AUSTRALIA’S MOST POWERFUL FOUR-CYLINDER ute, the 160kW, 500Nm LDV T60 has been given a boost for the next generation.
The LDV T60 is a success story, totalling 23,947 sales (YTD Oct22) since its launch in September 2017. The last few months alone have seen a significant increase in numbers now that shipping has stabilized post-pandemic: 516 in July; 612 in August; 962 in September and 893 in October. The total monthly sales result of 1518 in October was a record for the brand.
And now MY23 T60 is here to push those growing sales volumes even further.
“The LDV T60 Max is the backbone of our brand and the new MY23 T60 Max will continue that tradition,” says Dinesh Chinnappa, LDV General Manager.
“We know power is an important factor for ute buyers, particularly tradies who want to go off-roading at weekends, tow the jet ski, or put their bikes in the tray. We also know these tradies are looking for value and the new T60 delivers both in spades.”
Powertrain & driving
At the heart of the new T60 Max continues Australia’s most powerful 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine delivering a muscular 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 ZF automatic transmission, the T60 Max delivers real-world performance just when you need it – like accelerating on to freeways or overtaking swiftly and safely thanks to its impressive in-gear performance.
New for 2023 are paddle shifts on the 8-speed ZF, helping to execute crisp and swift gearchanges and take full advantage of that 160kW and 500Nm. 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. New 19-inch black alloy wheels on the Luxe manual and auto distinguish the MY23 variants.
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.
Exterior
Outside, the T60 Max’s tough and aggressive stance is given a boost for MY23, with the addition of newly designed side steps, full chrome sports bar and roof rails for the Pro edition.
The MY23 T60 Luxe adds body coloured door mirrors, 19-inch black alloys fitted with 240km/h rated Continental tyres, black wheel arches, black side steps, black roof rails, and a distinctive black rear sports bar with sail plane. Both variants come with soft-release tailgate, and add an updated leather steering wheel with paddle shift controls for the 8-speed auto.
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 heavy-duty Pro manual is 935kg (750kg for the Luxe) while both variants are rated up to 3.0 tonnes max braked towing.
Safety & technology
The first T60 secured a coveted ANCAP 5-star safety rating, and this next-generation T60 Max 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 smart phone 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.
Pricing & ownership
The other big news for MY23 T60 Max is the launch of a highly competitive 7-year/200,000km (whichever comes first) warranty to give further peace-of-mind for tradies and small business owners alike. This is supported with 5-year/130,000km Roadside Assist.
The additions to MY23 T60 Max Pro represent an extra $2600 of additional value (LDV figures), while the Luxe inclusions are valued at over $5000.
| Model | RRP – DRIVEAWAY | ABN – DRIVEAWAY |
| MAX Pro Manual | $41,042 | $38,990 |
| MAX Pro Automatic | $43,148 | $40,990 |
| MAX Luxe Manual | $45,779 | $43,490 |
| MAX Luxe Automatic | $47,884 | $45,490 |
| Mega Tub Automatic | $49,463 | $46,990 |
“We listen to our customers and consistently fine-tune the product and offer with China, to ensure our volume-selling T60 model continues to hit the spot for our target audience,” concludes Dinesh Chinnappa.
“At $38,990 driveaway, the MY23 Pro Manual represents extraordinary value for money, but based on our current model mix, we expect the Pro Auto, with its 8-Speed ZF Auto, 160kW and 500Nm engine, 7-year/200,000 warranty and $40,990 driveaway price for ABN buyers to deliver significant sales of T60 in 2023.”