Friday, 17 January 2025 10:55

LDC looking to raise its game

Written by  Mark Daniel
The new LDV T60 Ute was launched last month. The new LDV T60 Ute was launched last month.

While the LDV brand has been available in New Zealand for a number of years, it’s typically been recognised as a second tier offering. That has started to change after distribution passed to the Inchcape Group in 2023, who are on a trajectory to improve that public perspective, and in due course, push sales upwards.

The pre-Christmas launch of the new LDV T60 ute offers a glimpse of where things are heading, with the likes of a new front bumper and grille, fully optioned side-view mirrors with heating and auto-folding, LED DRL and auto-dipping headlights and new 18-inch wheels.

To understand the moves to get better customer recognition, it’s necessary to take a step back and take note of the 7-year/200,000km warrant - up from the current 5-year/130,000km offering - alongside 7-year complementary WOF inspections, including all vehicles registered in MY-2024.

Power, as in the current models, is delivered via the same 2-litre, twin-turbo diesel to offer 160kW and 500Nm peak torque. An 8-speed transmission, sourced from ZF, is complemented by an on-demand 4WD system, combining to offer a 3000kg towing capacity.

Priced at a competitive $55,990, the new T60 Max Plus, the new ute, compares with current $50,000 Lux and $47,000 Elite versions, which will take the new look in the not-so-distant future.

Elsewhere, further upgrades include keyless entry and push button start, a lockable tailgate, auto wipers, auto headlights with automatic high-beam selection, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround view camera system.

In the cabin, leather accentuated upholstery features contrast stitching, with comfortable seats offering heating and power adjustment, alongside a heated steering wheel that is always welcomed.

Shift selection is via a column mounted control, while the infotainment package takes the form of twin 12.5-inch-wide screens, housed within a single full-width frame. Moving to functionality, the rear tub includes a spray-on liner for durability, with four tie-down points.

Tackling difficult terrain should be a breeze, with standard equipment including Hill Descent and Hill Start assist functions, stability and traction control, with an on-demand, rear locking differential. The new LDV T60 Max Plus is available for purchase from mid-January 2025.

More like this

LDV unveils all-new Terron 9 Elite ute

As if there wasn’t enough choice in the New Zealand ute market, LDV New Zealand is expanding its offering, by showcasing the all-new Terron 9 Elite at Fieldays.

John Deere acquires Sentera to boost smart farming capabilities

While tractors combines and machinery for agriculture and construction is still its key business, John Deere appears to be taking opportunities in the hightech sector via acquisition, with the recent purchase of Sentera, a Minnesota-based company that specialises in equipment for capturing and interpreting aerial images.

Fendt 600 Vario Series arrives in NZ

Released in New Zealand earlier in the year, the new Fendt 600 Vario series, serving the 150-200hp category, is a compact and manoeuvrable 4-cylinder tractor with high performance and payload, at a low power-to-weight ratio.

Featured

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Overbearing?

OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…

Foot-in-mouth

OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter