Somewhat bizarrely the pickup truck market continues to dominate sales of new ‘passenger’ vehicles in Australia. Now a new Chinese competitor has arrived to try and grab a share of this lucrative segment, the LDV T60.
This is a serious commercial vehicle not a toy truck, the LDV pickup comes as a double-cab, dual-range 4WD. It’s powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel that sits behind either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Alloy wheels, side steps and roof rails are standard.
Luxury features in all models include air conditioning, a large 10-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power windows, remote central locking.
There are two trim and equipment versions, PRO for the working pickup and LUXE for the family truck. Cleverly, the LUXE has softer suspension settings than the PRO.
The T60’s load tub is lined with a hard-wearing liner. There are six load tie-down points, four at low level and two on the tub rim. The PRO has a multi-bar headboard to protect the rear window and provide support for long loads. The LUXE has a polished chrome sport bar.
All versions are rated to tow a braked trailer with a mass of up to three tonnes.
Keen to come to the Australian market with a big push the T60 LDV has an impressive warranty of five years or 130,000 km. There’s a ten-year body perforation rust warranty. All this is backed up by a 24/7 roadside assistance and a loan car program.
WHO IS LDV?
The LDV name is relatively unknown in Australia but the maker has been a long-term player in other countries, including the UK and in Europe. LDV was formed from a merger between Leyland Trucks and DAF Trucks. Since 2009 LDV has been a division of SAIC (Shanghai Automobile and Industrial Corporation), the largest and oldest automotive manufacturer in China.
We spent some time touring SAIC facilities in China several years back. Talking to department heads and listening to their future plans. There is no doubt these people are very serious in their longterm ambitions.
Prices for Australian ABN holders start at $28,990 driveaway for the LDV T60 PRO manual. The T60 LUXE manual starts at $32,990.
AT A GLANCE
LDV T60 PRO manual: $28,990 (MRP), $30,516 (driveaway)
LDV T60 PRO automatic: $30,990 (MRP), $32,621 (driveaway)
LDV T60 LUXE manual: $32,990 (MRP), $34,726 (driveaway)
LDV T60 LUXE automatic: $34,990 (MRP), $36,831 (driveaway)
