The newest ute on the market has arrived, with the
Chinese-made 2018 LDV T60 having hit Aussie shores with plenty of equipment and
attractive pricing. The all-new LDV ute is initially going to be sold in two
spec levels only – the entry-level Pro (shown here in white) and the high-spec
Luxe (in red), both of which have heaps of standard gear fitted. Pricing starts
at AUD 28,990 drive-away, making the LDV T60 one of the most affordable utes in
the segment.
Equipment highlights include safety items such as a
rear-view camera and rear parking sensors as standard, not to mention
blind-spot monitoring, LED adaptive headlights, and a 10.0-inch touchscreen
with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The two vehicles that are on sale now are dual-cab
pick-up style models – a cab-chassis dual-cab will come, and so will single-cab
models. LDV says the T60 is tackling the most popular segment of the ute
market, where private and dual-use buyers are shopping – that being crew-cab
models. The LDV T60 has five lap-sash seatbelts, six airbags (dual front, front
side, full-length curtain), ABS and electronic stability control.
The LDV T60 is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder
turbo diesel engine, with 150 Hp of power (at 3400 rpm) and 360 Nm of torque (from
1600-2800 rpm). There’s a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic,
with fuel use of 8.8 litres per 100 km for the manual and 9.6L/100km for the
automatic. Both versions are 4×4, with a proper low-range transfer case.
Gross combined mass on all variants is 6050 kg, and a
tow rating of 3.0 tonnes braked and 750 kg unbraked is promised. Payload varies,
with the Pro on heavy-duty suspension listing 1025 kg in manual form and 995 kg
with the auto. The Luxe with comfort suspension lists 875 kg and 815 kg
respectively.
LDV is also introducing a new warranty program with
the T60, offering a five-year/130,000km plan with roadside assist and a loan
car. More details on that package are still to come.
