LDV has just announced some significant news for their latest release, the T60 Max Plus 4×4 ute. With the most significant upgrade being found at the back of the vehicle. Yep, the LDV T60 Max Plus features a multi-link coil sprung rear suspension system. This should offer a better ride on-road, potentially more suspension travel off-road. I dare say the aftermarket will work out ways to make these into flex-machines too. Just like they did with the NP300 Navara platform. Time will tell…
How much power does the LDV ute make?
Powertrain-wise, the T60 Max Plus keeps the familiar 2.0-litre, four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine. Claimed power figures from LDV for this motor, are 160kW at 4000rpm and 500Nm from a reported 1500rpm. That’s not a bad figure for a small-capacity diesel.
The T60 Max Plus scored remapped engine software. LDV says this offers a more linear delivery of power. Bosch electronically controlled, high-pressure common rail technology have also been retained.
Automatic transmission-wise, LDV has selected an 8-speed ZF gearbox. They tell us this transmission maps and learns the way you drive, to best keep the T60 Max Plus in the correct gear for the terrain you are driving in. There is also a manual transmission available for 2024. LDV has provided claimed fuel consumption figures, based on a combined cycle, being 9.3L/100km for the manual and 8.9L/100km for the automatic transmission.
Suspension and off-road
As mentioned, the T60 Max Plus has ditched leaf springs and boasts a coil-spring rear suspension setup. LDV says the reason for going to coils is they can deliver more control and a better ride over a range of surfaces, as well as an increase in payload capability. We look forward to testing this claim.
For keen off-roaders, LDV has included their Real-Time Torque on Demand system – an on-demand rear differential lock from BorgWarner. A non-manually-selectable diff lock basically, which means no driver input is required for it to activate. The driver can also manually select high-speed 2WD, high-speed 4WD and low-speed 4WD for tough off-road conditions.
2024 LDV Safety and technology
The 2024 LDV T60 features Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) which works from 8km/h. Other standard safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, which operates from 8-130km/h, and Lane Keep Assist, activating from 60km/h.
Other updates for 2024 include LED daytime running lights, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree panoramic camera and a Fatigue Reminder. There’s also six airbags (driver and front passenger, side airbags, and full-length curtain bags), Electronic Brake Assist (EBA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), and a new electronic power steering system which LDV says this system offers more feel and response.
2024 LDV T60 Max Plus pricing
Driveaway pricing for ABN holders starts at $45,990 for the manual, $47,990 for the automatic, and $49,490 for the Megatub automatic. All LDV T60s come with a 7-year / 200,000km warranty (whichever occurs first) and 5-year/unlimited kilometre Roadside Assist.
What LDV has to say
“The Aussie ute market is a key battleground for OEMs as the vehicles have to be truly multi-purpose, bridging the gap between work necessity and lifestyle choice,” says Dinesh Chinnappa, LDV General Manager.
“We’ve listened to feedback from the market and worked closely with our colleagues in China to ensure the T60 range remains competitive. T60 Max Plus is a new model that has key technical, specification and safety updates to complement its position as one of the most powerful four-cylinder utes you can buy.”
