Creation and evolution of buses of the groove family. Creation and evolution of buses of the groove family Formation of the PAZ automobile plant

The prototype of the PAZ family buses known to the entire population of the post-Soviet space was the PAZ-665 model, developed by the designers of the Pavlovsk Bus Plant back in 1966.

The history of the appearance of buses of the PAZ-3205 series

The bus was developed in two versions - a city bus with two double-folding doors, and a tourist version of the same car, which differed from the basic version by the presence of comfortable seats in the cabin and one manually opened door. The body design and layout of the prototype model vaguely resembled the PAZ-3205, which was launched much later.

In 1967, the tourist version of the bus, which received the PAZ-665T index, was demonstrated in Paris, at the international motor show, where it was awarded the Great Silver Medal of the French High Commissioner for Tourism and the Auto Show medal.

At the same time, the plant was preparing for the production of another bus model - PAZ-672, developed several years ago. The Ministry of the Automotive Industry of the USSR decided to manufacture this particular model, as a result of which the international prize-winner PAZ-665 did not go into the series, remaining an experimental model.

Later, the plant created several more experimental models with a layout identical to the PAZ-3205. So, in the 70s, several modifications were developed based on the PAZ-3202. Their launch into mass production was planned for 1979, but production problems that arose at ZiL, which is the main supplier of components for the Pavlovsk bus, prevented the existing plans from being implemented.

Experimental PAZ-3202. It was not released into the series.

To get out of this situation, it was decided to change the base supplier and switch to components and assemblies supplied by the Gorky Automobile Plant. As a result, a new model was developed, which received the PAZ-3205 index, the first prototypes of which appeared in 1981. Many flaws were found in the design of the new model, the elimination of which took several more years. Only in 1986 small-scale production of PAZ-3205 was launched, and finally, in 1989, the bus went into production, replacing the obsolete 672 model.

The new bus was significantly different from its predecessor. PAZ-3205 received a spacious, comfortable, bright interior with a large glazing area. Nevertheless, in terms of its technical characteristics, the model was somewhat inferior to the previously developed version 3203, since the parts and assemblies supplied by GAZ were inferior to the ZIL counterparts.

The bus was equipped with a ZMZ-5112 engine with a capacity of 125 horsepower, and was not much different from the engine that was equipped with the 672nd model. The gearbox, braking system and axles were supplied from GAZ, the steering mechanism was produced at the Minsk Automobile Plant.

From the beginning of serial production until 1991, the bus was supplied to all the republics of the USSR, the pace of production was constantly increasing. However, the collapse of the USSR and the subsequent long-term crisis led to a sharp decline in production at PAZ. Nevertheless, even in crisis conditions, the plant workers managed to put on the conveyor the urban modification PAZ-32051, and in 1995, the modernized PAZ-3205-07 with a diesel engine MMZ D 245.7 produced by Belarusian machine builders.

PAZ-3205 special order 10 pcs. for the 27th Congress of the CPSU Central Committee

By the second half of the 90s, production growth began again at the plant, which, paradoxically, was facilitated by the ongoing crisis in the country. The fact is that many automobile enterprises engaged in passenger transportation, due to the high cost, did not have the opportunity to purchase large, roomy buses, and replaced them with much more affordable PAZs. True, in the same period, cases of serious accidents with the participation of these buses became more frequent, which was associated with numerous violations of the operating rules and the low reliability of the hydraulic brake system.

PAZ 3205 1989, LUX grade

By the beginning of the 2000s, Pavlovsk Automobile Plant, basically, overcame all the difficulties of the transition period and began to produce better and more reliable modifications of buses. A single-door PAZ-32053 and a two-door PAZ-32054, equipped with axles produced by the Ryazan Automobile Unit Plant and new pneumatic brakes, appeared in the model range. By 2002, these models were refined and equipped with ABS anti-lock brakes. Gradually, the new Pavlovsk buses replaced the outdated PAZ-3205 and PAZ-32051 models.

PAZ-32051 bus

In the same 2002, some changes appeared in the appearance of buses. So, the rear emergency door, previously located at floor level, was brought to the level of ground clearance, and the area of ​​the emergency door glazing was slightly reduced. Also in the passenger compartment there are handrails covered with a polyurethane coating.

A few years later, in 2007, Pavlov's buses underwent a very serious modernization. The most problematic units, which caused complaints from operators, were replaced with imported counterparts. Thus, a Ukrainian-made compressor was replaced by a similar unit manufactured by a German company. The same fate was awarded to the ABS "Screen" system of Belarusian production.

