What is it?

LDV opened up shop in South Africa recently with a range of vehicles that include pickups, SUVs, people movers vans and commercial vans to the country.

The Chinese brand has rich history. The LDV brand was born in the United Kingdom and evolved into the well-known Leyland DAF Vehicles in 1987. LDV was acquired in 2010 by SAIC, China’s largest automotive manufacturer.

The LDV T60 is also one of Australia’s favourite Utes range and will locally consist of ten distinct LDV T60 double cab pickups.

Equipment:

All models are also equipped with a comprehensive range of comfort and safety features plus equipment. Standard creature comforts include cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity with steering controls, air conditioning and electric windows across the range.

Ranges:

• LDV T60 Elite
• LDV T60 Pro
• LDV T60 MAX

The T60 Elite offers the most affordable entry into the range with a choice of two- or four-wheel drivetrains and six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Power comes from turbo-diesel engine that delivers 120 kW and 375 Nm.

The two 4x4 T60 Elite models, with the choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto transmission are fitted with an electronic shift-on-the fly selector between 2H, 4H and 4L.

The T60 Elite range is fitted with a 7” touch screen and infotainment system. The screen offers phone connectivity service as the reverse camera screen.

Next up is the T60 Pro, which is available exclusively in 4x4.

The T60 Pro is recognisable from its larger grille, which is flanked by large headlamps with integrated daytime running lamps. It has integrated fog lamps in the body-coloured bumper.

The Pro models are further distinguishable by the larger 18” alloy wheels, a chrome sports bar on the rubberised load bin, side steps and roof rails.

Inside, the T60 Pro adds vegan leather seat upholstery, a larger 10.25” infotainment screen and a reverse radar system to complement the reverse camera.

The T60 Pro adds even more advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as monitoring driver fatigue, a lane departure warning (LDW) and active tyre pressure monitoring sensors (TPMS).

The T60 Pro is equipped with a Euro V version of the turbo-diesel engine that is also fitted to the T60 Elite range and has similar power delivery.

The LDV T60 MAX tops the range with the choice of an LDV T60 MAX PRO and LDV T60 MAX LUXE.

This model is fitted with a dual-turbo 2-litre diesel engine that delivers 160 kW and 500 Nm and is mated to a six-speed manual or 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

All MAX models are 4WD and are fitted with an electronic selector to shift between 2WD, 4WD and 4WD in Low Range. A self-locking mechanical differential lock is standard.

There is no mistaking the T60 MAX for any other pickup on market. It has a large central grille that stretches from the creased bonnet to the lower section of the bumper. Shaped LED automatic headlamps with daytime running lights flank the grille.

Chrome is added to the sports bar on the T60 MAX PRO and a moulded polyurethane sports bar on the range-topping T60 MAX LUXE. All MAX models have thick rubberising on the load bin and soft-close tailgates flanked by LED rear lights.

Finally, T60 MAX LUXE has dark fender moulding, dark 19” alloy wheels (17” silver alloys on the PRO).

Inside the T60 MAX PRO is trimmed in high-grade cloth, and additional ADAS systems such as Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist.

The T60 MAX LUXE offers even more. It includes all of the features of the PRO, with full leather trim on the seats and steering wheel, a high-resolution 360-degree around-view monitor, wireless phone charging, electrically adjustable and heated front and rear seats.

All LDV T60 Double Cabs are sold with a 5-year/200 000 km mechanical warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km service plan.

Prices:

T60 Elite 2WD manual (R480 000), T60 Elite 2WD 6AT (R520 000), T60 Elite 4WD M/T (R520 000), T60 Elite 4WD 6AT (R560 000), T60 Pro 4WD 6MT (R610 000), T60 Pro 4WD 6AT (R640 000), T60 MAX Pro 4WD 6MT (R670 000), T60 MAX Pro DC 4WD 8AT (R710 000), T60 MAX LUXE 4WD 6MT (R750 000) and the T60 MAX LUXE 4WD 8AT (R790 000).