LDV Deliver 7 arrives with red-hot pricing
BY COBEY BARTELS | 1st Nov 2024
LDV continues its cut-price van offensive with the launch of the diesel-powered Deliver 7 model in Australia, which sits alongside the battery electric eDeliver 7 that arrived earlier this year.
Hot out of the gate with a starting price of $44,726 drive-away for the short wheelbase and $46,832 for the long wheelbase, the made-in-China Deliver 7 is less expensive than almost every entry-level mid-size van offering while including an automatic transmission as standard.
Rivals include popular options like the Renault Trafic Pro ($49,000 + ORC), Hyundai Staria Load ($47,990 + ORC), Ford Transit Custom ($50,390 + ORC), Toyota HiAce ($48,886 + ORC) and Volkswagen Transporter ($45,890 drive-away).
It gets even more compelling for business and ABN buyers, with LDV announcing drive-away prices of $42,490 for the SWB and $44,490 for the LWB, which puts the Deliver 7 in a uniquely positive position – particularly for fleets.
“We know SMEs and fleet operators view time as their most valuable asset,” said LDV general manager Dinesh Chinnappa at the time of launch.
“So they need a van that’s comfortable, efficient and convenient, with safety and technology features to keep them out of trouble, all underscored by a compelling value-for-money proposition.”
The Deliver 7 models are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine producing 123kW/390Nm, with fuel use quoted at 7.7L/100km.
In contrast with many of the aforementioned rivals, LDV opted to supply the Deliver 7 with a ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic transmission only – no manual option available – and drive is sent to the front wheels.
While the pricing is undeniably hot, LDV has also delivered on the productivity front with dimensions and payload that also put it near the top of its class.
The SWB scores a payload of 1295kg and cargo volume of 6.3 cubic metres, while the LWB model payload rises to 1230kg and cargo volume comes in at 7.2 cubic metres. Both models get a single side sliding door on the passenger side, which is down on the two side doors some models score, but the rear 180-degree barn door allows pallets to be loaded by forklift.
Challenging the notion that vans have to a bare-bones affair inside, the Deliver 7 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring wireless smartphone connectivity, as well as keyless entry and start.
The Deliver 7 is yet to be ANCAP tested, but its eDeliver 7 stablemate gained a gold rating in the program’s Commercial Van Safety Report, and it features a full suite of ADAS technology with the usual autonomous braking, adaptive cruise and collision warnings.
LDV covers the Deliver 7 range with a seven-year/200,000-kilometre warranty. Service intervals are every 20,000km/12 months, and five-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance is also included.
