‘Tie me kangaroo down sport’, the Aussies have arrived in the form of the LDV T60 double cab pickup with the promise there is more to come.
While the LDV may be an Australian favourite it emanates from China where it is part of the SAIC Motor (formerly Shanghai Automobile and Industrial Corporation) operation and has been since 2010 when the latter acquired the commercial vehicles division of the British Motor Corporation, which included the LDV brand – the old Leyland DAF setup.
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Pricing for the T60 starts from R480 000 and the range will have 10 variants with model grades offering a choice of either manual or automatic transmission and with a 4x4 drivetrain available as optional on the Elite and Pro ranges and standard on the MAX model range.
Safety standards are the same across the range and these include front and side bolster crash bags, disc brakes all round, three multi-point seatbelts in the rear with ISOFIX anchor points and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with anti-lock braking and emergency brake assistance (EBD).
Standard creature comforts include cruise control, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with steering controls, air-conditioning, power steering and power windows across the range.
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The T60 Elite provides an economical way to join the lineup, offering both two-wheel and four-wheel drivetrain options and a choice between six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
This model is equipped with a new Euro IV compliant turbo-diesel engine that generates 120 kW and 375 Nm of torque. The engine's operation can be customized to ECO, NORMAL, or POWER modes via a selector knob to suit varying driving preferences.
For those requiring enhanced capability, the 4x4 versions of the T60 Elite include an electronic shift-on-the-fly feature for easy switching between 2H (two-wheel high range) and 4H (four-wheel high range), and a 4L mode (four-wheel low range) when the vehicle is stationary.
The interior boasts a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system with phone connectivity and a rear-view camera display, complemented by USB and 12V ports.
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Advancing to the T60 Pro, this model is exclusively four-wheel drive and features a distinctive large grille with integrated large headlamps and daytime running lights, as well as fog lamps set into the body-colored bumper. It stands out with 18-inch alloy wheels and added aesthetic features such as a chrome sports bar, side steps and roof rails.
The cabin upgrades to vegan leather seating, a larger 10,25-inch infotainment screen, and additional safety enhancements including a driver fatigue monitoring system, lane departure warning, and tire pressure sensors. Safety is further bolstered by a mechanical self-locking differential and a total of six airbags.
At the pinnacle of the range, the LDV T60 MAX offers the T60 MAX PRO and T60 MAX LUXE, boasting a robust dual-turbo diesel 2,0-litre engine producing 160 kW and 500 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a six-speed manual or a 8-speed automatic from ZF, with all models featuring four-wheel drive and an electronic selection for various drive modes.
The T60 MAX's appearance is defined by its large grille, LED headlamps and unique styling elements such as specialised sports bars and protective detailing.
The T60 MAX PRO is kitted out with premium cloth upholstery, advanced driver assist systems and comfort features such as heated rear windows and rain-sensing wipers. The more luxurious T60 MAX LUXE includes leather interiors, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging and heated seats both front and rear.
Ockert Conradie, general manager of LDV South Africa, points out the T60's success in tough markets and its comprehensive safety ratings, emphasizing its appeal. Each LDV T60 double cab comes with an extensive five-year warranty and service plan, highlighting its reliability and quality.
Pricing:
- T60 Elite 2WD manual — R480,000
- T60 Elite 2WD 6AT — R520,000
- T60 Elite 4WD M/T — R520,000
- T60 Elite 4WD 6AT — R560,000.00
- 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
- T60 MAX LUXE 4WD 8AT — R790,000
Colin Windell
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