As we suggested in our preview article, one of the biggest stories from the CV Show in Birmingham was the return of LDV. The British brand is now owned by SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) and unveiled the new G10 mid-size panel van alongside the V80 large panel van.
Engine and driveline
Only a 2-litre petrol engine will be offered initially and this achieves just 105bhp, although LDV has confirmed that a 2-litre diesel will also be available. The petrol engine’s sole transmission option is a six-speed automatic, developed by ZF, but eventually a six-speed manual will be offered. Fuel economy has yet to be confirmed.
Load area and practicality
In terms of size, this is a mid-size van and is pitched against the likes of the Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Vivaro and Citroen Dispatch. There is only one load derivative available, which measures 2365mm long, 1235mm wide and 1270mm high and gives a total load volume of 5.2 cubic metres.
In terms of weights, the gross vehicle weight is rated at 2,850k, giving a payload of 1,093kg which is around average for the sector.
Pricing and availability
So far, the Harris Group, which is the Irish company representing the brand in the UK, has only appointed eight UK dealerships, though this is expected to grow to 16 by the end of the 2016. Prices have yet to be announced, but they will be priced extremely competitively at around £12,500 plus VAT.
