban fuel consumption of 10.5-11 liters. For better engine cooling, the volume of the radiator was doubled compared to the previous Gazelle. The front suspension is independent with a double wishbone and springs (previously it was dependent spring), there were rack and pinion steering with hydraulic booster, tires with 225 / 75R16 discs are used.

Thanks to changes in the design of the front suspension , the test vehicle demonstrates virtually machine handling. The brake system has undergone modernization, from a speed of 80 km / h the braking distance is long and 34.2 meters (it was 36.8-37 meters). For better cross-country ability for the next novelty, differential locks are provided, which will be installed as additional equipment.

And the most important question – how much does Gazelle-Next cost?

The price of a minibus, according to gas representatives, will start from 700,000 conventional units for the initial configuration. The modern “lorry” in the base will be equipped with electric windows, central locking, heated mirrors. It is planned to start production of the updated version from January 2013, and the first “live” cars will reach dealers in March. We look forward to Gazelle-Next.