In addition to replacing the units, work was done to improve the quality of the assembly. So, the joints of the body elements began to be glued with tape that protects the metal from corrosion, the front of the buses received a new plastic lining.

Not without changes in the interior of the bus. The floor was covered with plywood impregnated with a special compound, the chipboard sheathing was replaced with plastic, the doors were made of galvanized steel.

The driver's workplace was now separated from the passenger compartment by an incomplete partition, the headlight switch from the floor was moved to the steering column, and electrically heated mirrors appeared. Customers were able to order various color options for the interior and exterior of cars in accordance with different finishing schemes.

Nevertheless, despite regular improvements and upgrades, it should be admitted that the PAZ-3205 bus has long been hopelessly outdated. The ancient gearbox from the GAZ-53, the power units ZMZ and MMZ that do not meet modern environmental requirements, the outdated design - all this persistently and urgently required replacement.

Test drive PAZ-3205

Several years ago we were “lucky” to get to know two PAZs closely - gasoline and diesel. Both cars recently rolled off the assembly line, and their mileage was almost zero. But they brought us so many problems that our head was spinning.

What is it worth just tossing the side glass out of the window opening while performing maneuvers on the landfill? On the second bus, the gearbox was junk, we could not turn on one of the gears. Outside rearview mirrors were constantly falling off from vibration. In a word, then, six years ago, the "grooves" left far from the best impression, and it would be interesting to see what has changed over the years and whether the "people's" buses have become better?

Three models were chosen for the test drive: PAZ-32053, equipped with a ZMZ-5234.10 gasoline power unit with a mileage of 27000 km; a diesel PAZ-32053-07 with an MMZ-245.7 engine with a mileage of 28000 km and a PAZ-4234 with an extended chassis base and an increased-capacity cabin, equipped with a more powerful MMZ-245.9E2 diesel engine with a mileage of 15400 km.

First of all, I was struck by the significantly higher quality of the bodies. On the buses we tested six years ago, rust on rough, sloppy welds was visible even in the passenger compartment. Now everything has changed - the seams are carefully welded, covered with a layer of primer and paint.

Unlike the previous ones, the rubber-sealed ventilation hatches on the bus roof are now tightly closed and moisture-proof, even in heavy rain. Now, unlike in the past, the side windows do not fall out either. In general, after the first acquaintance, the impression was that the build quality, anti-corrosion treatment and body painting improved by several orders of magnitude.

Among other things, now in the assembly of buses, a new technology of anti-corrosion treatment is used, which includes filling the empty cavities, which are most susceptible to corrosion, with a special composition "Dinitrol", which is guaranteed to protect the treated surface for six years.

Models 32053 and 32053-07 with gasoline and diesel engines are built on a standard chassis with a body, complete with a double-leaf door, pneumatically opened.

An emergency exit door is installed in the rear of the passenger compartment.
In both models, the layout of the cabin is practically the same, although there are certain differences in the number of passenger seats and the total passenger capacity. In the PAZ-32053 cabin, 25 passenger seats are installed, and in the PAZ-32053-07 cabin there are 22 such seats.

The PAZ-32053 and 32053-07 models are small-class buses, but the PAZ-4234 is already a middle-class model equipped with two passenger doors. Of course, in the extended version of the bus, the body configuration and the layout of the cabin have changed, in which a second storage area has appeared. In the extended version, the passenger capacity of the bus has been increased to 50 people, 30 of whom can ride in a sitting position.

The bodies of all tested models are made in a wagon configuration, without a partition separating the driver's compartment. It is worth noting that not all drivers are satisfied with the absence of a partition, but it just so happened that the driver's workplace was never fenced in on the PAZs.

The driver's seats installed on buses are quite high quality. The presence of adjustments and suspension creates comfortable conditions for the driver when making long-distance flights. But the passenger seats cannot be called comfortable in any way, although they cannot be ranked as frankly bad either. But the interval between the seats in the cabin is quite decent, the knees do not rest against the back of the front seat.

A few words about the ergonomics of the cab. PAZ is equipped with a steering wheel that is optimal in diameter and rim thickness. But the lack of steering column adjustment slightly reduces the level of driver comfort. Surprisingly, many car upgrades have not yet touched on the pedal set and the headlight footswitch. As with the first PAZ models, the switch is still located next to the pedals.

