LDV Maxus minibus comes top of its class

Whether for school or club transport or for professional operation, the new Maxus minibus launched today by light commercials specialist LDV Group is a product that clearly comes top of its class.

Its debut at the 2006 Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham's NEC reveals a vehicle bristling with features aimed at providing optimum choice to operators. These include:
* Two seating capacities - 12 or 15
* Two wheelbase lengths - SWB 3.1 metres; LWB 3.85 metres
* Two roof heights - SWB 2.315 metres; LWB 2.54 metres
* Two power ratings - 95PS (70 kW); 120PS (88 kW)
* Two warranty packages - 3 years/100,000 miles; 4 years/60,000 miles
* Best in class side load and rear door widths
* Best in class insurance ratings
* Class-leading cost of ownership

The Maxus minibus is a product derived from LDV's recently completed five-year, £500 million development programme. The outcome is a minibus that combines stylish design, comfort, reliability and safety with low cost of day-to-day operation and of lifetime ownership.

Driver and passenger safety have been given the highest priority. All of the seats are forward facing and each has a head restraint and an 'all generation' integral lap and diagonal seat belt that can be comfortably worn by young or old alike. ABS brakes are standard, as are driver and front passenger airbags, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. An additional interior roof light illuminates the rear emergency exit.

Comfort is assured by the choice of Isringhausen M-Viro minibus seats and seating layouts that optimise passenger leg and elbow room. Fully lined interior roof and side panels add a touch of luxury as well as contributing to low internal noise levels. And comfort can be further enhanced through available options that include air conditioning, tinted windscreen and cab door glass.

A highly efficient 2.5 litre CDi turbocharged and intercooled engine powers the Maxus minibus and is matched to a five speed gearbox. This compact 16-valve, direct injection unit uses electronically controlled common rail technology to deliver exactly the right amount of fuel and achieve optimum performance and fuel efficiency. Service intervals are every 20,000 miles.

It is available in two power and torque ratings:
* 120PS (88 kW) at 3,800 rpm; 300 Nm at 1800 rpm
* 95PS (70 kW) at 3,800 rpm; 250 Nm at 1800 rpm
From a driver's viewpoint the Maxus minibus is a delight. It provides car-like handling thanks to power steering, a reassuringly positive braking action, and a well-balanced suspension system. Instruments are clear and easy to read and neatly arranged within a central console, which also contains the gear lever, radio/cd player and heating and ventilation controls. Both professional and non-professional drivers will appreciate the excellent forward and rear vision through a deep windscreen and large mirrors.

Maxus minibus operators can also enjoy peace of mind from a choice of two class-leading warranty packages. These offer three years cover up to 100,000 miles or four years at up to 60,000 miles. Supporting these warranties is LDV's unique VANaid roadside assistance service and a national network of over 60 specialist dealers, many of which will this year achieve 'Centre of Excellence' status.