LDV G10 Entry-Level Van Launched In Australia - From $25,990 Drive-Away

China’s LDV has given business owners something to think about, with the launch of a new model at the ‘very’ affordable end of the market.

The new model follows the G10 van that was announced in June with a $29,990 drive-away price tag (for ABN holders), offering a relatively healthy 165kW and 330Nm from its turbocharged 2.0 litre petrol engine, matched with a ZF six-speed automatic.

Now, customers can choose to shift their own gears via a five-speed manual in the G10 and do away with the turbocharged engine, but the trade-off sees the price fall to just $25,990 drive-away for ABN holders.

Instead, the G10 manual gets a naturally-aspirated version of Mitsubishi’s 2.4 litre four-cylinder petrol engine which is popular among Chinese carmakers, making 105kW and 210Nm.

The G10 can still haul around a tonne, and is a league away for cargo space from its nearest competitors price-wise in the Citroen Berlingo, Fiat’s Doblo, the Renault Kangoo and Volkswagen’s Caddy.

The new Chinese van is also a league away from its similarly-sized rivals on price, with a gap approaching the $8,000-mark when compared to the likes of the Hyundai iLoad and Toyota’s HiAce.

All-important cargo space measures 5200 litres, while the payload is rated at 1093kg. Access to the cargo area is via dual sliding side doors and a lift-up rear tailgate.

Drive goes to the rear wheels but the manual version swaps the automatic’s coil-sprung rear end for leaf springs. Said wheels are 16-inch alloys with a full-size spare.

Fuel consumption for the automatic is rated at 11.7 l/100km, while the new manual model trims consumption to 11.5 l/100km. The fuel tank holds 75 litres.

LDV’s other van offering in Australia, the V80, was awarded only 2-stars for safety by ANCAP when it was assessed, but LDV lifted that rating to 3-stars in September. The G10 is yet to be assessed.

The 2015 LDV G10 Manual is available now, backed by a three-year, 100,000km warranty. A diesel-powered version of the G10 is expected to follow but timing is yet to be confirmed.

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