In subsequent modifications, it would be optimal to provide for the possibility of duplicating the headlight switch by installing it on the steering column, and, at the same time, retaining the foot button, which has become convenient and familiar for the drivers of the "people's" bus.

Most drivers and technicians like the inboard layout of the bus. It just so happened that domestic vehicles are not highly reliable, and malfunctions of various components and assemblies quite often find the driver on the road. So let's imagine that there was a similar breakdown, and there was snow, slush, frost outside the car. As a rule, in such a situation, the driver has to dress warmly, pull on mittens and fiddle in the cold, sometimes for a long time, with a faulty mechanism. But the drivers of PAZs are lucky - they do not need to leave the cozy, warm interior. It is enough to open the hood of the engine compartment, located right there, and calmly engage in repairs.

PAZ-32053 with a gasoline engine ZMZ-5234.10

We will not draw analogies between the power units of the tested sample and the car that gave us a lot of trouble six years ago. Then we were dealing with a non-rolled unit that had just rolled off the assembly line. Now we came across a copy, "childhood diseases" of which have long been eliminated by drivers and technicians operating the car.

At idle, the engine noise is almost inaudible, but a characteristic sound similar to the scream of a black grouse emanates from the pneumatic compressor. At high revs, the engine makes itself felt, drowning out the pneumatic compressor, recalling the good old GAZ-53 truck.

The engine power of 130 horses provides the bus with a rather high-spirited start. In the first four gears, the gearbox worked flawlessly, but when the fifth and reverse gears were engaged, some difficulties arose. When the fifth gear was turned on, there was always a slight grinding noise, and the rear one was difficult to engage due to the limited stroke of the lever.
The PAZ also showed good dynamics on the road, with its smoothness and responsiveness pleased with the operation of the accelerator pedal.

Until 2003, buses were equipped with a dual-circuit braking system with hydraulic and pneumatic brakes. After modernization, only pneumatic brakes were installed on PAZs, which made it possible to use the anti-lock braking system ABS manufactured by the German company Knorr-Bremse. But the brake pedal, as before, is located poorly, as it is at different levels with the accelerator pedal.

Not very convenient and too high position of the hydraulic clutch pedal. In city driving conditions, the driver is forced to constantly keep his foot on the clutch, which, with such a pedal position, creates a feeling of discomfort. Drivers working on suburban routes do not have such problems, because on a free road, you do not need to keep your foot on the grip all the time.

As for maneuverability, this characteristic was and is one of the main advantages of Pavlovsk buses. Suffice it to note that with a turning radius of 8.5 meters, the PAZ makes a U-turn in two steps on a road 6 meters wide. It should be noted and the impeccable operation of the power steering, which operates easily and silently.

During the test drive, the chassis did not cause any complaints. The buses are equipped with bridges manufactured by the Ryazan and Kanash auto-aggregate plants. The test unit was equipped with a Ryazan bridge, and, perhaps, therefore, did not emit the typical howling sound of GAZ trucks.

PAZ-32053-07 with Minsk diesel engine

All the advantages and disadvantages that we noted when talking about a car with a gasoline engine are also inherent in a bus with a diesel power unit.

Being next to a bus with a running engine, it is difficult not to pay attention to the characteristic noise of the Minsk diesel engine MMZ D-245.7. If you don't see that there is a bus nearby, you might think that a Belarus tractor is working nearby. The designers of the Pavlovsk Automobile Plant worked a lot to reduce the engine noise level, bringing it to certification standards, but they failed to completely get rid of the "tractor motives".

In the cabin, the noise of the engine is not so noticeable, especially compared to a similar car six years ago, in which it was problematic to hear the interlocutor.
The dynamic characteristics of gasoline and diesel engines are almost identical, but in terms of fuel consumption, diesel is much more economical, which increases the profitability of its operation.

It should be noted that PAZ-32053-07 and PAZ-4234, corresponding to the middle class and equipped with a more powerful diesel unit, have almost similar fuel consumption indicators.

The extended version of the PAZ-4234 bus is equipped with a reinforced Ryazan-made bridge and a five-speed manual transmission, familiar to us from ZIL trucks.
The expected somewhat sluggish dynamics of the elongated PAZik is compensated by the larger capacity, the bus can carry up to 50 passengers, which is 10-12 more people than the small class brothers can take on board. The successful layout of the passenger compartment made it possible to organize two fairly spacious storage areas.

