The LDV T60 is set to hit UK showrooms in September 2019 and, ahead of its launch, we’ve given exclusive access to test out the very first one to land on our shores. Built in China, the LDV T60 is imported by the Harris Group, which has around 40 dealers in the UK.
LDV T60: Interior
Forget Chinese vehicles of the past (Great Wall Steed, we’re looking at you!), the cabin is extremely stylish and fitted with all the latest mod-cons. Although slightly narrow, the cab is extremely spacious and the low-sitting windows and dashboard let in plenty of light while providing great all-round visibility.
Our version was furnished with air conditioning, reversing cameras, electrically-headed and adjustable door mirrors (which fold when locked), adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated seats and an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat.
LDV T60: Engine and Transmission
Under the bonnet is SAIC’s (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, developing 150hp and 360Nm with three driving modes; normal, eco and power. It generates a rumbling groan and drinks diesel at a rate you’d expect from a brutish 2.8, but it doesn’t produce the goods; even in ‘power’ mode, we found it to be quite sluggish.
However, LDV has stated a new 2.0-litre engine – produced in conjunction with VM Motori of Italy – will be used to power UK models. There is a choice between rear and four-wheel drive, and between a five or six-speed manual gearbox, or even a six-speed automatic.
LDV T60: Payload and Towing
By employing a heavy-duty ladder chassis and leaf springs at the rear, the T60 will have a one-tonne payload and a towing capacity of up to three tonnes on four-wheel drive models. The load bed is quite short at 1,485mm (increasing to 1,800mm on the extended cab), although it is quite wide at 1,510mm and deep at 530mm.
LDV T60: Safety
SAIC (the parent company of LDV) has stated that it is expecting five-star ratings on both the Australian NCAP (ANCAP) and European NCAP safety standards. Six airbags are fitted as standard, along with an array of electronic safety systems such as load adaptive control, collision alert and a driver fatigue warning.
LDV T60: Price and Availability
So far, the Harris Group hasn’t commented on the price other than it will ‘undercut’ the market. We expect that prices will start around the £17,500 to £18,500 mark (plus VAT) for the standard 4×2 base model.
Available from LDV’s 40-strong UK dealer network, there is a choice between single, extended and double cabs in China, but it’s currently unknown which versions will be heading to the UK.
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I hope it doesn’t come to the UK with that awful grille, it looks hideous!
Believe it or not here in Oamaru. south island New Zealand I saw one parked up on street, we had Chinese bilt here for many years. the t60 actually looks pretty cool in real life and menacingly large, the owner reckons its pretty well bilt and worth the money at 1/2 the price of a hi lux. the Foton Tunland is roughly the same price but its more of a mid range workhorse., regarding ugly at front I really don’t think so as its kinda cross between a Nissan Titan Ford f series and a Toyota Tundra mix. the chrome letter A grows on me a bit as I don’t see much difference between that and the Australian bilt Seddon Atkinson and International Harvester Atkinson sold here in the 80’s which also had a large letter A at grill.
the grill grew on me. i could live with it.