If you’ve ever travelled in the UK any time in the past 20 years you will have noticed dozens, if not hundreds of vans with LDV badges. Purpose built by Leyland and DAF, the vans had a reputation as honest, though not particularly interesting vehicles.
LDV got into serious financial strife in the early years of the 21st century and in 2005 the rights to build LDVs were sold to Chinese giant SAIC.
Now LDV vans are being imported to Australia from a Chinese factory. The vans we are getting here are based on the 2005 European design, but have had quite a few updates.
In these early days in Australia the LDV is offered in a relatively limited number of models.
The load area on every model imported to Australia is reached through sliding doors on both sides and full-height barn doors.
Power for the LDV vans comes from a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine designed by the Italian VM Motori company and built in China. It produces up to 100kW of power and 330Nm of torque.
During the drive program organised by WMC, the Australian importer of LDVs, we found the engine to be strong and willing in its actions.
Build quality is generally good, though the interior isn’t to the same standard as commercials built in other countries.
Prices start at $32,990, not including government or dealer delivery charges.
— Ewan Kennedy
