So far only diesel
The Sable NN is powered by the familiar Cummins 2.8 diesel engine under the hood. The manual lists outputs ranging from 120 to 150 horsepower.
Currently, only Sable NN models with 139 horsepower are available for purchase. This engine has earned a solid reputation for its simple design and long service life.
The service interval stands at 20,000 km, and the vehicle carries a warranty of four years or 200,000 km.
Looking ahead, the lineup will add petrol and dual-fuel (petrol plus gas) variants. The diesel option is also slated for replacement with a new engine developed by GAZ, though no official details have been released yet.
New box to save
GAZ has been developing an in-house transmission, and the project is nearly complete. In Nizhny Novgorod, mechanics have built their own approach, moving from a five-speed to a six-speed gearbox.
The Sable NN can take off from second gear with ease, a common trait for commercial vehicles where first gear helps in challenging conditions or when carrying a heavy load.
With the extra gear, highway efficiency improves. At 110 km/h the engine stays in a green rpm range (roughly 1600–2400 rpm), and it can be operated comfortably down to about 70 km/h.
Inside, the dashboard offers around two dozen storage compartments, with thoughtful execution down to the smallest detail.
Maneuverability of the car
The GAZelle minimum wheelbase is 3145 mm, while the Sable NN is more compact at 3005 mm between the axles. The total length measures 5110 mm.
The turning circle is a tight 5.4 m, a figure that few passenger cars or crossovers can claim. The Sable handles urban spaces with surprising agility for a van.
With a nearly featureless bonnet and large two-piece mirrors, the Sobol is well prepared for city work. The configuration may gain parking sensors and a rear-view camera later.
The seat, which meets commercial-vehicle standards, offers adjustable lumbar support, length, height, and cushion angle. It also has a notable amount of travel for comfort on long runs.
No limits
In version 3.5, the Sable NN has a gross weight of 3.5 tons and a payload of 999 kg. This means the vehicle can enter downtowns that restrict heavier trucks, including central Moscow under certain rules.
There is another regulation for urban areas: on the city’s main routes, only vehicles with gross weight up to 2.5 tons may access residential zones. To accommodate this, the NN 2.5 was created. Structurally identical to the 3.5-ton model, it shares the same load capacity, and there are indications that gas variants are prepared to handle even heavier tasks.
Notably, the curb weight of the 3.5-ton Sable is 2501 kg. To achieve a 2.5-ton gross weight, certain design choices were made: the double passenger seat was replaced with a single seat, and the spare wheel plus some van trim were removed.
Formally, this yields a modest payload of 139 kg, though fleet operators often monitor real-world figures that differ from factory specifications.
The instrument panel features a new central display that emphasizes active safety systems, including adaptive cruise control.
Is for sale
Currently, the Sable NN is offered in the medium-roof variant as an all-metal van or a cargo-passenger configuration. Prices range from 2.7 to 2.9 million rubles.
The standard package is rich: a media system, light and rain sensors, LED headlights, heated windscreens, mirrors and seats, air conditioning, and cruise control.
Over time, Sable will gain additional configurations and features. Four-wheel drive is anticipated, reflecting an intent to satisfy diverse customer needs.
- Gazelle NN consumer test – details here.
- “Behind the wheel” can also be read on VKontakte.