PROVING THAT THE ADVANCE of Chinese brands will continue unabated, LDV has announced the Limited Edition T60 Trailrider.
Most notable of the changes to the T60, launched in Australia in 2017, is suspension calibrated by Australian experts for Australian conditions, overcoming one of the regular complaints about Chinese utes.
Developed by the Walkinshaw Automotive Group in Melbourne, the suspension calibration has been refined to produce ride and handling more in tune with Australian consumer preferences.
“With only 650 vehicles being built this is a genuine limited addition and the new suspension calibration was developed for the T60 Trailrider and the Australian market,” says Dinesh Chinnappa, General Manager of LDV Automotive Australia. “It is the result of the Walkinshaw Automotive Group working closely with LDV in China to produce a new and unique suspension calibration that is ideally suited to Australian road conditions and driver requirements.”
Making the limited edition Trailrider instantly recognizable are 12-spoke 19-inch black wheels, black nudge bar, black sports bar and black side steps. Adding security is a lockable roller tonneau for the load tray, a far more practical alternative to flip-up solid tub covers. Completing the package is a black grille replacing the chrome finish on the standard T60 and range of unique Trailrider decals for the sides, rear and bonnet.
Based on the range topping LDV T60 Luxe, the Trailrider arrives in dual cab, four-wheel drive as standard with a choice six speed manual or automatic gearboxes.
Safety features include a 360-degree camera, blind spot warning, six airbags, tyre pressure warning and a host of electronic safety features, while luxury features include a ten-inch touch screen display with smart phone connection by Bluetooth or USB, smart key for keyless entry and starting, along with roof rails, power windows, climate control air conditioning and adaptive headlights. Leather trim is standard on the seats – which are six way electronically controlled in the front – and multi-function steering wheel. Cruise control is standard as are automatic wipers, auto dipping rear view mirror and dusk sensing headlights, while the door mirrors are heated and fold automatically when the car is locked.
The LDV T60 range for Australia is powered by a 2.8-litre 110 kW turbo diesel engine matched to either a six speed manual or a six speed automatic gearbox. While that doesn’t sound particularly impressive (especially if you plan to tow a 3 tonne caravan or trailer), the more important number is the maximum torque of 360Nm from 1600 to 2800rpm. All versions have four-wheel drive with high and low range while the Trailrider adds a rear on-demand differential lock. All versions are rated to tow up to three tonnes with a braked trailer. The T60’s tub is lined, with a total of six load tie down points, four at low level and two on the tub rim.
The T60 LDV comes with a five year/130,000 km (whichever occurs first) plus a ten-year body anti perforation warranty. Alongside the 24/7 roadside assistance for the warranty period, LDV includes a loan car program.
Pricing will appeal to buyers in the crew cab ute market (including those looking for an affordable tow vehicle) with the LDV T60 Trailrider manual at a recommended retail price of $38,937 driveaway. The six-speed automatic is a recommended retail price of $41,042 driveaway. The LDV T60 Trailrider will be on sale in Australia from 20 May 2019 and is available in red, white, grey and black.
LDV T60 Price List from 1 May 2019
| ABN Holders | Recommended Retail Price | ||
| LDV T60 PRO manual | $28,990 | $30,516 | Driveaway |
| LDV T60 PRO automatic | $30,990 | $32,621 | Driveaway |
| LDV T60 LUXE manual | $32,990 | $34,726 | Driveaway |
| LDV T60 LUXE automatic | $34,990 | $36,831 | Driveaway |
| LDV T60 Trailrider manual | $36,990 | $38,937 | Driveaway |
| LDV T60 Trailrider automatic | $38,990 | $41,042 | Driveaway |