The LDV T60 Max remains to be one of the vital inexpensive utes in the marketplace, however does it really feel like good worth? Or simply low-cost?

I drove one of many dearer examples of this ute for this check, the Luxe 4×4 dual-cab: which remains to be beneath $50,000, but it surely’s additionally missing some key stuff that some extra fancied utes supply as customary.

So, which is it: low-cost or good worth? Learn on to search out out! 

Because of our mates at Orange LDV in NSW for serving to out with this check drive.

How a lot does the LDV T60 Max price?

There are a number of variants within the LDV T60 Max line-up; 4 are mainstream with a standard sized tub, and there may be the Mega Tub mannequin providing, properly, a mega tub.

LDV T60 Max pricing:

• T60 Max Professional handbook: $39,042
• T60 Max Professional auto: $41,148
• T60 Max Luxe handbook: $43,779
• T60 Max Luxe auto: $45,884
• T60 Max Mega Tub: $47,463

ABN holder pricing:

• T60 Max Professional handbook – $36,990
• T60 Max Professional auto – $38,990
• T60 Max Luxe handbook – $41,490
• T60 Max Luxe auto – $43,490
• T60 Max Mega Tub – $44,990

Costs are drive-away

Simply remember these are the costs which can be listed on the LDV web site – there might be offers to be finished which can be even higher than this in case you’re prepared to buy round. Right here’s a sizzling tip – nation and regional sellers can usually do sharp costs or assist out on equipment to sweeten the deal.

So, what does the T60 compete with on value?

The plain rival is the GWM Ute, which has a spread of fashions accessible from as little as $33,990 for the bottom Cannon 4×2 (all costs listed are for ABN holders). There’s additionally a cab-chassis (Cannon CC) from $38,490 D/A, and costs vary all the best way as much as $51,490 D/A for the brand new Cannon-XSR off-road variant.

And the opposite nice different is the SsangYong Musso, which is out there from $36,790 drive-away for base EX handbook (quickly to be axed), with the auto including $2000. There’s additionally an Final grade from $43,090 D/A and you may select the Musso with the XLV Pack in each trims for $1500: this provides you a for much longer tub, longer wheelbase, and switches the coil suspension out for leaf springs within the again.

What’s the LDV T60 Max like on the within?

My largest bugbear with the inside of this ute is the seating place. I struggled to get into a cushty spot, with the seat base feeling a lot larger than I’d prefer it, and it additionally lacks attain adjustment for the steering wheel.

So, be sure to discover it appropriate ergonomically earlier than you commit. When you’re okay with the seat place – possibly you need that ‘command’ driving place that makes you’re feeling such as you’re peering down on different highway customers – then it might be nice for you. 

There are some first rate storage choices for the entrance occupants, with a pair of massive cup holders between the entrance seats, a coated centre console bin, an area in entrance of the gear selector to your telephone and pockets, and a glove compartment, too.

There’s additionally a dash-top storage tray, and on the very edges of the dashboard close to the vents there are thoughtfully positioned pop-out cup-holders as properly.

The 12.3-inch multimedia display screen isn’t the only factor to get to phrases with, however you do get used to it with time. It’s acquired Apple CarPlay (wired), however you should join utilizing the USB port that’s in the midst of the console, not the one on the aspect. At the least when you get used to the menus on the display screen it’s not too dangerous.

It’s extra the inconsistency of response that will get annoying, as a result of typically it’s going to reply quick, different occasions it looks like you might want to push your finger deep into it for some form of response.

In contrast to the D90 SUV, the T60 has a haptic-style contact panel for local weather management features, which make it annoying to make use of.

At the least it’s not like another new automobiles that require you to regulate all the pieces by way of the touchscreen, however the touch-sensitivity for the fan, temperature and A/C controls isn’t nearly as good because it might be. Buttons can be higher in a ute like this, particularly for drivers who may be carrying gloves.

The gear selector is an e-shifter model factor, which is ok, however takes slightly studying. I do like that there’s an auto park brake, because it saves house up entrance.

The supplies aren’t of a normal that you simply’ll be keen to indicate the cabin off to your mates, however they really feel sturdy. I really feel the identical concerning the faux leather-based.

