Maxus G10

Open the sliding doors and you’ll instantly be greeted by a massive interior. The minivan has four captain seats - two each on the second and third-row - as well as a bench with room for 3 passengers at the back.

The captain seats can be slid forward and reclined, though this would mean less legroom for passengers sitting from behind. On the plus side, everyone gets to have adequate headroom. Front seats are power-adjustable, and the second-row seats can be modified into Assist PWD seats for less-abled individuals.

All seats are covered in leather and fabric so they’re comfy, premium-looking, and easy to clean. For added convenience, rear passengers have their own reading lights and A/C vents complete with temperature and fan speed controls.

The dashboard may seem underwhelming with its hard plastics, faux wooden accent, and 7-inch infotainment system. But it’s made of tough and sturdy materials and has an ergonomic layout that provides quick access to the car’s features.

With recent models shifting to on-screen controls, we can appreciate its use of physical buttons. The display, though small for today’s standards, supports USB and Bluetooth, as well as basic audio and video playback.

There’s barely any space for cargo on the rear. However, you can fold the rear bench to make room for large bags. Smaller luggage can be fitted between seats but this can cramp up your leg space and make getting in-and-out of the van difficult.

Other interior features include a multifunction steering wheel, driver and front passenger power windows, and a 220V power outlet for charging laptops and handheld devices.

The Maxus G10 has a sleek design with some mildly aggressive overtones. Its front fascia is made masculine by the sporty fender, sculpted hood, and swept-back headlights. Sculpted side doors and up sweeping windows emphasize its streamlined look.

Its rear isn’t that remarkable. But the rear spoiler, futuristic LED taillights, and surrounding creases add a nice touch. Chrome elements are also lightly used throughout the body, giving it an air of elegance.

The G10 is a 9-seater so it’s expectedly long. However, rounded corners help set it apart from the usual box-shaped MPVs.

Steering is slightly on the heavier side, but lighter compared to most of its competitors. It’s surprisingly nimble for its size; able to handle turns and winding roads with ease.

Rear suspensions keep the ride stable during high-speed turns. Together with the stiff commercial-grade tires, they effectively absorb shock when driving over bumpy roads. You can barely hear the engine and noise from inside the vehicle. It goes without saying that the Maxus G10 provides a smooth and comfortable ride.

Powering the Maxus G10 is a 1.9L Peugeot turbo engine. It produces 148 horsepower and 350 Nm torque, which is strong enough to pull the van at full capacity.

The engine is paired to a 6-speed automatic. Transmission starts out hesitant but becomes responsive once geared. Fuel efficiency is decent. It consumes 8 to 15 kmpl depending on driving conditions.

The brake pedal can feel spongy at times, and you may have to press harder just to reach a full stop. Besides the usual airbags and seatbelts, it is equipped with an automatic braking system, front and rear parking sensors, and a reverse parking camera for safety.

Maxus G10 is a passenger-centric vehicle designed to transport large groups within city bounds, or across cities. Despite its limited cargo space, the interior is flexible enough to allow room for hand-carried bags and some luggage. The G10 is a perfect fit for growing families or anyone who needs as many seats whether for personal use or business.