Naturally, on this model, it is impossible to make a U-turn in two steps on a 6-meter wide road due to its dimensions. With a length of 8.2 m and a turning radius of 8.7 m, you cannot maneuver in urban conditions, but for suburban and rural roads, the bus is ideal.

Concluding the test drive, we can summarize that Pavlovsk car manufacturers have managed to step far ahead in recent years.

New models of PAZ-4320 "Aurora" with a rear engine are already rolling off the assembly line of the plant, low-floor city buses PAZ-3327 can often be found on the streets of Moscow, new models of a small class with a front-mounted PAZ-3203 power unit are being tested and gradually go into production and PAZ-3204.

In a word, the plant is trying to keep up with the times, constantly improving the existing models and developing new ones that correspond to the trends of the country's modern bus market.

With all this, it should be noted that old models are still in demand on the market. Long-familiar and well-proven machines attract many with their accessibility, ease of maintenance, and unpretentiousness. Perhaps foreigners who meet the "people's" bus on our roads may be confused by its outdated design, but it is produced not for Sweden and Germany, but for our people, and people like it.

What is the bottom line?

The streets of Moscow and other Russian megalopolises, crowded with car novelties from the world's leading manufacturers, have acquired the features of European cities in recent years. However, they are not a reflection of the situation on the roads of a huge country. And the situation is such that cars and buses, whose roots go back to the Soviet auto industry, will run on 1/6 land roads for a very long time.

In Soviet times, the lion's share of passenger traffic in rural areas and on short suburban routes was carried out using Pavlovsk and Kurgan buses. The agile, nimble PAZik has practically not changed in appearance since those times, but, at the same time, has not lost its relevance and popularity. It is noteworthy that the Pavlovsk Bus Plant was one of the few enterprises in the industry that managed not only to survive, but also to develop during the years of destructive restructuring, and in the dashing 90s, and in the stable zero.

It would not be an exaggeration to call PAZ buses one of the symbols of the country, which has rallied several generations of drivers and passengers around itself. If in other countries young people can see the buses that their fathers and grandfathers used only to the movies, our young people can not only see them on the streets, but also ride them.

However, the high demand for PAZs cannot be attributed only to the continuity of generations. The popularity of Pavlovsk buses is largely due to the effective marketing and technical policy pursued by the Russian Buses company, which, in addition to the Pavlovsk Automobile Plant, also includes the Likinsky, Kurgan and Golitsinsky Bus Plants.

To date, in addition to cars with traditional gasoline power units, PAZ has launched the production of buses equipped with various modifications of the MMZ-245 diesel engine. The installation of the diesel engine has significantly increased the profitability of the operation of the machines. Suffice it to say that the fuel consumption of diesel buses is, on average, 10 liters less than that of petrol counterparts. In addition to reducing fuel consumption, the diesel unit also made it possible, to a certain extent, to solve the problem of the buses' compliance with modern environmental requirements.

The decision to enter serial production of the middle-class model PAZ-4234 with a passenger capacity increased to 50 people turned out to be no less successful.

The Russian Buses Company is implementing a production modernization program aimed at increasing its efficiency and reducing costs. This approach was evidenced by the abandonment of the technology of energy-intensive stamping production in favor of a tubular body frame with the use of polymer outer panels.

For the first time, the new technology was implemented in the serial production of the PAZ-4230 Aurora family of buses, which are already supplied to the market in sufficient quantities.
Undoubtedly, "Aurora" is a rather comfortable, modern bus. But it should be noted that its cost is almost twice the price of the "people's" PAZ-3205, even in its most expensive diesel version. Thus, it can be argued that the bus, which "came from the people", still has a long working history.

Specifications PAZ-3205

What bus can be called the most popular in our country? Many people will not hesitate to answer this question. Of course, the "groove". So he was nicknamed by the people. And the Pavlovsk Bus Plant named it PAZ 3205 and in the line of passenger buses produced by the enterprise, it is the basic model for a number of modifications.

Despite the fact that the first PAZ 3205 buses rolled off the assembly line back in Soviet times, they are still widely used for passenger transportation in rural areas, on urban routes, and also serve large enterprises as official vehicles. Grooves are often required for the transportation of workers, construction crews or hard workers working on a rotational basis. Age is not a hindrance for them - "folk" buses do not give up their positions and are in demand in the domestic market.

