80 LDV V2013 Van Review: Road Test
China's largest automaker, SAIC, has just unveiled several LDV vans here. SAIC sells 4.5 million vehicles a year and is in cahoots with GM and VW, as well as the mining of well-known component manufacturers.
The LDV is handled here by WMC Motor Group, a privately owned company that already owns China's Higer buses and JAC light trucks. The LDV (Light Duty Van) is the product of a bold move by the Chinese over a decade ago when they acquired an LDV plant in Europe and moved it to a location near Shanghai.
They modernized both the line and the vehicle, bringing them into the 21st century. Up to 75% of LDV van components are sourced worldwide.
Value and range
Prices for the first three models are $32,990, $37,990 and $39,990 in ascending order. There is only one specification with generous equipment levels, which includes air conditioning with multiple vents, 16-inch alloy wheels, ABS, dual front airbags, reversing sensors, cruise control, remote keyless entry, power windows and mirrors.
The vans are well tuned to operate with a low center of gravity, low ground clearance, passenger car comfort levels, large cargo space, good axle load distribution and crash benefits. The cabin has a lot of storage space and three places.
It will be aimed at trade enterprises, rental fleets and cargo organizations. WMC hopes to win sales of vehicles such as Hyundai iLoad, Iveco, Benz Sprinter, VW Transporter, Fiat Ducato and Renault.
By comparing apples to apples (i.e. cars with similar performance), LDV delivers a value proposition despite its higher-than-expected presentation. It's a couple thousand less than its most likely competitor, the well-received iLoad, and it's the cheapest van on the market today.
Technologies
The new front-wheel drive vans, dubbed the V80, are powered by a four-cylinder 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine from VM Motori, built under license in China. The initial batch of vehicles is a five-speed manual with a six-speed automatic manual transmission (semi-automatic) due later this year, along with tailgate, rear cab/chassis with sump, occupant engine and other options.
Three options are initially available; short wheelbase low roof, long wheelbase medium roof and long wheelbase high roof. They have a load capacity of 9 to 12 cubic meters or two pallets and a payload of 1.3 to 1.8 tons.
safety
There was no crash test rating, but four stars seem achievable with stability control and a couple more airbags.
Driving
The ride is pretty good too - much better than expected, especially in terms of ride and performance. Gas-charged shock absorbers provide a smooth ride even on rough roads, and the engine has enough power while driving. This is good for a power of 100 kW/330 Nm.
The manual shift mechanism is similar to other offerings in the segment, and the interior can also be from any of LDV's competitors - not shiny, but utilitarian and hardwearing. They need to move the tools to the left side of the dashboard, not in the middle.
WMC is also offering the V80 as a wheelchair accessible vehicle, ready to ship to dealers. This type of vehicle is currently being completed by third parties at a high cost and with long delays.
Verdict
This is an enticing workhorse from LDV that benefits from strong European influence and competitive pricing.
