ON TEST: MAXUS DELIVER 9
To say the Deliver 9 is a huge improvement on the old LDV vans is a massive understatement says Andrew Walker; this is a van to be respected
All change at Maxus as the Deliver 9 sets a new standard
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longside its all-new Deliver 3 electric van, Maxus has also launched a new large van in the shape of the Deliver 9. It replaces the LDV V80 and comes equipped with a new 2.0-litre diesel engine with 163hp and DPF regen capability, a first in the sector. Chinese owners SAIC changed the name of its European van brand from LDV to Maxus in 2020, and the Deliver 9 is the new take on the large van concept. Available in two specs, Standard and Luxury, it’s offered with three body lengths, three heights and three wheelbases, as well as a crew cab, chassis cab and minibus. Load ranges from eight cubic metres to 13 cubic metres, with load lengths from 2,650mm to 3,413mm and with a loadspace height from 1,724mm to 2,114mm. Overall width is 1,800mm. The Deliver 9 measure’s 1,366mm between the wheel arches. The three body lengths are Short, 5,180mm; Medium, 5,546mm; and Long; 5,940mm. The three roof heights are Medium, 2,365mm; High, 2,353mm; Extra-High, 2,735mm. Finally, you have three wheelbases to choose from: 3,000mm, 3,366mm and 3,760mm. All versions are 2,466mm wide, including mirrors. There are a couple of longer chassis cab options for conversions and rear-wheel drive 34 | June 2021 | Company Car and Van
(RWD) is offered on the longest versions. A side loading door is fitted as standard. This measures 1,075mm in width on the Short van, 1,269mm on the Medium and Long versions. The rear door opening is 1,570mm wide and these open to 236 degrees. The rear features an easy to clean cargo space, eight tie-down points and two lights. Options include LED lighting and an electric side step. Deliver 9 also features standard safety technology such as lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, hill start assist and driver and passenger airbags. UK models offer a 3,500kg gross vehicle weight (GVW), with payloads of 1,360kg for the FWD Short model up to 1,110kg for the largest RWD version.
Braked towing capacity is 2,500kg for the smallest versions, 2,800kg for the rest of the range and every model will tow 750kg un-braked. In the flesh the Deliver 9 looks a lot like a Ford Transit, with its large front grille, high bonnet and LED headlights, also stealing from the last Volkswagen Crafter. Inside, Maxus has plainly thought long and hard about the cabin and in terms of quality and finish, it’s a million miles away from the old LDV V80. There’s plenty of top notch black and chrome plastic on show and generous cabin storage, including a large glove box, deep storage space in the doors, hidden space under the bench seating, a foldable seat back with two cup holders and a built-in tablet holder. The dashboard also includes cup holder storage along with a selection of other storage options above the glove box and windscreen visor. You also get twin USB’s and mini jack port, a 12v power socket and on medium and high roof versions, overhead storage too. Standard equipment includes LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, central locking, AirCon, electric windows, a multifunction steering wheel, DAB radio with Bluetooth and an eight direction adjustable driver’s seat. Continued on page 36 www.companycarandvan.co.uk