What is the reason for such popularity of this seemingly outdated transport in all respects? Firstly, maintenance of PAZ 3205 does not cause any difficulties. Secondly, the small size makes the bus easy to operate and maneuverable, which is certainly important given its operation on urban routes. And, finally, road carriers cannot but be attracted by the lower, in comparison with most models of passenger buses, the price of the "groove". New cars produced in 2013-2014 the manufacturer offers at a price of 1,100,000 rubles. In this case, the customer can choose both a modification and a complete set of the bus. The cost of used cars 10-15 years ago starts from 100 - 150 thousand rubles.

From the history of creation

But, let's go back a little, in 1981, when the first samples of PAZ 3205 rolled off the assembly line of the Pavlovsk Bus Plant. The prototype for the creation of this model was the PAZ 665, which was developed by designers back in 1966. True, this model remained experimental, even despite the awards that it received in 1967 at the annual international motor show in France. This was due to the fact that at that time another PAZ 672 model, designed a few years earlier, was being prepared for serial production. After the development of the 665 model, the design bureau of the plant continued active work on the creation of new bus models, however, they suffered the same fate as and its predecessor - their release was never established. The main reason was the refusal of the Likhachev Plant to supply the checkpoint, axles and steering gear, which were supposed to be installed on new buses.

The first car with the index 3205 was a two-door passenger bus, one door of which opened automatically, the other mechanically. The analogue, with two automatically opening doors, received the index 32051. These prototypes, with the GAZ main units, were assembled in 1981. True, they needed revision - the components of the Gorky Automobile Plant were less reliable. Therefore, only in 1986 small-scale production of "grooves" began, and mass production was launched at the end of 1989.

By the beginning of the 90s, the new model completely ousted the PAZ 672, which was morally and technically obsolete by that time, from the assembly line. And in just a couple of years, from 1989 to 1991, PAZ 3205 buses appeared in almost all corners of our vast Motherland. Despite the collapse of the USSR and a sharp decline in production volumes, in 191, the production of PAZ 32051, a passenger bus for urban transport, was launched, and later other modifications of this model. All in all, since the beginning of the production of the "groove", more than 30 modifications have been created, differing in their purpose and configuration, which have been successfully operated throughout the post-Soviet space for more than 20 years.

Model modifications

The PAZ 3205 family of buses is intended for urban and suburban passenger transportation. Transport belongs to the small class, since it has a fairly compact dimensions - 6 925 x 2 500 x 2 960 mm. The most popular are modifications of the bus 32053 and 32054 in various versions, created on the basis of the basic model 3205. In addition to various purposes, the cars differ in passenger capacity (usually 36-42 people), the number of seats (19-26) and some technical characteristics. PAZ 3205 can also be used as a cargo and passenger transport, for example, for the transportation of teams of construction workers and related equipment. For these purposes, a modification 322053-20 was created, which is equipped with a cargo compartment. Moreover, its area, depending on the design, can be from 5.3 to 15 sq.m.

The design of Pavlovsk buses of this model range is the simplest. The all-metal PAZ 3205 body, like most buses, is load-bearing and has a wagon layout. The passenger compartment can be accessed through a pneumatically operated double folding door located at the front of the bus. An emergency door is also provided - it is located at the rear. The modification with an additional door, indexed 32054, is more convenient to operate on urban routes, since the downtime of transport at stops is reduced. There is no partition between the passenger compartment and the driver's workplace, but when choosing a "groove" it is difficult to expect anything else from him.

As for the PAZ 3205 interior, it is difficult to call it spacious and comfortable. Despite the fact that the seats are quite soft and the distance between them is rather big, it is rather difficult to withstand a long trip in such a bus. In addition, the rigid suspension and significant rolls of the car do not give much pleasure when driving. High floors, narrow entrances and steep steps can also be difficult to enter / exit, especially for older people. Not surprisingly, many consider this bus to be archaic and uncomfortable. But ... the reality is that carriers prefer cheaper, albeit not comfortable, models of transport, because they are quite cost-effective. What else do entrepreneurs need?

In addition, most drivers can repair PAZ 3205 on their own and the costs for it, due to the fact that the main spare parts and components of Russian production are minimal. And it is much easier to eliminate possible damage to the engine located in the front of the car than, say, in buses with a rear-mounted power plant or in bonnet models. Access to the engine can be obtained without leaving the passenger compartment, and for repairs in the winter, this is a huge plus.

