Gecko Magicway | Review

A surprise exhibitor at last years’ IAA Show in Hanover was Gecko, an all-new start-up van manufacturer that has the European market in its sights. It’s first van, the 3.5t ‘Magicway’, has just entered production and Liam Campbell travelled to Chongqing to see just what this newcomer can offer in an increasingly crowded marketplace. 

Unlike most other Chinese brands that have reached our shores, Gecko is not part of a larger automotive group. Instead, Gecko’s shares are owned by a range of suppliers and customers including battery manufacturer CATL, telematics provider DST and delivery company JNT which, Gecko say, give it a competitive advantage in the early stages.

Built on a lightweight skateboard chassis, the Magicway boasts a class-leading payload of up to 1,366kg on the panel van and up to 1,677kg on the chassis cab, although Gecko they are looking into a 4.25t model which would increase it to over 2 tonnes on the van and almost 2.5 tonnes on the chassis cab.

Ranging from 7.2 to 11.1m³, the Magicway straddles the medium and heavy van segments in a similar respect as the Farizon SV. There are two load lengths (2,655 and 3,055mm) and two roof heights (1,450 and 1,650mm), and – thanks to the skateboard design and ultra-thin battery packs from CATL – a best-in-class load-to-floor height of just 495mm.

Inside, Gecko has opted for the minimalist approach, although there is the option to still use physical buttons for the temperature control. To save space, there is a steering-mounted gear selector, electronic parking brake and, rather than having an instrument panel, all drive information is displayed on the main 12.3” touchscreen (our demo model had a slightly smaller screen).

While UK specification is to be finalised, Gecko say all models will be generously equipped with an Intelligent Key (Entry + Start), reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree around view monitor, heated steering wheel, heated seats and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Access to the cab is a lot easier for vans of this size thanks to its wide-opening doors and low entry height but, despite being 6-way adjustable and featuring an armrest, the seats aren’t the most comfortable.

With electric vans, there is becoming increasingly little to differentiate their driving performance as most conform to the same high standard; quick, quiet and smooth – and there is no exception with the Magicway’s punchy 150kW and 330Nm motor. However, thanks to its very low centre of gravity, the Magicway has better balance which means it is even more composed going into the bends.   

The CATL LFP battery has a capacity of 83kWh, giving a mediocre range of 209 miles on the WLTP Combined cycle. The maximum charging speed of 120kW may be restricting for some businesses that use on-route charging, with a 30% to 80% ‘boost’ taking 34 minutes. The load area is fitted with an ePTO and a 6kW V2L AC outlet.

Thanks to its relationship with DST, the Magicway is available with an app which offers remote monitoring and control for both driver and fleet manager, for operations such as remote charge monitoring, temperature control and location.

Gecko still hasn’t confirmed its launch date or costs for the UK yet, although it reassures us of a ‘very competitive’ price. The company is working towards a five-year warranty, which extends to eight years for the battery.

Gecko 1 – UK models will be fitted with a 12.3” touchscreen display as standard (demo not UK spec)

Gecko 2 – Access to the cab is a lot easier for vans of this size thanks to its wide-opening doors and low entry height.

Gecko 3 – The Magicway’s low centre of gravity means it is very well composed going into the bends.

Gecko 4 – At just 495mm, the Magicway has the lowest loading height in the 3.5t segment.

Gecko 5 – Ranging from 7.2 to 11.1m³, the Magicway straddles the medium and heavy van segments.

Gecko 6 - Gecko’s shares are owned by a range of suppliers and customers including battery manufacturer CATL.