The Australian-market distributor for fast-growing Chinese brand LDV has announced an additional variant of the G10 work van, called G10+.
The new version of the budget load-carrier gets a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine making 118kW of power and 375Nm of torque, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission supplied by ZF, with paddles.
It costs $1500 more than the existing G10 diesel with its 1.9-litre engine (making 106kW and 350Nm) and six-speed automatic transmission, which remains on sale. The G10 1.9-litre diesel also comes with a six-speed manual gearbox option.
The new 2.0 is the same engine used in the LDV T60 Trailrider pickup. As well as more power and torque, it cuts the combined-cycle fuel consumption (ADR) claim from 8.6 litres per 100km to 8.2L/100km.
The G10+ can additionally be ordered with the familiar 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine making making 160kW and 330Nm. While the base G10 with this engine uses a six-speed auto, the G10+ petrol version gets the newer eight-speed auto.
Other gains for the LDV G10+ over the normal G10 include a new rotary dial gear shifter, some new cabin materials, and claimed reductions to noise, vibration and harshness.
The feature list is otherwise unchanged. Both the LDV G10 and G10+ come with coil rear springs, full-size spare wheels, disc brakes at both ends, cruise control (auto only), a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, dual sliding side doors, a rear camera, and just the two airbags.
None of the active safety systems (such as autonomous emergency braking) available in a number of more expensive rivals such as the Toyota HiAce, Ford Transit Custom, or Volkswagen Transporter feature.
The G10+ has 5.2 cubic-metres of cargo space, a 1093kg payload, and the option of a lift door or twin-opening barn doors for an extra cost of $600.
“For just $1500 more than the standard G10, the new G10+ demonstrates our unrivalled understanding of the courier business,” claims LDV Automotive General Manager, Dinesh Chinnappa.
“A more powerful and efficient diesel engine combined with a modern 8sp ZF transmission makes a tough day of pick-ups and drop-off that bit easier.
“The new G10+ is quieter, more refined and better value than ever. If your office must be mobile, the G10+ is more than capable.”
Sales of the G10 work van are up more than 160 per cent this year, to 1517 units. It sits fourth-in-segment behind the HiAce (4956), Hyundai iLoad (2206), and Transit Custom (1878). It has 10.6 per cent market share.
LDV is a brand with big aspirations for further growth in Australia, with a revised T60 ute on the radar for this year too. Read our interview with Mr Chinnappa here for more details.
LDV G10 pricing (drive-away ABN price listed)
Diesel:
- G10 manual: $30,990
- G10 auto: $32,990
- G10+ auto: $34,490
Petrol:
- G10 auto: $31,490
- G10+ auto: $32,990
