Chinese brand Maxus is aiming to shake up the commercial vehicle market with this large-segment Deliver 9 model. Jonathan Crouch checks out what's on offer.

Ten Second Review

No, of course the Maxus Deliver 9 doesn't have quite the sophistication of the volume players in the large van segment. It wouldn't do because it costs a lot less than its competitors. Yet it will probably serve the needs of your business just as well. In short, if you need profit more than polish, this contender could be worth a try.

Background

You probably haven't heard of Maxus. It's a modern name for LDV, a once-British van brand which was bought by Chinese manufacturing giant SAIC in 2009. To begin with, SAIC kept the LDV name and dusted off the old Maxus model that LDV was selling before it went into receivership. Now though, at last, the Chinese conglomerate has come up with a completely new van design, so think the time is right for a change of brand name - to Maxus. This Deliver 9, the Maxus marque's first design, isn't quite as spectacularly affordable as the old LDV V80 model it replaced but it's a far more modern product, like the V80 aimed at the large van segment. It comes in full-electric eDeliver 9 form, or in the diesel-powered Deliver 9 guise we focus on here.

Driving Experience

Power for the Deliver 9 comes from a 2.0-litre turbo diesel unit that's only available in 163PS form matched with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It's usually offered in front-wheel drive, but the biggest body shapes get a rear wheel drive option too. Electric power steering features across the range. From start-off, the noise of the engine betrays its age, but once you get going, refinement is reasonably acceptable and there's quite enough torque (375Nm) to pull the heavy loads that likely buyers will need to shift, reducing the need for frantic gear swapping when a steep incline is encountered. The top speed is 100mph and there's a 2,500kg braked towing capacity. So yes, the performance on offer is likely to be quite sufficient for your needs. If you'd prefer the full-electric eDeliver 9 model, there's a choice of three battery sizes - 51.5kWh (with 112 miles of combined EV range), 72kWh (146 miles) and 88.55kWh (185 miles). Either way, you get a punchy 201hp motor which gives you an instant burst of speed. Three driving modes are provided, 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Power' - and even 'Eco' feels relatively eager. Like almost all vans, particularly large ones, the cornering demeanour of the Deliver 9 in all its forms improves quite a bit when there's a bit of a load in the back. When you're running empty, it's rather prone to being unsettled over bumps. And whatever your Deliver 9's load configuration, you'll certainly feel the larger potholes and tarmac tears you'll come across in typical urban motoring. When the time comes to slow down, you'll be thankful for the reassuring feel of the standard all-round disc brakes. Brake assist complements the usual ABS system for emergency stops and ESP stability control is standard too.

Design and Build

There's nothing much wrong with the way this Maxus model looks - you wouldn't immediately pigeonhole it as a dated design. There's a prominent front grille (chrome-finished on the top variant), flanked by halogen or full-LED headlamps, plus LED daytime running lights also feature. Inside, with top 'Luxury'-spec, you get a touchscreen-enabled infotainment system with 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. You won't be expecting tactile plastics around the cabin - and you don't get them, but it feels modern enough behind the wheel and the driver's seat is actually quite comfortable, with plenty of adjustment. Everything seems built to last - this feels like a cabin that could withstand the rigours of a hard working life. A practical load area is fundamental in any LCV and the Deliver 9 meets the class standard in this regard. It features a heavy-duty bulkhead and rear doors that open to 260-degrees for easy loading. And extra features include a low rear step, lashing rings, grab handles and an LED illuminated load compartment.

Market and Model

The Deliver 9 panel van with diesel power comes with three body lengths and three body heights. The biggest options in each case ('Long' and 'Extra High) can be had with either front or rear wheel drive. Otherwise, you'll be looking at a front wheel drive model. Prices start from around £34,000 ex VAT - that's for a 'Long' 'High roof' variant. That could save you a really substantial amount over equivalently-shaped versions of some other large vans. Makes you think doesn't it? Beyond the standard panel van body style, Maxus offers a number of variants in the Deliver 9 range, including crew cab, chassis and minibus models, while a network of specialist converters can also create a bespoke van to cater for most driver and business needs. All models include cruise control, air conditioning, rear parking sensors and autonomous emergency braking. The plusher 'Luxury' trim level - recognisable by a unique chrome- finished hexagonal signature grille, adds niceties like 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, front parking sensors, an adjustable over-speed alarm, keyless entry and some extra safety features like a Blind Area Monitoring system and a Lane Change Assist set-up. Inside at 'Luxury' level, there's a 10-inch centre-dash touchscreen with 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring and a reversing camera.

Practicalities and Costs

In the diesel eDeliver 9 range, there's just one body length (Long) and comes with either a High Roof (with 11.55m3 of capacity in front wheel drive or 10.97 in rear wheel drive); or an Extra-High roof (with 12.91m3 of capacity in front wheel drive or 12.33 in rear wheel drive). Payload capacities vary between 1,140kg and 1,240kg. The rear door entry width is 1,570mm. The Maxus eDeliver 9 is offered in three body lengths: 'MH' medium (5546mm long) and 'LH' long (5,940mm long). The cargo volume is 9.7m3 for the 'MH' models - and 11.0m3 for the 'LH' version. The payload is 1,200kgs for the MK 51.5kWh version, 1,040kg for the MH 72kWh variant and 1,160kg for the LH 51.5kWh derivative. The width of the sliding side door is 1,269mm. And there's 1366mm between the wheel arches, so a Euro pallet will easily fit. The cargo area features a heavy-duty bulkhead and rear doors that open to 260-degrees for easy loading. There's bright LED lighting in the load bay, 8 tie-down points and a non-slip protective floor covering. We gave you the EV mileage range figures in our 'Driving' section. For the 51.5kWh versions, it's 112 miles combined (and 147 miles in the city). For the 72kWh, it's 146 miles combined (and 179 miles in the city). For the 88.55kWh variants, it's 185 miles (and 219 miles in the city). All Maxus vehicles come with a five years warranty or 125,000 miles of cover and include five years roadside assistance cover as standard. The battery gets its own 8 year, 100,000 mile warranty.

Summary

Maxus reckons that new vehicles don't have to be as expensive as they are. Dacia has proved that in the car market. Now this Chinese brand is doing the same when it comes to commercial vehicles. You do at least have a choice. The LDV brand the Maxus marque was sired from provided that choice by re-branding an ageing product. But the Deliver 9, if not quite as sophisticated as some of its volume brand segment rivals, does feel every inch a modern large LCV. And it can offer running costs that are at least now in the same ballpark as competitors. Which wasn't the case with the old LDV V80. Yes this Deliver 9 is only a starting point for the Maxus brand in our market, but it's still probably a large van that many more small to medium-sized operators really ought to be considering. After all, when it comes to price, size matters.