LDV targets Sprinter with all-new Deliver 9 van

LDV has announced the arrival of its all-new commercial-vehicle contender, with the Deliver 9 large van range checking in to local showrooms from $42,095 driveaway, or $39,990 driveaway for ABN holders.

The Chinese auto-maker has made no bones about its aspirations for the Deliver 9, with the heavy-duty van segment leader – the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter – squarely in its sights.

Speaking to media, Ateco Group PR consultant Oliver Peagam said the brand was bullish about the Deliver 9’s prospects in Australia, touting its value compared to other competitors.

“We know the competitive set in terms of price, specs and sales volume, and we know the Deliver 9 can beat the opposition and deliver more for Australian businesses both big and small,” he said.

“We know our specification is better, our carrying capacity is better, and our value proposition is better. And that’s why we’re taking on the market leader – to show we’re more than comparable across the key criteria.”

10 variants will be introduced to the Deliver 9 range across two wheelbases lengths, roof heights, body styles and transmission choices, distilled down into three core variants – the MWB mid-roof, LWB mid-roof and LWB high-roof, while cab-chassis and bus variants are also available.

The LWB mid-roof van and cab-chassis manual kick off the range, while the MWB mid-roof auto follows close behind at $43,148. 

The van/cab-chassis range tops out at $46,831 for the LWB high roof auto, while the three-pronged bus range (with 11 or 14-seat configurations) ranges between $55,779 and $59,990.

For reference, the Sprinter line-up ranges from $49,720 plus costs for the front-drive, manual 311CDI SWB, and reaches up to $80,075 for the V6-powered RWD LWB grade.

Two Sprinter bus variants are also available, asking $72,479-$87,926.

LDV is touting the value of the Deliver 9 based off its storage volume and payload capacity – for example, the entry-level LWB mid-roof manual features 10.97 cubic metres of cargo space and a payload of 1670kg, which when divided by its RRP, can provide greater space and capacity per dollar compared to its rivals.

Cargo volume extends to up to 12.33 cubic metres on the LWB high roof, with all LWB grades capable of carrying two Australian pallets with the cargo floor measuring 3413 x 1800mm.

All variants of the Deliver 9 are powered by the same engine – a Euro 5-compliant 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder mill producing 110kW at 3500rpm and 375Nm from 1500-2400rpm, driving the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or optional automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures have not been detailed.

All Deliver 9s come with front and rear disc brakes, MacPherson-strut front and leaf-sprung rear suspension, hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering, 16-inch steel wheels with a full-size spare, power and electric heated side mirror with turn signals, passenger’s side sliding door 180-degree rear barn doors and an integrated rear step.

Inside, features include a 10-1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth, two USB ports, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display, multifuction steering wheel, front air conditioning and power windows, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, passenger bench seat with fold-down middle seat, overhead storage compartments, and in the rear, eight recessed tie-down points, heavy-duty hard rubber flooring and LED rear cargo lighting.

Standard safety equipment extends to autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control (auto only), lane departure warning, hill hold assist, brake assist system, six airbags, reverse parking sensors and rearview camera.

An option pack is available for $1500, and includes 236-degree rear door opening, blind spot detection, lane change assist and remote keyless entry with push button start.

LDV Australia is expecting 90 per cent of Deliver 9 buyers to be made up of sole traders, small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), nationally-recognised delivery companies and corporate fleets.

As such, the Deliver 9 will be the first LDV with a comprehensive capped-price service program, with either three years of 95,000km (whichever comes first) of services to cost from $1895.

The capped-price servicing arrangement goes with a three-year/160,000km warranty.

LDV Australia general manager Dinesh Chinappa said the value proposition of the Deliver 9 would make it a tempting option for buyers.

“The all-new LDV Deliver 9 wins on three key product truths,” he said. “It carries more for less, it’s loaded with technology and safety, and it’s the segment price leader.

“We know our value proposition is better than the opposition, and that we’re more than comparable across a range of key criteria – which is why the all-new Deliver 9 delivers more for Australian businesses.”

The Deliver 9 joins LDV’s existing commercial-vehicle range, which currently consists of the T60 pick-up, G10 van and V80 minibus.

To the end of September, the Chinese brand has sold 5449 combined units, marking an 11.7 per cent improvement over the same time last year despite the overall market falling 20.5 per cent due to the economic impacts of the Covid-19 virus.

2020 LDV Deliver 9 driveaway pricing