There’s significantly extra again seat house within the T60 Max than in a few of the big-name, big-selling utes in the marketplace. I had a Ford Ranger once I drove this ute, and I used to be blown away on the distinction, with the T60 providing at the least just a few inches of additional kneeroom.

I’m 182cm or 6’0, and I may comfortably sit behind my very own driving place with room to wiggle, whereas foot and headroom have been additionally good. The cabin width is first rate – possibly not as broad as some rivals – however you may match three adults throughout the again at a pinch.

If you’re extra probably to make use of this ute for child duties, there are ISOFIX factors in each outboard seats, in addition to top-tether factors behind the window seats.

It is a large bonus in comparison with different automobiles just like the HiLux, which have a central tether strap that by no means feels such as you’re getting the seat as securely fitted correctly. 

The facilities are first rate too, with a pair of directional air-vents, map pockets within the seatbacks, a fold-down armrest with cup-holders, and bottle holders within the doorways.

As with many different utes, you may fold up the bench seat base for additional dry storage in case you aren’t utilizing the spots for little one seats, or you may fold down the seat backrest too.

When you’re curious as to what the size distinction between the traditional variations and the Mega Tub are, it’s sizable. The Mega Tub is 5680mm lengthy, some 315mm lengthier than the usual ute. It additionally has a large 3470mm wheelbase, up from 3155mm on the opposite variations.

As you’d count on, the bathtub size is significantly bigger – 1760mm on the flooring for the Mega Tub, in contrast with 1485mm for traditional variations. Different tub measurements are unchanged: 1510mm huge; 1131mm between the arches; 530mm deep.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

All variations of the LDV T60 Max are powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel producing 160kW of energy (4000rpm) and 500Nm of torque (1500-2400rpm). That’s on par with the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok for torque from a diesel four-cylinder engine.

In contrast to these twins-under-the-skin; nonetheless, the T60 is out there with a six-speed handbook transmission or an eight-speed automated transmission from ZF.

4-wheel drive is customary, with 2H high-range rear-wheel drive, 4H high-range, 4L low-range, and an Auto mode that makes use of “Clever Actual-Time Torque on demand from BorgWarner” to apportion grunt the place it’s wanted most. When you purchase the Luxe grade you additionally get an on-demand rear differential lock system.

It’s additionally value noting there are two totally different suspension tunes: a heavy-duty one for the Professional, and a extra comfort-focused setup for the Luxe.

All variations have a 750kg unbraked towing capability and 3000kg braked, which is decrease than most utes within the class. Additionally remember that the GVM or gross car mass is 3050kg for Professional fashions and 2900kg for the others, whereas the GCM (gross mixture mass) is 6050kg for Professional, and 5900kg for the others.

LDV T60 payload:

• T60 Max Professional handbook: 935kg
• T60 Max Professional auto: 925kg
• T60 Max Luxe handbook: 750kg
• T60 Max Luxe auto: 750kg
• T60 Max Mega Tub: 730kg

How does the LDV T60 Max drive?

When you’re taking a look at a twin cab ute and also you aren’t anticipating SUV-like dynamics and driving manners, then you’ll hit the goal right here.

It’s not dangerous to drive, however there are many different utes that make it really feel outdated when it comes to the drive expertise. Nevertheless, for many who are buying and selling up from a 20-year-old Triton or Bravo, it’s going to really feel fairly bloody good.

Top-of-the-line attributes of the T60 Max Luxe is the fitment of Continental tyres. These make for a sure-footed expertise, with higher responsiveness to steering inputs than another utes shod with cheaper rubber.

As a result of the Luxe has the softer rear leaf-spring setup, it does supply a extra snug trip than the Professional however if you need the very best trip consolation of all, the Mega Tub is the one to select.

Look, it’s not a Ford Ranger when it comes to trip consolation, but it surely’s nonetheless higher than some large title utes in the marketplace – just like the HiLux. In reality, in my view it’s higher than the Toyota by a sizeable margin.

The steering really feel is a bit odd as a result of it’s mild on-centre however then weights up as you flip the wheel additional. It does nook effective for a ute like this, but it surely’s not as fulfilling as another vans on the market – particularly contemplating you will get a VW Amarok Core for not a complete lot extra money…

The engine positively has sufficient punch for most individuals’s wants, however it may be slightly laggy taking off from a standstill.

