There is one totally new pickup truck, though only in Australia. It’s the 2018 LDV T60 – the vehicle that aims the segment where currently rule Volkswagen’s Amarok, Toyota Hilux, and Nissan Navara. Let’s not forget the Isuzu D-Max and Ford’s awesome Ranger. It’s quite clear that the newcomer has a difficult task, but even though it’s the beginning of the road, the LDV T60 has a good chance to succeed, especially if the manufacturer decides to sell it across the Asia.
2018 LDV T60: Drivetrain and Capabilities
The new ute has been introduced with a single powertrain, but our source claims that the producer has one more in mind for the next year. However, before this happens, the 2018 LDV T60 will come in a pair with exclusively with a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. The oil-burner mill develops 110kW of power (at 3400rpm) and 360Nm of torque (from 1600 to 2800rpm) and powers a 4×4 system via either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. By using a manual gearbox the LDV T60 drinks up 8.8 liters per 100km, while the truck with the automatic transmission spill 9.6L for the same distance.
Tow rating and payload capacity will depend on the model you choose. The Pro pickup with heavy-duty suspension sports a payload capacity of 1025kg/manual and 995kg/automatic. The Luxe model uses a comfort suspension, which reduces the ability to 875kg and 815kg. Towing wise, the truck is limited to 3.0 tones braked and 750kg unbraked. Still, these are producers figures in which we don’t believe before our testing.
Equipment and Trims
The 2018 LDV T60 features a range of quite useful equipment. The workhorse sports a rear-view camera and rear parking sensors as standard, as well as LED adaptive headlights. Blind spot monitoring is also a part of the standard model and so is a 10.0-inch touchscreen. What’s more important, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are also on the list. Safety kit isn’t the best in class, but the pickup truck hosts everything you need. There are six airbags including front, front side, and full-length curtain, while ABS and electronic stability control also come as a standard part of T60’s safety suite.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, the pickup offers Pro and Luxe version. The Pro is the base, but it’s pretty good equipped. Still, in Luxe the drivers will find more standard features such as leather upholstery, smart key, and keyless entry, as well as heated seats and electronic rear differential lock. Plus, there is a sports bar, comfort suspension, and auto folding side mirrors.
Price Range
The manufacturer released pricing information already. The starting Pro option with the manual gearbox is priced at $30,516 ($28,990 ABN holders), while the automatic transmission pushes the cost to $32,621 ($30,990 ABN). Private buyers which decided to get the 2018 LDV T60 Luxe manual will have to have $34,726, while ABN holders can get the same vehicle for $32,990. The topping Luxe automatic costs $36,831 ($34,990 ABN).