By Malusi Msomi

LDV South Africa has added another double-cab bakkie to its local line-up with the introduction of the T60 Max Plus. The new model made its South African debut at this year’s Festival of Motoring and is positioned above the existing T60 variants in terms of power and specification.

The T60 Max Plus is powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine producing 160 kW and 500 Nm. Power is sent to the wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, while a selectable four-wheel-drive system provides 2WD, 4WD High and 4WD Low modes.

The bakkie also gets Eco and Sport driving modes, along with ventilated disc brakes at both axles. LDV quotes a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.9 L/100 km, with fuel stored in a 73-litre tank.

Load carrying and towing

The T60 Max Plus has an 830 kg payload and a 3,000 kg braked towing capacity. Its load box measures 1,485 mm long, 1,510 mm wide and 530 mm high.

The load area includes four tie-down hooks, a spray-in tub liner and tailgate assist. The bakkie has a 3,175 mm wheelbase.

For off-road driving, the four-wheel-drive system can be switched between its various modes, while a rear on-demand differential lock is also fitted. Hill Descent Control and Hill-Start Assist are included as part of the vehicle’s equipment.

The suspension consists of a double-wishbone arrangement at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, with electric power steering.

Exterior and interior

The T60 Max Plus is distinguished from other T60 models by a number of exterior changes, including 18-inch black alloy wheels, a gloss-black front grille, black wheel arches and a black sports bar.

Inside, the dashboard features two 12.3-inch digital displays. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, while wireless smartphone charging is also included.

The front seats are leather-trimmed and offer six-way electric adjustment and heating. Other equipment includes a heated multifunction steering wheel, climate control with rear air vents, keyless entry and push-button start.

Safety

Driver assistance equipment includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist.

The safety specification also includes multiple airbags, stability and traction control, Hill Descent Control and Hill-Start Assist. Front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree panoramic camera and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System are also fitted.

Growing LDV line-up

The T60 Max Plus arrives as LDV continues to expand its South African range. The brand has recently introduced the T60 Utility Single Cab and Double Cab, G10+ mid-sized panel van, Deliver 9 commercial van and D90 Elite seven-seat 4WD SUV.

These models join the existing T60 Elite Double Cab, T60 Pro Double Cab, D90 Flagship and Terron 9.

Speaking at the Festival of Motoring, LDV South Africa CEO Gerhard Moolman acknowledged that the brand had a slow start following its local launch in 2024, but said it now has a base from which to build its presence in the market.

Moolman also pointed to LDV’s commercial vehicle range as an important part of the company’s plans for South Africa.

Pricing

The LDV T60 Max Plus is priced from R699,000 and comes with a five-year/200,000 km warranty.