Gazelle Next Van

Upon entering the Gazelle Next Van, you’ll notice how spacious its cabin is. There is adequate room to effectively accommodate 16 passengers. It comes with seats that are finished in fabric upholstery, which is very easy to clean and maintain in the long run. Its adjustable seats are not the softest nor most comfortable, but these provide decent cushioning and support for everyone on board. However, one downside of its seats is the lack of lumbar support, which may compromise passenger comfort on long-distance city or out-of-town trips. It also comes with a center arm rest at the rear. 

Meanwhile, drivers are given a predominantly-analogue instrument cluster that displays the tacho meter, low fuel warning light, and an electronic multi tripmeter. For entertainment and information accessibility, it comes with an integrated 2DIN audio, which is already dated for modern standards. Its 2DIN unit offers Bluetooth connectivity, USB, AUX, as well as AM/FM radio. This van has speakers both at the front and rear. Overall, it is very evident that Gazelle Next Van’s cabin prioritizes practicality and functionality above anything else.

From the outside, the Gazelle Next Van’s exterior design is inspired by Euro-style vans, which often have a tall profile courtesy of their high-roofed frame. Its look is pretty straightforward, emphasizing its immense practicality and reliability on the road. At the front, its facade is illuminated by adjustable halogen headlamps as well as fog lights for enhanced visibility, especially at night. It has a two-toned front end courtesy of its blacked-out bumper and body-colored fascia. It also has a black grille, which displays the GAZ emblem as its centerpiece. 

Similar to its front end, it also has a side view with some color contrasts. It has black mirrors, door handles, and window trims, while its character lines are finished in body paint. It runs on a robust set of 16-inch radial wheels, which are durable enough for daily use inside the city.

In terms of dimensions, the Gazelle Next Van measures 6,415 mm in length, 2,513 mm in width, and 2,837 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 3,745 mm and a ground clearance of 170 mm.

In terms of suspension, the Gazelle Next Van utilizes front and rear Leaf Springs. This setup allows this light commercial vehicle to have a great load-carrying capacity, as well as a durable (and very cost-efficient) frame. This suspension is tuned more for daily practicality than comfort. Hence, ride quality tends to go down on long-distance trips. But, inside the city, this van offers a very stable and adaptable ride. Consequently, you can still have a pretty comfortable experience inside this vehicle even on bumpy and uneven urban roads.

The Gazelle Next Van is powered by a 2.8L, 4 cylinder, 16 valve, diesel engine that produces a maximum power output of 150 hp and a maximum torque of 330 Nm. It comes paired with a 5-speed manual transmission system. 

In the city, this light commercial vehicle has just the right amount of power and torque to effectively transport passengers or cargo from point A to point B. It also has a decent fuel economy, which can lead to cost-efficient trips within Metro Manila (even through traffic). You’ll also be able to overtake slower vehicles on the highway with this 16-seater van. However, its NVH suppression system could still use some improvement in the future.

In terms of safety, the Gazelle Next Van is equipped with a crash sensor, parking sensors, side impact beams, engine check warning, door ajar warning, seatbelt warning, and rear seatbelts. It utilizes discs for front braking, while drums for rear braking. Its braking setup is supported by an anti-lock braking system.

The Gazelle Next Van is a very reliable option for government agencies and/or business owners who are looking for a light commercial vehicle that offers top-notch spaciousness and practical performance on the road. It could become a top-of-mind among local consumers if the brand addresses its current flaws moving forward.