Additionally, when it’s chilly it could actually really feel slightly bit ‘chuggy’. Moreover, together with the eight-speed auto it could actually really feel a tad confused about whether or not shifting to the subsequent gear is required.

One other issue to notice is that it’s loud, too. The engine has a noticeable diesel rattle, which is most evident at decrease speeds. Fortunately there’s not all that a lot wind or highway noise at a better tempo, although.

Nevertheless, in my expertise this ute’s powertrain does a greater job if you’re asking extra of the engine than I usually did.

It was simply me, no load, no towing… and once I’ve finished loaded driving previously, the diesel felt extra measured in its torque supply, and the auto felt prefer it was utilizing its logic higher. It’s prefer it’s constructed for a job, so it may be nice in case you’re going to make use of it like that.

All in all, not dangerous. Not the very best drive, but it surely’s not the most costly ute – in order that’s to be anticipated.

What do you get?

T60 Max Professional highlights:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Metal spare wheel
• Heavy obligation suspension 
• Automated LED headlights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Matte silver grille
• Facet steps
• Chrome roof rails
• Chrome steel sports activities bar
• Spray-in tub liner
• Tyre stress monitoring
• Hill descent management
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wired Apple CarPlay
• 6-speaker sound system
• Top-adjustable steering column
• Local weather management air-conditioning
• Cruise management
• Guide-dimming rear-view mirror
• Material upholstery

T60 Luxe + Mega Tub add:

• Keyless entry and begin
• Rear on-demand differential lock
• Fuel-strut bonnet
• Energy-folding exterior mirrors
• Black grille
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Heated entrance seats
• 6-way energy entrance seats
• Half-leather accented inside trim

Is the LDV T60 protected?

The pre-facelift LDV T60 scored a five-star ANCAP security ranking in 2017; although whereas that rating is legitimate till the tip of 2024, occasions have modified and crash testing standards has grow to be far stricter.

In 2017, for instance, ANCAP didn’t even break down the element scores: simply referred to as issues “good” or “acceptable”.

As a result of that ranking remains to be legitimate, don’t go anticipating any large security updates. However in comparison with rivals within the phase, it actually may do with some enhancements.

There isn’t any autonomous emergency braking, which additionally means no pedestrian or bike owner detection, and no ahead collision warning system. There’s additionally no lively lane-keeping tech and also you don’t get blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert both.

Now, that might be music to some ute consumers’ ears. I get it – higher to not have the tech than to have a foul implementation of it, as some rivals do.

Nevertheless, you continue to do get some options many different utes don’t have, equivalent to a surround-view digicam on Luxe and Mega Tub variations. There’s additionally camera-based lane departure warning, but it surely doesn’t steer you again into your lane. 

In any other case, the vary comes with:

• 6 airbags
  • Twin entrance
  • Twin front-side
  • Twin aspect curtains
• Cruise management
• Tyre stress monitoring
• Hill descent management
• Hill begin help
• Stability and traction management
• Rear parking sensors
• Reversing digicam

How a lot does the LDV T60 price to run?

The T60 Max line-up from MY23 is obtainable with a seven-year, 200,000km guarantee. You get 5 years (limitless kilometres) of roadside help cowl, too.

LDV is among the solely manufacturers left in Australia that doesn’t have a capped-price servicing program. Discuss along with your dealership and you need to be capable to get an thought of the anticipated upkeep prices. 

The official mixed cycle gasoline consumption for the handbook T60 fashions is 9.2 litres per 100km, whereas the auto is alleged to sip 9.3L/100km.

My check drive didn’t cowl all that a lot floor, however I noticed 10.4L/100km on the show, and that’s near what I’ve seen previously when operating a T60 Max for an extended interval. Simply be aware that in case you go off-road, tow, or load this ute up, you’re clearly going to see a better determine. 

The T60 has a 73-litre gasoline tank.

CarExpert’s Tackle the LDV T60 Max

There’s a load of worth on supply within the LDV T60 Max, and the Luxe model is a fairly compelling alternative for many who need just a few creature comforts and a extra snug trip.

It’s feeling and displaying its age in contrast with the newer, extra subtle GWM Ute, and it may not be as likeable as a SsangYong Musso to stay with… but it surely does have a task to play.

For individuals who are in search of a no-frills ute, it looks like a strong alternative.

Because of our mates at Orange LDV for serving to facilitate this car mortgage.

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