LDV reprices D90 large SUV

LDV Automotive Australia has tweaked its D90 seven-seater line-up, reducing pricing to create what it claims is the “best-value family SUV” currently on sale Down Under.

Offered in four variants from launch, the D90 is now available in three versions, with the unnamed entry-level two-wheel-drive offering priced from $35,990 driveaway – $1000 less than its Mode 2WD predecessor.

The Executive flagship costs an extra $4000 in 2WD form, while it can also be had in four-wheel-drive guise for $43,990, which is $3000 less than what the previously range-topping Luxe 4WD cost.

For reference, the D90 primarily competes with the SsangYong Rexton (from $39,990) and Haval H9 (from $41,990).

“We’ve listened to the market, simplified our line-up and recalibrated the LDV D90 for hard-working Australian families,” said LDV Automotive Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa.

“The D90 is a demonstration of the advanced technical and design capabilities of LDV. Nothing in its segment comes close, particularly the range-topping D90 Executive, in terms of value for money, space, equipment, comfort and safety.”

Standard equipment in the D90 includes three drive modes (Eco, Normal and Sport), 18-inch alloy wheels with a space-saver spare, LED headlights and daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding side mirrors with heating, side steps and roof rails.

Inside, a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, an 8.0-inch multi-function display, a six-speaker sound system, keyless entry and start, manual air-conditioning and leather-accented front seats feature.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, driver attention alert, traffic-sign recognition, hill-descent control, hill-start assist, tyre pressure monitoring, a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors, plus six airbags.

The Executive grade adds 19-inch alloy wheels, puddle lights, a sunroof, a power-operated tailgate, an eight-speaker sound system, climate control, ambient lighting, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and first and second rows, and a leather-accented third row.

Meanwhile, its 4WD variant also gets an electronic differential lock and four additional off-road drive modes (Rock, Mud, Sand and Snow).

Metallic paintwork can be optioned on the D90 for $500.

The D90 is motivated by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 165kW of power at 5300rpm and 350Nm of torque from 2500-3500rpm. It is mated to a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

For 2WD versions, claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle test is 10.2 litres per 100 kilometres, while their carbon dioxide emissions are 238 grams per km. The lone 4WD variant drinks 10.9L/100km and emits 255g/km.

D90 sales have taken a significant hit this year, with just 167 examples sold to the end of September – a 26.4 per cent decrease over the 227 deliveries made during the same period in 2018. As such, it is the slowest-selling model in LDV Automotive Australia’s line-up.

Nonetheless, Mr Chinnappa said: “The D90 is a critical component of our brand’s growth and journey.

“With this realigned pricing, the D90 now sets new benchmarks when it comes to value-for-money motoring, allowing us to build and prepare for even more exciting developments on this vehicle in 2020.

“Put simply, the LDV D90 lets families get more out of life.”

2019 LDV D90 driveaway pricing