2018 LDV D90: Australian details

Initial details for the 2018 LDV D90 have been revealed ahead of its launch on November 15.

Both two- and four-wheel drive versions will be offered locally, along with three trim levels – all featuring seven seats. Headlining features include the availability of autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, a 12.0-inch central infotainment system and an 8.0-inch multifunction driver’s display.

The big new LDV D90 also gets six airbags, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition ambient interior lighting, a gesture operated electric tailgate, and a 220W power socket. A ventilated and massaging driver’s seat will be offered on the top-spec variant.

Under the bonnet is a 165kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, mated exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Four-wheel-driven variants will also feature low-range gearing, terrain selection and an electronic rear differential lock. A turbo-diesel, which is currently under development, will join the range in around 18 months.

Claimed fuel consumption for the two-wheel drive D90 is 10.2L/100km combined, while the four-wheel drive version is marginally higher at 10.9L/100km. Regardless of the drivetrain, the D90 features idle stop/start to reduce fuel use in urban environments.

“While there are three different trim and equipment levels, there is nothing that could be called a ‘basic’ version of the LDV D90,” said Dinesh Chinnappa, general manager of LDV Automotive Australia.

“This means that the LDV D90 not only has everything expected of an SUV, it also has a range of features that might not be expected, such as automatic road sign recognition [and] luxury features that might be expected of higher market cars, such as a driver’s seat that is heated, cooled and offers a massage.”

“Each version is laden with equipment and features, which means that when it comes to the features offered by the D90, they range from the excellent to the exceptional, depending on the equipment level,” he added.

All LDV D90s will come with a five year, 130,000 kilometre warranty and loan car programme.

Pricing is still to be revealed, although Chinnappa has previously told CarAdvice the company is looking at Kia and Hyundai as a benchmark.

“If you’re looking at a new brand, from anywhere, particularly in China, there’s a product price relativity that you have to achieve to give consumers enough reasons to want to buy it,” Chinnappa said in April.

“Competitive means priced beneath the status quo of vehicles by at least 15 to 20 per cent.”

“The traditional hierarchy in Australia is Europeans, then Japanese, then Koreans. Chinese brands would slot under that. My starting point would be to look at the two Korean brands. They are our benchmark products,” he added.

Full pricing and specifications will be announced on November 15 as part of the new SUV’s Australian launch.

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