Bus Specifications

The manufacturer equips popular buses with ZMZ and MMZ engines. The ZMZ carburetor unit with a working volume of 4.67 liters has a power of 130 hp. and complies with Euro-2 standards. The fuel consumption indicator for cars with this engine is 20.5 liters. The diesel engine MMZ is considered more economical in operation, its fuel consumption is 19 liters. At the same time, the power of the 4-cylinder 4.75-liter unit is 122 hp. True, the Minsk engine, which is installed on the PAZ 3205, is very noisy. But what else to expect from a "tractor" motor?

The type of gearbox that comes with the bus depends on the engine. So, a gasoline engine is paired with a 4-speed gearbox, like the GAZ 3307, which has a simple and reliable device. The Minsk engine installed on the PAZ 3205 is combined with the 5-speed SAAZ 3206. The clutch for all models is a single-disk with a hydraulic drive. Pneumatic brakes PAZ 3205 with drum-type mechanisms have a hydraulic drive. Buses produced since 2002 are equipped with ABS. According to the diagram, the PAZ 3205 electrical equipment has a voltage of 12 V.

Of course, many years have passed since the beginning of the production of this model and, it is not surprising that the plant has repeatedly modernized the PAZ 3205 bus, which is widely demanded among carriers. First of all, the changes affected parts and assemblies of domestic production that cause many problems. So on the Russian market appeared "grooves" with German engines "Deutz", "Cummins" or Polish Andoria. The interior of the bus was also modified: the wall cladding became plastic, the floor was covered with well-impregnated plywood, galvanized steel was used for the door, and the glass received protective profiles. Today, these small buses are successfully operated by both urban transport enterprises and various companies.

Photo of the bus

The PAZ-3205 bus is a 7-meter car, assembled in Russia, at the Pavlovsk plant, and belongs to a small class.

General information

The development of the bus lasted 15 years, while more than 10 experimental car models were created. The first model for testing was produced in 1979, and mass production began in 1984. However, the final form of the model was adopted in the 86th. In December 1989, the assembly line production of PAZ-3205 began, and by June 2001, the plant produced the 100,000th bus of this model. In 2008, the model was modernized, which made it possible to increase the life of the body from 5 to 10 years, install a better heating system and create a comfortable interior.

Car history

The prototype of the PAZ-3205 car was the PAZ-665, which was created at the Pavlovsk plant back in 1966. This bus was manufactured in two types - a municipal type and a tourist one with comfortable seats. In appearance and interior configuration, it resembles a late version of the 3205 model, which is confirmed by the PAZ-3205 diagram.

After PAZ-665, other types of machines were designed and produced, which were very similar to the 3205th model. So, in the 70s of the last century, the PAZ-3202 bus was designed in three types: municipal and suburban use, as well as the PAZ-3204 model with high cross-country ability. The last model was slated to go into production in 1979. However, due to problems with the supply of components, the start of serial production was interrupted.

Model on a new basis

To get out of this situation, it was decided to use the units of a GAZ truck - this is how a modification appeared, which is known as PAZ-3205. The initial prototypes of this model appeared in 1981, but they required some work. And only in 1986, the Pavlovsk Automobile Plant began to produce model 3205 in small volumes.

The mass production of PAZ-3205 begins in 1989 and lasted until 1991. This bus was supposed to replace the outdated 672 model, but the collapse of the Soviet Union with a further crisis abruptly stopped the production of buses at the Pavlovsk Automobile Plant. But all the same, no matter how difficult the financial situation at the plant may be, in 1991 the municipal modification PAZ-32051 was launched, as well as PAZ-320507 in 1995.

Some popular models and technical variants of the bus

The bus began to be mass-produced in 1989 in a standard passenger modification, and the PAZ-3205 engine could be either gasoline or diesel of Belarusian production. Due to market conditions, the plant began to adapt to the situation and expand the model range, based on the wishes of customers. At the moment, the car plant manufactures several types and variants of these buses, which differ in configuration and purpose. A number of modifications of the 3205 model are presented below:

• PAZ-3205 is the first model in a whole series of PAZ buses. Its configuration included front automatic doors and emergency rear doors, hydropneumatic brakes and an axle from a GAZ car. Since 2009, the bus has been discontinued.
• PAZ-32052 is a modernized model 3205 for a fixed-route taxi. The main difference from the original version of the car was that gas equipment was installed on it.
• PAZ-32053 - the model had pneumatic brakes and a carburetor engine.
• PAZ-3205-20 is a cargo-and-passenger modification of model 3205. It is produced with a cargo compartment in the rear of the bus and with 16 seats. Trunk volume varies from 5-15 cubic meters, depending on the ordered configurations.
• PAZ-3206 is an all-wheel drive vehicle. Mainly used as a school bus.

