AFTER weeks of back and forth, finally I had to collect the latest LDV- Chinese bakkie in Bryanston.
There it was clean, coupled with the front view with a large grille dominating, thin LED headlights and daytime running lights flanking the grille, imposing of course. A “wanton” if it needs further description.
The exterior also features a standard on black 19-inch alloys, black roof rails, dark fender mouldings, polyurethane sports bar, a rubberised load bin, tonneau cover, and a soft-close tailgate.
After being given a brief tour on the LDV bakkie, off I went to hit the streets of Jozi, testing how it compares with its competitors and the nuggets fitted within it.
As expected, fellow motorists could not help but take a stare on this ‘beau’ and the arousing orange colour that caught attention as far as Limpopo, Tembisa and Pretoria, phew!
The interior, compelling yes, but a bit frustrating and confusing especially when trying to access sensitive icons on the 10.25 inch infotainment system, since it lacks buttons or dials for volume or air conditioning, is it because it’s a bakkie?
Enjoyed the steering wheel and seats that have full leather trim, and for someone with short bones, the seats in both front and rear are comfortable.
Well specced with keyless entry, push button start, wireless charger, folding electric mirrors, rain sense wipers and heated front seats. It also comes with paddle shifters.
There’s a 360-degree surround view camera system, front and rear parking sensors cruise control, Lane Departure Warning, Hill Start Assist, Descent Control, Electronic Stability Control, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Attention Alert, for safety reasons.
LDV is part of Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC Motor) and with more than 5-million vehicles sold last year is a serious player in the global automotive industry. For SA bakkies are second to none…
It comes with gauntlet 2.0-litre dual-turbo diesel engine producing 160kW and 500Nm coupled to an eight speed ZF automatic gearbox, but despite a second turbo there’s still lag on pull off and it also takes a bit of time for the engine to have a ‘conversation with the gearbox when asked to pass slower traffic’ and this happened often.
However, when it hits cruising mode you will enjoy it and it’s happy to stay on its default Auto Mode, especially off-road as I did in Limpopo, since it has 730kg payload load-bin, complemented by decent towing capacity at 3 500kg.
With a combination of gravel, tar, highway and suburban driving the LDV returned consumption figures of 9.6l/100km, its an accolade for such.
It’s also ideal for lifestyle…
Retailing price R790,000
The LDV T60 Bi-Turbo double cab Max Luxe 4×4, comes with a five-year/200 000km mechanical warranty and a five-year/100 000km service plan.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (5)
Fuel 1-10 (4)
Image SLM (Hittin’ the ground running is the LDV T60 Bi-Turbo double cab Max Luxe 4×4).
