The Chinese brand is being imported by Swindon-based Vestatec, a company headed by former Mitsubishi UK boss Jim Tyrell.
Provisionally priced from £6995 for the single-cab pick-up version, going up to £9499 for the long-wheelbase van, the range also takes in fixed and drop-side double cab models and a tipper. All bar the entry single cab pick-up are powered by a 1.3 petrol engine, with a 1.3 diesel following next year ahead of a new V-series DFSK model coming in 2013.
There hasn’t been a microvan on sale since Piaggio pulled its Porter (pictured) out of the UK market, while historically popular models in this segment include the Bedford Rascal and Suzuki Carry.
The firm is currently targeting 90 dealers, and can also offer an electric variant capable of 55mph and 50-60 miles on one charge.
Though the market was as high as 6000 vehicles per year in this segment, Versatec’s Jon?Rossiter conceded that the launch of models like the Citroen?Nemo, Fiat Fiorino and Peugeot Bipper could have eaten into that target audience, and no volume ambitions have yet been revealed.
Return of the microvan
Microvans will make their return to the UK light commercial vehicle market this September when the range of DFSK vehicles launches.