LDV V80: Maxus is back – updated and incredible value

What is it?

This is the LDV V80. Remember the LDV Maxus? Yes, it was the replacement for the long-running Sherpa that was launched back in 2006 and ceased production prematurely when the company folded back in 2009. Well now it’s back, thanks to the Chinese!

How? Well SAIC, who also own the remains of MG, bought the rights to the LDV name and the Maxus van – shipped them back to China where this van is now assembled and is now offering this revised  van to UK customers via 20 UK dealers.

Offered in three versions, we’ve got the £15,500 medium roof model, to see how it compares to the newer opposition.

 What’s hot

• Like the Maxus that came before it, power for the V80 comes from the same 2.5-litre VM Motori engine, which boasts 135bhp and 300Nm of torque, plus 30mpg and 250g/km CO2 emissions figures. It is mated with a six-speed manual transmission.

Ply-lined load bay

• The V80’s load area can swallow two standard pallets thanks to the 1380 mm width between the rear arches in the load area. The load area itself, includes nine tie-down points, load area lighting and an easy-clean non-slip cargo mat – though our test van was also fitted with practical ply lining. Twin rear doors and a single-loading door on the nearside are how you access the load area.
• Apart from the new front air dam, headlights and grille, the V80 looks unchanged from the LDV original launched back in 2006. The good news is, that the design has aged well and still looks reasonably modern.
• All-round visibility is pretty good and the standard rear parking sensors really help when reversing.
• Considering the low asking price, the V80’s standard spec list is impressive. It includes remote central locking, Bluetooth, cruise control, dual airbags, air-conditioning, electric/heated mirrors, rear parking sensors and an MP3 player.
• Despite the affordable pricing, all LDV vans benefit from a five-year or 125,000-mile warranty, plus five years’ roadside assistance.

What’s not

Restricted driving position

•  That 2.5-litre diesel engine gets the V80 down the road well enough, but boy do you know about it! Refinement isn’t an LDV highlight!
• The V80 isn’t that much fun to drive either, with a jiggly unloaded ride, lifeless steering and a clunky gearchange.
• The driving position isn’t very comfortable for tall drivers – I’d have liked the seat to go back further.
• Our V80 had the standard fit radio/MP3 player, admittedly we didn’t get the chance to try the MP3 player, but the radio was disappointing, with no DAB access – it also struggled to hold FM stations.
• The interior of the V80 is where this van shows up its bargain price. All the plastics feel cheap, shiny and scratchy. Our test van had covered just over 6,000 miles of use, but the steering wheel and gear knob already felt smoothed with use and the vinyl seats looked and felt saggy. The switchgear all feels low rent too.

The Verdict

 The V80 is an old van made new with the help of the SAIC. However, despite the Chinese updates, this LDV’s age shows on the road and inside – especially when comparing it to more modern rivals.

However, if you look at the V80 bargain price when compared to these modern rivals, the LDV makes much more sense and makes it harder to dismiss.

Lowdown on the LDV V80 2.5 Medium Roof: 

LDV V80 rear profile