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Is this Chinese 16 seater a worthy competitor to the likes of the Toyota Sesfikile, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Iveco Daily and VW Crafter?

They proliferate our roads, transport roughly 69% of the working class in South Africa to and from work, and account for a high percentage of other road users daily frustrations. I am of course referring to the minibus taxis.

Mention ‘taxis’ in any conversation, be around the office water-cooler, the family dining room table or the weekend braai and without exception everyone will have an opinion of this orthogonal transportation for the masses. Of course, usually negative.

I too have an opinion which we’ll backburner for another post, but while the other licenced road users work themselves towards a heart attack, what is like to drive a minibus taxi?

Whilst 1-million-plus-kilometre-on-the-odo Toyota Hi-Ace rust buckets are as common place on our roads as potholes, the new wave of safer, more up-market options are starting become as popular with taxi owners countrywide. Think Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter and Iveco Daily.

And the Maxus V80?

Maxus, who the heck is Maxus?

Probably not a brand you’ve been exposed to recently. And I’ll be honest, up until a few weeks ago, not a brand I had heard of either.

To cute a long story short. Maxus is owned by the Chinese state owned conglomerate Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC), which is one of China’s ‘big four’ vehicle manufacturers. In 2014 they produced roughly 4.5 million vehicles which gives you an insight into their manufacturing capabilities.

As a brand though Maxus can trace its origins back to British Leyland, or more specifically the LDV Group, which as you guessed it is one of the many unfortunate British brands sold off throughout the years.

According to Maxus literature “The Maxus/LDV brand was taken over by SAIC in 2009 and despite being manufactured Maxus commercial vehicles still retain their British design and technology.”

What does this mean for prospective buyers in South Africa? Maxus is exclusively available from the CMH Group and sold through their commercial dealership division, and they are at pains to point out that “The latest Warranty Direct survey found Maxus vehicles had fewer breakdowns that its rivals with an average of 22% suffering a fault each year…The lowest repair rate and highest cost performance means that UK companies using Maxus/LDV logistics, transportation and commuter vehicles are getting the best value from their investments.”

That goes some way to instil confidence in what is essentially an unknown Chinese brand in South Africa. Tell me more.

At the moment, Maxus in SA is only offering the singular V80 product, however, available in 4 different variations – the V80 Comfort which I’ve been driving for the week, the V80 Deluxe which I wish I had been driving for the week (basically a roomier, higher specced with fewer seats version of the Comfort). The V80 Logistics panel van and lastly the 1.5 ton V80 Dropside.

So who buys a Maxus V80 Comfort? Well, not you and I for personal use, unless you have a substantial family, 16 to be specific as the V80 I’ve been driving is a full-size 16 seater. Rather though, the V80 Comfort is a commercial vehicle aimed at squarely at the taxi industry, schools and NGO market.

Powering this full size 16 seater is 2.5l 4-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine which develops a respectable 100kW and 330Nm of torque. Empty, the bus is actually quite sprightly, but I’d imagine with a full load of passengers, performance would drop off dramatically. But let’s be honest, this is for safely moving people, not for breaking speed records. And, if your only experience is a knackered old Hi-Ace engine, I’d imagine the V80s diesel power plant to be somewhat of a revelation to its new owner.

Like most agricultural diesel engines, the torque sweet spot is really narrow, and if you miss-time a gear change on any sort of incline you’d best safely make your way over to slow lane. Keep the engine on the boil though and you’ll happily keep up with the rest of your 16 seat brethren.

So what was it like moon-lighting as a taxi on the weekend?

Initially the hardest part about driving something like the V80, is its size. At roughly five metres long it’s by far the biggest vehicle I’ve ever driven and probably the biggest you’re legally allowed to drive with a Code 08 licence, which you can by the way with the V80.

With a bit of time behind the wheel I eventually became more accustomed to the V80 size and the need to pay attention when navigating tight turns and safely overtaking. Thankfully large side mirrors allow you to see what’s happening next to and behind you, as the rear view mirror is largely redundant.

The gear-lever thankfully falls easily to hand, mounted high up on the dashboard, although it does take a meaningful nudge to slot it into the right gear.

I’d imagine those who drive these types of vehicles (yes, taxi drivers) probably spend an inordinate amount of time behind the wheel. And I’m afraid to say that if they’re anything over 6 foot, like me, you might find drivers legroom is a bit of an issue. The driver’s seat doesn’t go back quite far enough and as a result your legs are perched over the pedals, which does get tiring. But if you’re a seasoned taxi driver, that probably isn’t an issue.

Saying that, driving the V80 isn’t a hardship. Sitting high up you have clear view of the road ahead, able to see over the average size vehicle in-front of you, allowing you to anticipate any shenanigans further down the road.

The main instrument binnacle is strangely situated in middle of the dashboard, which is always odd but it is simply laid out and fairly easy to read. Inside the V80 comes standard with air-conditioning, a radio/cd player with Auxiliary in, remote interior light switch for the passenger area, driver and passenger air-bags, remote central locking and front electric windows. Nice!

Okay let’s wrap this up.

Although one might imagine, according to stereotypes, that passenger safety isn’t of the highest concern, drivers of the V80 can at least boast that rear passengers are taken care of at a standard safety level with individual seats and 2 point lap safety belt. I’d imagine that enforcing that they actually wear them is the hardest part.

At R299 900 it does offer a lot of vehicle for your money, a decent standard specification and the feeling of solidity with regards to interior build quality. A 3 year 100 000km factory warranty is standard issue and for an extra R13 900 on top of the asking price, you can purchase a 5 year 90 000km service plan. Service intervals are pegged at 15 000km intervals.

In all honesty the Maxus V80 is up against some tough competition and crucially public opinion of Chinese vehicles which is not great. In a highly competitive industry like the taxi industry longevity is a key buying decision and in that regard the V80 as a long-term value proposition can only be evaluated over time.