The PAZ-3206 is the four-wheel-drive member of the PAZ-3205 family: a small bus for dirt roads, built 145 mm higher than the standard model, with a disengageable front axle and a low range. The first prototype was finished in 1982, but series assembly began only in 1995.
PAZ-3206 at a glance
| Maker | Pavlovo Bus Factory (PAZ) |
|---|---|
| Production | 1995–present (prototype 1982) |
| Based on | PAZ-32053 |
| Drive | 4×4, disengageable front axle, low range |
| Engine | ZMZ-5234 V8, 4.25 l, 120 hp |
| Optional engine | D-245.7 diesel, 122 hp, five-speed gearbox |
| Gearbox | four-speed GAZ-3307 |
| Body height | 145 mm higher than the PAZ-3205 |
| Fuel tank | 150 l |
| Brakes | two-circuit pneumohydraulic |
| Built | at least 3,275 |
| 2022 versions | PAZ-320601 with 24 seats, PAZ-320671 school bus with 22 |
The English Wikipedia article on the PAZ-3205 covers the whole family; the details of the PAZ-3206 come from its own Russian article.
History of the PAZ-3206
From prototype to series
The PAZ-3206 replaced the PAZ-3201 and was designed as the all-wheel-drive version of the PAZ-32053. The prototype was completed in 1982 and acceptance trials ended in December 1986, but the factory had no free capacity, so production buses were assembled only from 1995. At least 3,275 were built, and in 2022 the plant restarted production after a break with two versions: the standard PAZ-320601 with 24 passenger seats and the school PAZ-320671 for 22 passengers.
What makes it different
The front drive axle lifted the body 145 mm above the PAZ-3205. Both axles have limited-slip differentials, the transfer case is the same as on the GAZ-3308 lorry, the front drive can be disengaged, and the low range can be selected only with the front drive engaged. The gearbox is a four-speed GAZ-3307 unit; the standard engine is the 4.25-litre ZMZ-5234 V8 of 120 hp, and a small number of buses received a 122 hp D-245.7 diesel with a five-speed ZIL-130 gearbox.
Chassis and equipment
The suspension is leaf-sprung and dependent, with four stabilising springs at the rear axle. The brakes are a two-circuit pneumohydraulic system, and the drum parking brake sits behind the transfer case and acts on the rear axle only. The driver has two extra levers to the right of the seat for the front axle and the low range, and the fuel tank is larger than in the PAZ-3205: 150 litres instead of 105.
Design and features
- Four-wheel drive: a disengageable front axle and a low range for bad roads.
- Raised body: 145 mm more ground clearance than the standard PAZ-3205.
- Limited-slip differentials: fitted at both axles.
- V8 engine: the 120 hp ZMZ-5234, with a 122 hp diesel as an option.
- Long range: a 150-litre fuel tank.
- Built for the countryside: designed for dirt and unsurfaced roads in any season.
PAZ-3206 versions
- PAZ-3206: the standard all-wheel-drive bus.
- PAZ-320601 (2022): standard version with 24 passenger seats.
- PAZ-320671 (2022): school bus for 22 passengers.
- Diesel version: D-245.7 engine with a five-speed gearbox.
The PAZ-3206 is based on the PAZ-3205, and the longer PAZ-4234 uses the same family. More buses are in the PAZ collection.
Sources
- ПАЗ-3206, Russian Wikipedia: history, design, versions
- PAZ-3205, English Wikipedia: family background
