LDV G10

Is the LDV G10 a go to work van?

Nearing tax time and the end of the financial year, business owners start to look at the prospect of a new van. The question is, should they be shopping in the medium or large segment?

The much-anticipated fourth model in the LDV G10 range is arguably the most important. But has the diesel auto version been worth the wait?

Chinese-built van now offered with a self-shifting transmission.

The ageing LDV G10 – Australia's third best-selling van – is due to be replaced before the end of this year with an all-new model with the option of electric power.

Five-star safety scores for some of Australia’s most popular new cars expire today, but the vehicles are not banned from sale.

Here’s a list of vehicles axed in Australia over the past 12 months – or are on their way out the showroom door.

The new Toyota GR Corolla two-seater is one of a long list of cars with more doors than seats, spanning everything from luxury SUVs to work utes.

Chinese van is an impressive and underrated workhorse.

Im a tradie and my previous work cars have been 4x4 twin cab utes -this time round i was doing a lot more hiway driving so ride comfort and low NVH were high on my priority list. Enter the LDV G10 people mover having researched what others have done i brought the 9 seat model then removed the rear bench and one of the rear solo chairs leaving it as a five seat van and about the same floor space as my utes had previously only this time its enclosed and has a low load height and the center walkway is perfect for longer items and weekend toys like mountain bikes or Malibu surfboards. Cabin comfort is good featuring soft seats with armrests, big air con vents right through (dual zone) and so much space, its a fair reach to the passenger seat or even the dash radio and air con controls for that matter, the touch screen media unit has the basics and is easy to use although its on my list of things to upgrade one day. A big miss is the lack of power outlets -just one up front. Running gear wise the (VW) 2.0 turbo petrol is plenty grunty enough although the tune is a little unrefined, i get as low as 8.8l/100k on a bruce hiway drive (hilly, generally crap surface and constant roadworks) and up to 11.9 lt around town, it requires 93ron + fuel and i run the 94 ethanol fuel usually ( just ticked over 70 000k) it also has to tow a 5mt fiberglass boat occasionally which it does surprisingly well. The gearbox is a ZF 6 sp unit and goes about its business without any fuss only hampered by the crude tune on the engine, there is a part solution - by installing a throttle controller that effectively gets rid of the excessive rolling acceleration lag (i use I-drive U3 setting)I also fitted a K&N washable filter. Cruise control is great, its economy program eases it up to speed then keeps it very close to the set speed -i would say as accurate as korean cruise setups. Having owned and driven a variety of vans this G10 by far is the most comfortable and actually is fun to drive through the hills too- well about as much fun as a 2t brick could be- Lotus did the suspension and chassis calibration and it shows, visibility is excellent helped by the reverse camera and parking sensors. The 16" wheels look a bit small to me and the digital speedo reads ~7kph slow, luckily its a standard 6 stud pattern and wheel swaps are not uncommon. Outside its a large car and will fill a standard car space so it also is a magnet for people's doors and shopping trollys hitting it, also mine is Black (polished regularly) and while it is a better than the white paint quality i have seen its not up to the standard of fellow SIAC brand MG motors. The LED DRL's look great as do the LED rear lights. Servicing has been pretty straight forward with just a bluetooth update and some new seat rails through a recall, price wise is good for a large car at the dealership ~$400-$500 every 10 000klm. Some things i wish it had - Electric handbrake ( it has push button start), sat nav or Android auto (has apple), more storage up front, way more power outlets.

Value for money, this car is a likely winner. We bought the 9 seat version which comes with leather seats. The configuration of those 9 seats has had our kids occupied. Four of the rear 7 seats are 'captains chairs' and they love them. The rear row is your standard three seat but has the advantage of being a fold up seat to increase luggage area. The drivers and front passenger seats are extremely comfortable. Both front seats are high which gives a great view of the road ahead. I can't fault the drive of this vehicle. Took it through the Dandenong Ranges and shifted into 'manual' and it cruised along better than the Camry that I've upgraded from. It gets to 100 km/h easily and feels like that there is plenty left in the tank. Critics said that the engine is noisy but mine isn't. I've been getting about 10 litres per 100 km's on middle/outer suburb roads which is better than the Kia Carnival. All the techno features work well and it's a better vehicle than I hoped it to be. There is heaps of space inside. I was looking at a second hand Kia but my preference was for a new vehicle. Kia Carnival starts at $46k and is out of financial league. For $33k I'd highly recommend it.