In addition to the above modifications, the 3205 model gave birth to such a car as a pickup truck, which is used on the territories of factories and large enterprises. The front of the bus is placed on the chassis, and an open side platform is placed in the back. Depending on the needs of the plant, they can be more or less short, so that workers and the forwarder can be transferred at the same time. This type of pick-up buses, driving according to the needs of the enterprise in the factory districts, can be found on the roads of the city of Pavlovo.

Export bus variations

• PAZ-3205-50 is a variation of the "Lux" type, which was developed at the end of the previous century. It differs from ordinary buses by soft non-adjustable seats in the cabin, luggage racks along the windows and a luggage compartment in the rear with a volume of 2 cubic meters. m.
• PAZ-3205-70 is a bus model for the northern regions. Produced since 1995. A school bus is now being produced at its base. The bus configuration includes: a retractable bottom step, semi-soft seats with a straight back, seat belts on each seat, a chauffeur key near each seat. Reflective stripes are glued along the perimeter of the bus, and a megaphone is mounted on the roof.
• PAZ-3205-507 - "tropical" buses for export for hot countries. The model stands out with a large number of wide vents that occupy more than half of the window area, ventilation hatches on the roof and a modified body design. Such models are popular in Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other countries.
• PAZ-3975 is a mobile laboratory that examines athletes.
• PAZ-4234 is an extended bus.

The PAZ-3205 device served as the basis for other modifications of the bus, which were not widely used among customers. In total, 18 modifications of the basic vehicle type were manufactured.

PAZ-3205: technical characteristics

According to technological parameters, the maximum speed of the bus is 90 km / h. At the same time, the optimal speed with a loaded car is 60 km / h. Fuel consumption per 100 km is 23 liters.

The bus has 28 seats and one service seat. The total capacity of the salon is 37 people.

The car has a mass of 4.83 tons and an engine of 88 horsepower. The bus has a dual-circuit pneumatic-hydraulic brake system, as well as a drum parking brake. In addition, it has a 4- or 5-speed gearbox.

The vehicle is 7 m long, 2.5 m wide, and 2.9 m high. The bus clearance is 32 cm.

Characteristics of PAZ-3205 and its advantages

The Soviet automotive industry was famous for the ease of assembling cars. The cars were built without any "bells and whistles", without much convenience and comfort. PAZ-3205 is no exception to this rule. But there are also advantages: its design is simple and easy to use, it is hardy and has a high cross-country ability. And also, importantly, the repair of PAZ-3205 is done quite simply and easily even with your own hands, which cannot be said about modern buses filled with electronics and other devices.

The proof of the reliability of this car can be the fact that it is still used in almost all cities, villages and enterprises in Russia and the CIS. PAZ-3205, the price of which ranges from 300 thousand rubles to 1 million, has earned popularity due to its economy in maintenance, ease of use in almost all spheres of human life.

Bus in the 21st century

Since 2000, the plant begins to produce reliable modifications of the one-door PAZ-32053 and two-door PAZ-32054. Since 2002, all buses have been fitted with ABS.

Since 2007, there has been a comprehensive modernization of the 3205th model. First of all, Belarusian and Ukrainian components were exchanged for German parts. They began to glue the body joints with a special anti-corrosion tape, and the front of the bus received a gray plastic lining. The heating system of the bus was also completely changed, allowing the use of the car in severe frosts.

The interior of the car has also changed. The floor was laid with well-impregnated plywood, the walls were sheathed with plastic. The bus received other improvements, which were mainly related to small design details.

However, all these innovations could not affect the fact that the 3205 models have become morally and technically irrelevant. The gearbox from the GAZ-53, which has not been produced since 1992, an uneconomical engine, an outdated design - all this has long been in need of replacement. Recently, Pavlovsk Bus Plant has been developing new advanced buses to replace old models. But the current road carriers and municipal authorities prefer to purchase PAZ-3205, the technical characteristics of which do not meet modern requirements, because it is much cheaper than a similar class of cars.

