Maxus range grows with addition of three short wheelbase models

Craig Lanham-Love, chief operating officer of Maxus in South Africa said low-roof short wheelbase versions will be officially launched early next year to be available at Maxus dealers from March 2014. He was speaking at a media briefing at the Johannesburg International Motor Show.

“The introduction of the V80 short wheel base models forms part of our plans to establish Maxus locally as the go-to brand for affordable quality, reliable and dependable motoring, value for money in terms of maintenance and service, and safety one can rely on,” Lanham-Love said.

He added that the short wheelbase models will be available in seven-seat luxury, 10-seat standard and panel van configuration.

“They will be competitively priced and will compliment our current long wheelbase range that includes a luxury people carrier, everyday people carrier, logistics vehicle and dropside carrier,” Lanham-Love added.

Marc Spaull, brand manager for Maxus, added that the new V80 short wheelbase models will further contribute to establish and promote the brand to local transport and logistics busines concerns.

“The panel van will be attractive to small businesses, courier companies, media distribution companies and the truck rental industry, while the seven-seater luxury model is aimed at the tourist industry, the rental industry and private sector,” he said. “Small entrepreneurial businesses and small transport and drop-off companies will find the 10-seater standard model attractive.

“An important fact to remember is that these vehicles are low enough to drive into airports and parking garages, making them attractive to tour companies.”

Like their long wheelbase siblings, the short wheelbase derivatives are all powered by the same four cylinder turbo diesel engine of 2,499 cc. The power plant drives the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, and offers 100 kW of power at 3,800 rpm.

Its maximum torque figure of 330 Nm at 1,800 rpm is very competitive in this segment. Average fuel consumption on the combined cycle (unladen) is 7.4 l/100 km; and the vehicles emit 230 g of carbon per kilometre.

Locally Maxus is distributed and sold by Mandarin Motors which is part of the Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) group. There are currently 12 dedicated Maxus dealers spread throughout South Africa.

All Maxus vehicles are available with a three-year/100 000 kilometre warranty and three-year/100 000 kilometre Service Plan.

Service intervals are set at 15 000 kilometres and all vehicles require a standard Code 8 licence.