Updated for 2023, the LDV T60 Max is a trendy, robust looking rig. We got the chance to put it through its paces at a media launch event held at Berrima, in the NSW Southern Highlands, and were suitably impressed by what it had to offer.
Labelled Australia’s most powerful four-cylinder ute by the Chinese manufacturer, its easy to manage, both on and off road, with excellent ground clearance and minimal overhangs ensuring you can navigate some pretty gnarly terrain.
It had no qualms traversing tight turns, steep descents, rock platforms, narrow tree lined tracks and muddy conditions. That capability comes thanks to its intelligent real-time torque-on-demand system that delivers maximum traction automatically.
The selector in the centre console allows the driver to also manually select high-speed 2WD, high-speed 4WD and low-speed 4WD for tougher off-road conditions. It’s a vehicle that feels safe and confident on both the tarmac and dirt too.
Available in two trims – Pro and Luxe (a mega-tub version is also available) – both are offered in either 6-speed manual or 8-speed ZF auto, with the latter scoring flappy paddles for the first time.
It’s powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbo 4-cylinder diesel engine, delivering 160kW of power and 500Nm of torque. Fuel economy is a claimed 9.2-litres/100km for the manual variants, and 9.3-litres for the automatic varieties.
The Pro comes standard with LED daytime running lights, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors and camera. There’s also a fatigue reminder, and a sleek 10.25-inch central touchscreen.
The latter supports Apple CarPlay or Bluetooth smart phone connectivity. Many of the vehicle’s functions are accessed through this system. The T60 Max Luxe adds 360-degree panoramic camera, and cruise and climate control.
It also features six-way electronically adjustable leather trim seats. Across the range, there’s a host of airbags, electronic brake assist with electronic brakeforce distribution, hill descent control, and in the Luxe, a lane departure warning system.
Outside, the T60 Max features newly designed side steps, full chrome sports bar and roof rails for the Pro edition, while the Luxe adds coloured door mirrors, 19-inch black alloys fitted with 240km/h rated Continental tyres, and black wheel arches.
Black side steps, black roof rails, and a distinctive black rear sports bar with sail plane also features. Both variants come with soft-release tailgate, and have an updated leather steering wheel.
As a female, and one who’s smaller in stature, this writer was super impressed with the capabilities on offer from both T60 variants. The side steps and fixed handles made it easy for me to jump in and out of the pickup, without even a hint of struggle.
Open the tailgate and a spray-in tub liner keeps the bed protected from wear and tear, while four tie-down points help to secure loads. Payload for the heavy-duty Pro manual is 935kg (750kg for the Luxe) while both offer up to 3.0-tonne braked towing.
The 2023 LDV T60 Max comes with a 7-year or 200,000km warranty, and 5-years or 130,000km worth of roadside assistance. It retails at $41,042 drive away for the Max Pro (manual), or if you have an ABN, you can grab one for $38,990.
The standard range tops out with the Luxe (automatic), which is $47,884 drive away for retail customers, or $45,490 for ABN holders. Those keen for a Mega Tub (auto only) will need to spend $49,463 drive away retail, or $46,990 with an ABN.
Our test vehicles were provided by LDV Australia as part of a media launch event. To find out more about the 2023 LDV T60 Max range, contact your local LDV dealer.
