LDV T60 hardens up

The LDV T60 has undergone a significant lifecycle revision including new visual cues aimed at enhancing its tough appearance, the addition of multi-link rear suspension, new safety and specification features, and a new driver-focused cockpit design.

“The Aussie ute market is a key battleground for OEMs as the vehicles have to be truly multi-purpose, bridging the gap between work necessity and lifestyle choice,” said Dinesh Chinnappa, LDV General Manager.

“We’ve listened to feedback from the market and worked closely with our colleagues in China to ensure the T60 range remains competitive. T60 Max Plus is a new model that has key technical, specification and safety updates to complement its position as one of the most powerful four-cylinder utes you can buy.”

The T60 Max Plus is the halo model for the T60 range and the new additions include 12.3” central touchscreen, 12.3” driver instrument cluster, lockable tailgate, heated and power-folding side mirrors, electric power steering and park brake, and multi-link rear suspension.

In addition, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on automatic transmission models.

Powering the T60 Max Plus stays the same with the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine delivering 160kW at 4000rpm and impressive 500Nm from just 1500rpm.

The automatic is an eight-speed ZF that maps and learns driving characteristics ensuring the T60 Max Plus is in the correct gear for the circumstances to deliver maximum torque. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is a claimed 9.3L/100km for the manual and 8.9L/100km for the automatic.

For the first time, the T60 Max Plus also comes with multi-link rear suspension, delivering more control and a better ride over a range of surfaces, as well as an increase in payload capability.

Inside, the T60 Max Plus features a distinctive new dashboard design that curves around the driver and ensures everything is within reach.

The integration of a new 12.3-inch infotainment and driver display into a single slimline screen represents a significant advancement on the existing T60 range, while we’re told a new operating system supports a revised graphics suite, which offers a host of essential features including visual representation of the ADAS systems in action such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping aid.

The T60 Max Plus has a repositioned column-mounted gearshift that creates additional storage space in the central tunnel. This extra space allows for a raised wireless charging pad which enables wireless connectivity through both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (and also available wired) to sit alongside the 2WD and 4WD high/low selector.

The T60 Max Plus also has three USB ports, which allow multiple devices to be charged simultaneously.

The new T60 Max Plus sports a tough new look with black gloss grille, door handles, door mirror covers (now auto folding with heating), side trim and rear bumper – all of which deliver greater on-road presence than before.

Open the now lockable tailgate and the spray-in tub liner keeps the bed protected from wear and tear, while four tie-down points help to secure the trickiest of loads.

Payload for the manual is 840kg and 830kg for the automatic, while the Mega Tub Plus is 800kg. All have a max braked towing capacity of 3,000kg.

Driveaway ABN holder pricing begins with $45,990 for the manual, $47,990 for the automatic, and $49,490 for the Megatub automatic.

All LDV T60s come with a seven-year, 200,000km (whichever occurs first) warranty and five-year, unlimited kilometre roadside assist.