The 2025 LDV G10+ lands in Australia with a sharper snout, a bigger 12.3‑inch touchscreen and, at long last, autonomous emergency braking. It is still the most affordable one‑tonne work van on the market, yet it no longer feels like a time capsule from 2015. This 2025 LDV G10+ review looks at real‑world strengths and foibles rather than marketing fluff, using first‑drive impressions gathered around suburban Melbourne and one hectic run up the Calder Highway.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Bargain driveway price that undercuts HiAce and Transit by five figures.
- Punchy 2.0‑litre turbo‑diesel (119 kW/375 Nm) hauls a tonne of tools without complaint.
- Cabin finally gets car‑like tech: 12.3‑inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and a calming new dash design.
Cons
- Still only two airbags and no ANCAP score yet, so safety ratings trail the class best.
- Rear‑wheel drive plus an empty cargo bay equals lively wet‑weather wheel‑spin.
- Three‑year/100,000 km warranty looks stingy beside Hyundai’s five‑year cover.
How Much Does It Cost?
Drive‑away pricing now starts at $38,937 for the six‑speed manual and $39,463 for the eight‑speed auto after a modest $1,579 lift. That is roughly $10,000 cheaper than a base Toyota HiAce ($48,886) and nearly $17,000 below a Ford Transit Custom Trend ($55,990), leaving the LDV plenty of margin for shelves and signage.
Features and Benefits
Standard kit covers LED running lights, power windows, keyless entry, and that new infotainment display with DAB+ radio. The LDV G10+ interior remains hard‑wearing rather than plush, yet the seats are wider and better bolstered than before, and there are now two USB‑C ports so both you and the apprentice can keep phones topped up. A one‑tonne payload plus dual sliding doors still make loading a breeze, and the 5,167 mm length slips into most city parking bays.
Safety
The headline upgrade is autonomous emergency braking, backed by lane‑keeping assist, stability control, rear sensors and a camera. These changes ensure the van meets the 2026 ADR mandate. Official LDV G10+ safety ratings remain “TBC” at ANCAP, but the extra tech lifts confidence and should move the scoreboard in the right direction.
Running Costs
Combined‑cycle economy is quoted at 7.9-8.2 L/100 km for diesel autos, edging ahead of the old model and matching HiAce on paper. In mixed metro driving we saw an indicated 8.6 L/100 km, aided by the eight‑speed’s tall cruising ratio. Service intervals are 12 months/10,000 km and the capped‑price plan totals about $3,600 over five years, so the LDV G10+ fuel efficiency story is respectable if not stellar.
Comparison To Its Competitors
- Toyota HiAce: Strong resale and a five‑star ANCAP score, but at least $10,000 dearer and only a six‑speed auto.
- Ford Transit Custom: New PHEV from $67,590 before on‑roads brings EV‑only running, yet even the cheapest diesel Trend is well over $55 ,000.
- Hyundai Staria Load: Funky looks, five‑year warranty, but higher purchase price and less dealer coverage in regional areas.
Against that backdrop the 2025 LDV G10+ specifications focus on value. You miss some polish, yet you save enough for a pallet of drywall.
Conclusion
The 2025 LDV G10+ release date of April 2025 brings the van in line with modern safety expectations without spoiling its budget‑friendly DNA. For sole traders and fleet buyers who measure ROI in dollars, not bragging rights, the updated G10+ is an honest tool that finally feels 2020s‑ready. It will not win pub arguments about brand cachet, yet it will get you, your gear and your invoices where they need to be at minimum cost.
Rating: 7.5/10
Rock‑bottom pricing and generous equipment earn big points, while ride comfort and fuel use are solid rather than stellar. The short warranty and still‑basic air‑bag count keep it from the eights. In short, terrific value for trades who prize dollars‑and‑sense over showroom swagger.
