GAZ "Sobol" - the history and features of the domestic business minibus

Gazelle is a true legend of the Russian automobile industry. Appearing in the form of a nondescript truck in the mid-90s, this technique has evolved to the NEXT generation. And it, as drivers and owners say, is in no way inferior to foreign cars. It even surpasses them in a number of parameters.


But there is another model in the range of the Gorky Automobile Plant, which is constantly in the shadow of the “big sister”. This is GAZ "Sobol", at first glance, differing only in single tires on the rear axle.

But these cars are essentially completely different and they were not created for heavy cargo work. Moreover, there are special modifications of the Sobol, which come from the factory like an office on wheels - almost a V-class Mercedes. The same "Barguzin", for example.


Today our task is to highlight the history and features of Sobol. After all, this car is undeservedly forgotten by Russian drivers. Although those who managed to ride on such a car are not very willing to part with it. It's really good and versatile.

The story of

In the mid-90s, the Gorky Automobile Plant was saved by the Gazelle. Unexpectedly, the "raw" and almost experimental car began to enjoy a feverish demand. This strengthened the leadership of GAZ in the opinion that it is necessary to improve the line of light commercial vehicles.

"Gazelle" is good for everyone, but cargo motives are very strong in it. Even the passenger versions were not comfortable, so businesses and private owners preferred to buy foreign-made minibuses.

Gorky Automobile Plant needed a new model. It was supposed to have a number of "passenger" features:

✅ Give the driver and passengers a high level of comfort
✅ Be economical
✅ Become more dynamic and maneuverable than clumsy Gazelles

The beginning of the development of "Sobol" is dated 1996. It took a little time to create a new model - after all, the scheme and chassis had already been worked out on a truck. Moreover, at that time they were just launching the production of all-metal Gazelles.


The first prototypes were ready in 1996. Interestingly, the Sobol was tested more carefully than the Gazelle. After all, the manufacturer already had a commercially successful project with a large number of "children's sores". The new model was decided to be finalized immediately.

Initially, Sobol minibuses were planned primarily for individuals and companies. The latter received an alternative to used foreign-made models. Customers were willing to pay money for a new car - the future was seen as cloudless.

Unfortunately, the reality turned out to be cruel - the famous default of 1998 struck. Potential customers could no longer afford new minibuses. By the way, due to the economic crisis, Sobol turned out to be not as high quality as it was originally intended.

The manufacturer was forced to keep prices down by cutting costs. And these are components and materials of low quality.

Success

Initially, the potential client did not want to buy Sobol GAZ. Visually, this minibus looked like a simplified Gazelle:

✅ It was shorter
✅ Missing two tires on the rear axle
✅ Load capacity reduced

Accordingly, "Sable" should have been cheaper. Only a few paid close attention to the new minibus, examined its interior, arranged short test drives and, unexpectedly, bought it.


But still, "Sable" remained a "dark horse". Most likely, he would not have achieved recognition, but a happy coincidence intervened. In Moscow, unexpectedly introduced restrictions on the entry of cars with a carrying capacity of more than a ton. Not everywhere, of course, only beyond the inner borders of the third ring. But even this was enough for businessmen to sharply increase the demand for Sobol.

After that, minibuses began to be bought, and the manufacturer had to respond. Cars gradually began to displace even UAZs - the Gorky Plant specially produced all-wheel drive modifications of the Sobol. This car was much more modern than the "Loaf" in almost all respects.

Engines

GAZ initially offered its new model with several engines. Fortunately, they have already been tested and tested on the Gazelle. The ZMZ-402, a simple carburetor engine, became the basic power unit. This eight-valve engine with a volume of 2,44 liters develops 100 hp. With.


The main power units for Sobol are 16-valve ZMZ-406, both carburetor and injection. And they put on minibuses:

✅ Diesel engines of own production GAZ-560
✅ Chrysler engines
✅ ZMZ-405 - the best of domestic
✅ UMZ-4216
✅ Chinese Cummins

Which motor to choose is difficult to advise. Each power unit has an army of fans. One can only say that an injector is still preferable - now it’s not the 80s. But ZMZ-402/406 is easier to repair. The carburetor can be sorted out even on the side of the road. It won't work with an injector.

Differences from the "Gazelle"

Judging by the engines, GAZ Sobol has no special technical features. But the designers reworked the gearbox a bit, making the final drive faster.


A number of nodes were developed specifically for the GAZ-2217. For example, the front suspension of the car is original - like a typical passenger car, that is, an independent double wishbone. The steering of the Sobol is also different, improved, as are the front brakes.

Due to the lower carrying capacity, the GAZ-2217 gives the driver and passengers a high level of comfort for a minibus. By the way, modifications such as the Barguzin often received low-profile tires from the factory - for more confident entry into turns at speed. Although, in any case, Sobol is far from sports. It's not a Chevrolet Express with a V8 engine.

Restyling

The first global modernization of Sobol took place in early 2003. Then the car was redesigned externally - in the same style as the Gazelle. No wonder - after all, the machines are single-platform.

In 2003, Sobol received new front spars. The engine bay has been slightly enlarged. The updated front bumper allowed the installation of new air intakes. After that, the engine cooling system became more efficient.


The interior has also been redesigned, but the most important thing is a different dashboard. A new heater appeared - it decreased in size, but began to heat more strongly.

Since 2003, the engines that were installed on the Sobol complied with Euro-2 environmental standards. By the way, one of the modifications of the ZMZ-405 developed up to 152 hp. With.


In 2009, the Gorky Automobile Plant broke off a long-standing partnership with ZMZ. After that, Sables and Gazelles began to receive power units from UMP. Finally, a massive and widespread Cummins diesel engine with a volume of 2,8 liters appeared.


Despite the fact that in terms of popularity, the Sobol cannot even be compared closely with the Gazelle, this car has occupied its own niche. Special vehicles are often produced on the GAZ-2217 chassis, adapted to the needs of a particular client. For example, armored models or versions for travelers.

There were attempts to create even pickup trucks from Sable, but these projects were unsuccessful. In our country, cars with this type of body are not popular. Although, this does not prevent UAZ from collecting such models in small batches.

Introduced in 1998, Sobol is still the most affordable commercial minibus in its class. Unlike the Gazelle, it gives the driver and passengers an almost light level of comfort.