LDV G10
LDV is one of the largest automotive manufacturer in China and a division of the SAIC – also known as Shanghai Automobile and Industrial Corporation. This Fortune Global 500 Company has sold as many as 6 million vehicles in 2015 and has formed many joint ventures with renowned brands of Volkswagen and General Motors. They even claimed to have acquired the commercial vehicles division of British Motor Corporation that was included in the LDV platform. Today LDV is reputed and recognised as one of the most popular commercial brands in Europe. They have had success in the sales of cargo and passenger vans and have even been chosen by the British government to be used by the Royal Bank and Royal Mail. LDV is also the proud recipient of many international awards. Coming from these makers, the LDV G10 is something to look forward to.
This Chinese manufactured automobile is no doubt cheap and definitely not the first of its kind in the commercial vehicle segment. However, this car which is priced at about $29,990, it is not entirely cheap in its looks or performance. The car does not look like any random copycat car either. On the contrary, The LDV G10 has received quite a few positive responses from critics for its impressive styling and the sharp and clean look that it offers unlike most Chinese manufactured car models that have been previously launched.
The interiors will look familiar with its design style similar to many of the brands they have jointly ventured with. For instance, the wipers and indicators look same as the General motors' parts bin while there is a twin-toned plastic look to the dash layout similar to the Kia Carnival. Overall, the dashboard of the car looks pretty clan and uncluttered featuring a 7 inch touchscreen media system with perfect finishes that give its rivals good competition. The media screen display is touch-capacitive with a clear and crisp image display quality. The steering wheel unfortunately does not offer the option of readjustment and the cruise control toggles aren't backlit either. The instrument cluster features a digital speedometer and a tyre pressure monitoring system. There is only a single bucket seat accessible to passengers. It has ample cabin storage with a big door and a large centre storage tray in between the seats. It also has a cup holder and sunglass stowage points. In terms of safety, the G10 is equipped with dual front airbags and electronic stability control as standard features. It however lacks the side airbags which can be a disappointment. A positive feature is the twin side doors that allow good access to all the space available inside the car offering six floor-mounted ties down points and four tie-down hooks mounted on the wheel arches.
Its most unique element is the turbocharged 2.0 litre petrol engine with a four-cylinder process capable of producing 165kW power and 330Nm of torque that offer big outputs of load carrying van and a petrol engine. In terms of fuel efficiency, it lags behind as the G10 is a thirsty model using up 11.7 litres per 100 kms.
