LDV D90 large SUV kicks off from $36,990 d/a

LDV’S all-new D90 has arrived in Australian showrooms, handing the Chinese brand a big ladder-chassis seven-seat SUV which is packed full of high-level equipment across the range and priced at launch from just $36,990 driveaway.

Based on the T60 one-tonne utility, the D90 lines up against the Chinese-built Haval H9 positioned much further upstream (starting at $46,490, currently with on-road costs thrown in), along with a host of other ute-based large SUVs such as the Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner, Holden Trailblazer, Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, all of which start well north of $40,000.

The D90 is offered in three trim levels – Mode, Deluxe and Luxe – and a choice of driveline (2WD or 4WD), although the four-wheel-drive option is only available on Deluxe and Luxe.

The step up from the entry-level Mode to Deluxe adds $3000, while specifying 4WD requires another $3000. The range tops out with the 4WD-only Luxe priced from $46,990 driveaway – about the mark where most of the D90’s rivals kick off.

We hasten to add that LDV importer Ateco Automotive has listed these as “launch prices” and a spokesman has confirmed to GoAuto that prices will increase late in the first quarter of 2018.

The company said it was unable to provide details on the extent to which D90 pricing will rise, citing exchange rates as a determining factor.

The only listed option is metallic paint at $500.

As previously reported, the D90 is offered with a single powertrain and transmission combination – a Euro 5-compliant 2.0-litre ‘NLE 2.0T’ direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The engine produces 165kW of power at 5300rpm and 350Nm of torque from 2500-3500rpm, which is roughly equivalent to the Haval H9 – a model that similarly relies on a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four producing 160kW/324Nm but is set for an upgrade to 180kW/350Nm – in a segment where its other major rivals all exclusively use turbo-diesel engines.

A diesel engine is in development for the D90, but for now the turbo-petrol shoulders the load in a vehicle that tips the scales at 2130kg at the entry level and 2330kg at the top end.

Combined-cycle fuel economy is 10.2L/100km for the 2WD versions and 10.9L/100km for AWD variants, figures that would be higher without the standard fitment of an automatic engine idle-stop system. CO2 emissions are rated at 238g/km (2WD) and 255g/km (AWD).

A double-wishbone layout is used for the front suspension and a five-link coil spring design at the rear. The steering is a regulation hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion system – the turning circle is 12.0m – while disc brakes (with twin-piston callipers up front) are used at all four corners, aided by electronic aids such as ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and even autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

All of the driver-assist features are still subject to confirmation, but the list as it stands now makes impressive reading with standard systems on-board the D90 also including adaptive front lighting, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, lane-departure warning, front collision warning, roll movement intervention, hill-start assist, tyre pressure monitoring, electronic stability and traction control, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, front/rear foglights, daytime running lights and automatic dusk-sensing LED headlights.

A maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating is anticipated.

The 4WD versions add a rear differential lock and have four ‘terrain selection’ modes (rock, mud, sand and snow), Luxe has a 360-degree exterior camera and both Deluxe and Luxe have keyless entry/start. Six airbags, including full-length curtain bags, are fitted standard across the range.

Towing capacity is 2000kg on all variants, the fuel tank holds 75 litres, ground clearance is 210mm, wading depth 600mm and approach/departure angles 28/25 degrees (unladen).

The large SUV rests on a 2950mm wheelbase and measures 5005mm from end to end, 1875mm from road to roof and 1932mm from one exterior wing mirror to the other.

Inside, the D90 offers 412 litres of cargo space with all three rows in place, rising to 1350L when the third-row seats are folded and 2382L when the second row is placed down as well.

At the entry level, the Mode is also fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, side steps, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, electric windows/mirrors, an 8.0-inch multifunction instrument display, 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with six speakers, three USB ports, Bluetooth, MP3 and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration), satellite steering wheel controls, six-way driver’s seat adjustment, faux leather seats up front (cloth in the rows behind), dual-zone air-conditioning, three 12V power outlets (plus a 220V/150W socket) and a luggage net.

Stepping up to Deluxe brings 19-inch alloys, puddle door lights, a sunroof, chrome exterior highlights, another couple of speakers, fully adjustable steering column, leather-clad tiller, eight-way driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery for the first and second row (faux leather for the third), climate-control air-conditioning, ambient interior lighting, a luggage rack and electronic tailgate operation.

The Luxe has heated and auto-folding door mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 12-speaker audio, up-spec driver’s seat (with heating, ventilation, massage and two memory settings) and electronic-adjust front passenger and second-row seats (with heating).

The D90 is covered by a five-year/130,000km warranty with roadside assistance (including loan car program) for the duration. A 10-year anti-perforation rust warranty is also in place.

2017 LDV D90 driveaway pricing

Mode 2WD (a)	$36,990
Deluxe 2WD (a)	$39,990
Deluxe 4WD (a)	$42,990
Luxe 4WD (a)	$46,990