Reviews - LDV

Overall Rating

One step down from the Convoy this no frills small panel van has been to be the work horse your business needs. Compact and adaptable to be modified. It's not pretty but it does the job while keeping an eye on you finances and giving you value for money running costs.

• Economical
• 5.7 cubic metres capacity
• Solid body

• Outdated looks
• No frills interior
• One size engine

The Pilot has undergone some changes since its 1996 launch with its new front grille and headlamps, front bumpers and indicator lights the Pilot is distinctly different from its predecessor and is still going strong as a value for money workhorse. Compact dimensions lend this van well to urban use especially delivery vehicles with lots of stops. The rear wheel drive gives good handling and manoeuvrability. The focus of the Pilot is the capacity to carry as much as 1382 kg thanks to a hungry 5.7 cubic metres capacity. Steering is light and has a kerb to kerb turning circle of 11 meters. The exterior is a strong build that feels solid. Inside the interior is a bit dated but this van has been designed and built to be the work horse it is and work had been focused on the exterior rather than a fancy interior. Steel panels are zinc coated to help prevent corrosion. Pilot panel van comes as a 2 door 1.9D pick-up and a 5 door City Van with a 1.9D engine at 2200kg, 2400kg and 2600kg. It should give you 34mpg, making an economical option. There are also chassis cab versions designed to undergo specialist modifications in the quest to become a fridge van or minibus so don't be surprised what this Pilot turns up as. The engine is relatively reliable and trouble free but can suffer at the hands of a heavy load and is not as agile as some of its competitors in the small panel van arena. This van is seriously under the budget of its competitors and is a strong solid workhorse with good load space for its size and market, so if you can put up with an outdated design this is worth a look as a serious contender.

A cheap option if you are looking for space and want to save money. This small panel van has the capacity of some its larger competitors and although not the most stylish it's economical and maneuvers well.