COMPETITION IN THE cut-throat ute market has just gone up a notch with the release of the new 160kW LDV T60 Max.
Since 2014, LDV has given hard-working Australians what they have been looking for: safe, well-equipped, value-for-money vehicles that are fit for purpose. And now LDV has launched one of the most powerful utes in the segment: the 160kW, 500Nm T60 Max.
Looks just like a ute from any other manufacturer
“The Aussie ute market is mega competitive and no longer just about being a work vehicle.” says Dinesh Chinnappa, LDV General Manager.
“Now they double up as a lifestyle choice, allowing owners to enjoy the great outdoors with their family and friends, and still have room for their camping gear, motorbikes, the ability to tow a trailer and so on. In this environment, power has become the critical battleground and the T60 Max mixes it with the best of them.”
160kW/500Nm bi-turbo diesel
At the heart of the new T60 Max is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine delivering a handy 160kW at 4000rpm and impressive 500Nm from 1500rpm.
Based on the D20 unit, SAIC’s first in-house designed bi-turbo diesel engine, its small-block design and electronically controlled, high-pressure common rail technology from Bosch make it one of the most powerful diesel engines in its class.
Mated to a six-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF, the T60 Max delivers real-world performance ideal for accelerating on to freeways, or overtaking swiftly and safely thanks to impressive in-gear performance.
The automatic 8-speed ZF gearbox quickly maps and learns driving characteristics ensuring the T60 Max is in the correct gear for the circumstances. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 9.2L/100km for the manual and 9.3L/100km for the automatic.
As with previous LDVs, both suspension tunes – heavy duty for the Pro and comfort for the Luxe – have been specifically calibrated for Australian conditions.
The T60 Max also comes with an Intelligent Real-Time Torque on Demand system from BorgWarner which takes the guesswork out of road conditions by delivering maximum traction automatically.
The driver can also manually select high-speed 2WD, high-speed 4WD and low-speed 4WD for tough off- road conditions. This, along with the impressive approach and departure angles, minimal overhangs and useful ground clearance make the T60 Max an ideal companion for weekend warriors seeking to get off the beaten track.
5-star safety
This is the first T60 to secure a coveted ANCAP 5-star safety rating, and continues to lead with a strong suite of passive and active safety measures.
These include six airbags (driver and front passenger, side airbags, and full-length curtain bags), Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) for braking confidence, and Hill Descent Control for even greater stability on steep slopes.
LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors and camera and Fatigue Reminder are all standard, while the T60 Max Luxe adds 360-degree Panoramic Camera, Lane Departure Warning, and an on-demand rear differential lock for serious mud-plugging.
Inside, the cabin has been refreshed and now boasts a sleek new 10.25-inch central touchscreen complete with Apple CarPlay or Bluetooth smartphone connectivity. With many of the vehicle’s functions accessed through menus via the touchscreen, the cabin is kept clean and simple. Similarly, the HVAC controls now sit flush under the touchscreen, continuing the clean-cut design.
Cruise control, climate control, and six-way electronically adjustable leather trim seats (in the Luxe) ensure the all-new T60 Max is as comfortable on your annual family road trip as it is being your daily office.
Smarter exterior
A large grille sends the appropriate tough and aggressive message, while muscular wheel arches frame high-performance alloy wheels. The robust tailgate leaves those behind in no doubt of what they’re following. To visually distinguish the T60 Max Luxe, it comes with a black front guard and grille, along with chrome door mirrors.
Open the tailgate and a 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 Pro is 935kg (750kg for the Luxe) while both variants are rated up to 3.0 tonnes max braked towing.
Pricing
The new T60 Max range starts with the Pro Manual at $33,990, followed by the Pro Automatic $35,990, Luxe Manual $38,490 and Luxe Automatic at $40,490. All costs are driveaway for ABN holders.
All LDV T60s come with a 5-years/130,000km (whichever occurs first) warranty and 5-years/130,000km Roadside Assist.
A tough market
The key competitors for the T60 Max are the Ford Ranger 4×4 XL and the Toyota Hilux 4×4 SR.
The new T60 Max is more powerful than the market-leading 2.8-litre, 150kW Hilux SR 4×4, and more powerful than the market-leading 157kW Ford Ranger XL Bi-Turbo.
Factor in the massive price advantage to the equivalent Ranger XL Bi-Turbo and the T60 Max makes a strong case for itself. At just $37,884 (RRP), it’s $20,100 cheaper than the $57,984 Ford Ranger XL Bi-Turbo market leader.
Or to put it another way, the Ford Ranger XL is 53.1 percent more expensive than the T60 Pro Auto.
Summary
“Over the past decade the 4×4 ute segment has grown substantially,” says Dinesh Chinnappa, LDV General Manager. “It now represents around 18 percent of total vehicle sales, so it’s critical to have a truly competitive offering in this segment.”
“The new T60 Max builds on an already strong platform to deliver high-end power and performance, peace-of-mind ownership, and represents outstanding value for money. It’s the perfect offering for hardworking Australians.”