Reviews - LDV

Overall Rating

LDV Convoy range is available as Minibus's, Box vans, City vans and Hi-loaders. If its space you want the LDV is a serious contender. It might not be the most inspiring van but it's a good steady ride that holds the road well, not the best looker but capable.

• Large space
• Economical
• Easy to load

• Outdated looks
• Noisy
• Basic interior needs

Climbing into the LDV Convoy is like stepping back in time. LDV might have made changes to bring this van into the 21st century but it still looks outdated and is lacking in today's image conscious society where the van buyer is looking not only for that perfect work horse but a van they will be proud to be seen in. So let's start with the engines and what your options are. Minibuses come with a 2.4 diesel engine with a choice of either 75bhp or 90bhp, a choice of either 13 seat with 3100kg or 17 seats with 3500kg. Slow, sluggish these minibuses chug along often seen on school trips. The Box Van is available in a 2.4 diesel engine with 90bhp and 3500kg with a choice of either LWB or XLWB dependant on how much space you need, as well as the 2.5 diesel ET 3500kg XLWB. Then we get the City Van in 2.4 diesel with either 75bhp or 90 bhp both available in 2800kg or 3100kg plus a 2.5 diesel EN and ET at 2800kg or FN 3100kg. The quartet is completed by the Hi-Loader in a 2.4 diesel engine with 75bhp or 90bhp, both available in 3100kg or 3500kg. The driving is better than expected once I got used to the shaking, it reached 70 mph but 60 mph seemed to fit the engine better although the 2.4 litre version gave a bit more power. Brakes are good, but don't bank on ABS unless you go for the 3.85 and 4.1 tonne models. It does hold the road and drives well. Inside is basic there is a 5 speed gear stick at floor level and the only storage available is in the driver?s door pocket. A radio/cassette player is the only modern touch. The driver's seat is adjustable and visibility is good and safety mirrors have been added which is essential with a van of this size, I couldn't reach the cup holder though. On a positive front if you are looking for space this van is the one for you. The huge square shaped box offers a full 11.4 cubic metres of usable space with a roof high, as well as storage space directly above the front cabin area. The rear doors cover the whole back area and feel massive when swinging open to 180 degrees. The sliding side door is huge and can take a pallet from a forklift truck.

Great space and easy to load, economical and a good workhorse. Not a looker on the outside and lacks comforts in.