Conclusions of the review of the bus of the Pavlovsk plant

Moscow and other Russian megacities have long since changed their vehicle fleet to modern buses of European quality. But the rest of Russia still continues to use this bus. Model 3205 has proven itself well in all spheres of human activity: from transporting passengers to working in rescue, medical, fire and military services. The outdated technical support of the PAZ 3205 model is perfectly compensated by its low cost, which for local authorities with their constant budget deficit is a panacea for providing city and regional services with inexpensive transport. In addition, this bus is considered the main vehicle for rural residents, again due to its low cost.

The Pavlovsk Automobile Plant does not stop producing these types of buses, but is constantly improving their technical component. So, starting from 2010, the diesel engine MMZ-245 began to be installed on buses of this model, which made it possible to save fuel consumption by 10 liters.

Also, a very good solution was to increase the passenger capacity to 50 people and replace the car's stamping frame with a tubular one with the use of polymers for the outer panels.

The new bus of the Pavlovsk plant

This technology was fully implemented in the mass production of PAZ-3205 successors - on buses of the PAZ-4230 "Aurora" family. Of course, this new model is much more comfortable, more convenient and more modern than its predecessor, however, its cost is two times higher than that of the 3205 model. Thanks to this feature, we can confidently assert that the "people's" PAZ-3205 bus and its modifications will have to work on our roads for a long time.

The PAZ-3205 bus is a basic model of a small class, produced at the Pavlovsk bus plant. With its compact dimensions, this high-floor vehicle is ideal for transporting small groups of passengers over short distances. The bus, like most domestic models, does not have much comfort, but it is perfectly adapted to Russian roads and fuel, has good cross-country ability, and is simple in design. High ground clearance allows the use of equipment in off-road conditions.

History of creation

The prototype of the PAZ-3205 was the PAZ-665, created in 1966. Initially, 2 versions were developed - for urban and tourist transportation. Tourist buses were distinguished by more comfortable interior equipment. However, the initial tourist modification of the PAZ was not mass-produced. The improvement of the device of the model lasted almost 15 years, during which time 10 different versions were created.

The PAZ-3205 model in the form that we know now appeared after the choice of the Gorky Automobile Plant as the main supplier of units and assemblies. The first buses of this modification were produced in 1981. After carrying out measures to improve the design in 1986, the production of small volumes of the PAZ-3205 model began. Serial production of equipment began in 1989. In its configuration, two types of engines were used - gasoline and diesel. Doors - front automatic, rear - emergency, axle - from a GAZ car, brakes - hydropneumatic.

Modifications PAZ-3205

In 2009, after the withdrawal of the original model from production, the development of its improved modifications continued. The comprehensive modernization of PAZ-3205 consisted in replacing Ukrainian and Belarusian products with German components and assemblies, in the appearance of gray plastic trim and anti-corrosion tape at the body joints, in the development of new layouts of passenger seats and cargo compartment. The new complete set of the heating system made it possible to use cars even in severe frosts. Since 2002, all equipment has been equipped with an ABS system.

PAZ-320570-04. Equipment that has a certificate for the transport of children. Seats - separate, soft, located on the podium. There are additional handrails at the entrance and in the salon. Additional heating devices are provided.

Specifications PAZ-3205

The length of the bus is 7 m, width - 2.5 m, height - 2.9 m, weight - 4.83 tons. Other technical parameters:

• the highest speed in a lightly loaded state is 90 km / h, in a fully loaded state - 60 km / h;
• fuel consumption per 100 km - 32 liters;
• cabin capacity - 41-42 people;
• number of seats - 23-25;
• service place - 1;
• brake system - double-circuit pneumatic;
• Gearbox - 4- or 5-speed.

Advantages of PAZ-3205 and its modifications

The lack of comfort of these buses is compensated by a number of advantages, thanks to which the brainchild of the Pavlovsk Bus Plant has been widely used on the roads of Russia for several decades:

• A wide range of models allows you to choose the modification that best suits the planned purpose, load, routes, climate characteristics.
• Possibility to order an individual complete set of a car designed for emergency assistance, laboratory services, and servicing various groups of the population.
• Simplicity and ease of construction, the ability to use in difficult road conditions.
• The ability to carry out repairs by the driver. While modern imported buses, equipped with electronic units and other technically advanced devices, can be repaired only under the conditions of specialized services.
• High reliability, thanks to which this machine is effectively operated on city, settlement, rural roads, for servicing industrial and agricultural enterprises.