New crossover MAZ-5440 2021
The Minsk Automobile Plant, whose history began in 1944, is known both in Russia and in many countries of the world as a manufacturer of trucks - tractors, medium-duty models and others. However, the brand has been in a very poor financial position in recent years. Minsk Automobile Plant is an enterprise that suffers the biggest losses of all manufacturers operating today in Belarus.
The management of MAZ still cannot find a way out of the crisis. Despite the relative growth in truck sales in the CIS countries, the Belarusian company continues to lose customers. Even the expansion of the model range due to specialized buses and equipment does not help the automobile plant.
One of the ways out of this situation may be the reorientation of activities. More precisely, entering the passenger car segment will help to cope with financial difficulties. This decision may seem ambiguous. But, for example, KamAZ previously produced the small-sized Oka model, and recently participated in the development of the Kama-1 two-seater electric vehicle. That is, even in the history of the countries of the post-Soviet space there are examples of how truck and tractor manufacturers were engaged in the production of cars.
Also, MAZ, in order to cope with financial problems, should think about launching the assembly of its own crossover. His renderings have already appeared online. An independent designer showed how the first crossover MAZ-5440 2021-2022 in the history of the Belarusian Automobile Plant might look like. The car shown in the published images turned out to be modern. Outwardly, it is quite similar to some Lexus SUVs.
On the other hand, even if MAZ still decides to launch the production of such a crossover, the company needs to find a suitable platform and engines. In this case, the option of cooperation with JAC or Geely is possible. The first option is more likely, since MAZ cooperates with this company and produces minibuses with it. At the same time, the new Belarusian crossover can get a 1,5-liter turbocharged engine.
Design
It cannot be said that the new 5551-2021 MAZ-2022 crossover is made in the same style. The Belarusian model has a lot in common with the products of Toyota and other brands. On the other hand, many modern crossovers are similar to each other.
The body of the presented novelty has a coupe-like shape due to heavily littered A-pillars and a smoothly descending roofline, turning into a bulky stern. The front part of the MAZ crossover is strongly elongated, which, in combination with a curved hood, gives the car a more sporty look.
Despite the pronounced similarity with Japanese models, the presented novelty is distinguished by a number of unique details. First of all, this concerns the cutout located under the edge of the hood. Beneath it lies a compact grille, which rests on an elongated head optics with LED strips. The headlights are triangular in shape due to gently tapering edges.
The second notable detail is that the front of the presented crossover has a bulge that forms a kind of “nose” of the car. Here the developer placed a rectangular air intake with a wide plastic rim and large horizontal lamellae. It is mounted on a huge front bumper, which bends several times at an acute angle, which also emphasizes the sporty look of the Belarusian model. Below are 2 cutouts designed for ventilation holes. The front of the body ends with a metal strip along the edge of the front bumper.
The third interesting detail is the wide wheel arches, which are protected by an additional plastic body kit. Window lines covered with a metal plate are connected to each other at an acute angle.
The most pronounced similarity with Japanese crossovers can be seen in the rear. The Belarusian model is equipped with a developed wing with an additional brake light hanging over the extensive glazing. On the sides there are plastic linings that protect the window from stones. Following the example of some Lexus models, in the novelty presented, the trunk lid under the glass protrudes slightly backwards, thus forming a kind of spoiler.
The rear optics of the MAZ-5440 2021-2022 crossover is made in the form of a triangle with diverging "spokes" included in the side of the body. Inside the stern lights are 2 wide strips of LED lights. Behind the developers also placed a massive bumper. But on it, in addition to additional brake lights, a diffuser with a metal coating is provided, on the sides of which there are 2 large exhaust pipes.
Technical specifications
The Belarusian company is engaged in the production of truck tractors and other large-sized equipment. Therefore, the JAC platform and engines will most likely be borrowed for the new 5551-2021 MAZ-2022 crossover. This means that the presented model will receive a 1,5-liter turbocharged engine. Its current power does not exceed 150 hp, and the maximum torque reaches 251 N * m. This unit is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is also possible that less productive engines will appear on the Belarusian model.
Despite the fact that MAZ specializes in the production of vehicles with all-wheel drive, the new crossover will not receive such a transmission. This is partly due to the limitations of the JAC platform. Also, the lack of all-wheel drive will keep the price of the crossover at an acceptable level.
Time to market
The new crossover will help MAZ improve its financial position. But the Minsk Automobile Plant will not be engaged in the production of cars. Therefore, the crossover embodied in the renders presented will never enter the market.
