SAIC has ramped up its presence in Australia with the release of long-awaited diesel engine variants for the LDV G10 mid-size van – and the promise of more models in future including the all-new one-tonne T60 ute due later in 2017 and a range of smaller light-commercials in both van and cab-chassis guise.

Up until now, the G10 was restricted to four-cylinder petrol power only – an old-school Mitsubishi-sourced 105kW/200Nm 2.4-litre engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, and a more advanced and powerful 165kW/330Nm 2.0-litre ‘NLE’ turbo-petrol unit that combines with a ZF-sourced six-speed automatic transmission.

The new ‘19D4N’ diesel engine is an 1850cc inline turbo four that produces 107kW of power at 4000rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1800-2600rpm. It is mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox, with the stick shift offering a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 8.3L/100km – well down on the 11.5L/100km manual petrol.

No mileage figures for the auto were available at the time of writing, but a similar difference between the petrol auto (offering 11.7L/100km) is anticipated.

All G10 vans have a 3000kg GVM, with tare weight on the diesel variants just under 2000kg and payloads 1030kg/1010kg for the manual/auto respectively. Braked towing capacity is 1750kg, which is up from 1500kg on the petrol versions, while the maximum cargo volume is 5.2 cubic metres.

The cargo space measures 2365mm long, 1590mm wide (1278mm between the rear wheel arches), and 1270mm high.

LDV and its Australian distributor Ateco Automotive claim the diesel engine puts the G10 almost at the top of the performance league in its class, against vehicles costing more and often with less equipment.

The manual diesel is priced from $28,990 and the automatic from $31,490 – drive-away prices for ABN holders – while the petrol versions start at $25,990 for the manual and $29,990 for the turbo-petrol auto.

Standard features include twin side sliding doors, a rear tailgate (barn doors are optional), 16-inch alloy wheels (with full-size steel spare), rear fog lamps, air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows/mirrors and a twin-speaker radio/MP3 audio system that includes a 7.0-inch LCD touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity.

Cruise control is optional on manual versions, but fitted standard to the autos.

A relatively high level of safety equipment is also found on the G10, including dual front airbags, electronic stability control, four-wheel disc brakes, an ABS braking system (with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist), a ‘roll movement intervention system’, reversing camera, parking sensors and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

All LDV vans are covered by a 3-year/100,000km warranty and roadside assistance, and accessories designed for trade applications are available including roof rack systems, heavy duty steps, load area lining kits and cargo barriers.