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The new LDV T60 Max Plus.
While it wouldn’t be unfair to call the LDV T60 “the poor man’s ute”, a change of distributor in 2023 has seen the brand raise its profile, while the recent arrival of the new LDV T60 Max Plus, will undoubtedly open the door to a wider audience for the brand.
Offering the same 2-litre, 4-cylinder, twin turbo diesel powerplant, delivering 160kW/500Nm, mated to an 8-speed, ZF-sourced transmission with on-demand 4WD and hi/lo options, the rest of the vehicle has been brought right up to date.
Distributor Inchcape’s head of marketing Daile Stephens says they offer a vehicle that is put together well, offers outstanding specification and offers excellent value for money.
Indeed at $55,990, with a 7-year, 200,000km warranty, roadside assistance and annual WOF inspections, the T60 Max Plus offers a compelling argument that if nothing else will make other players think about continuously increasing prices.
Having spent a week with vehicle, there is much to like and little to criticise. Visually, the front end has been squared off with a bold front grille and bumper assembly, while black styling detail is found on the wheels, wheel arches, door trims and running boards. The rear well deck features a spray-on liner and multiple tie-down points, a lockable tailgate and 830kg payload and 3000kg towing capacities.
Looking to the interior, changes include leather, heated and power adjusted seats and an uncluttered centre console with a wireless phone charging pad. Ahead of the driver, twin, 12.5- inch touch screens offer control of entertainment and machine functions, with standard specification including auto wipers, auto headlights, with high beam control, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree surround view camera.
Shift selection is column mounted, alongside the heated steering wheel, with easy access to the controls for hill decent, hill hold, rear diff selection and hi/lo modes. Safety assistance takes the form of Land Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking.
Out on the road, the T60 Max Plus is easy to live with; the engine might sound a little harsh, but this is countered by smooth delivery and plenty of torque, with the transmission being silky smooth, with unnoticeable shifts.
The only real complaint might be transmission ratios, where trying to maintain 50km/h at low revs in built-up areas, tended to cause the “hunt” between speeds. Comfort is right up there, with very supportive seats and while some might comment on a “choppy” ride - a common trait for any unladen ute - the upgrade to a multi-link, coil sprung rear suspension for the T60 Max Plus reduces the effect, but importantly means the truck remains planted through bends, particularly those with a poor surface. Certainly, one to watch at <www.ldv.co.nz
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