LDV confirms three-variant D90 SUV range

LDV’S D90 large seven-seat SUV will be offered with high levels of standard specification when it lands in Australian showrooms in mid November as the Chinese car-maker looks to steal sales away from the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and Isuzu MU-X.

While specific equipment levels and pricing are yet to be detailed, LDV has confirmed features such as traffic and speed sign recognition, a 12.0-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, heated, cooled and massaging driver’s seat, and a gesture-operated power tailgate will be included in the D90 line-up.

Blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, front collision warning, six airbags, puddle lights and an 8.0-inch multi-function display nestled between the instrumentation will also feature, while adaptive cruise control will be standard across the three-variant range.

The D90 will be powered by a 165kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission at launch, available in either two- or all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration returning 10.2 litres per 100km and 10.9L/100km respectively.

AWD D90s also gain high- and low-range settings, as well as a rear differential lock, for improved off-road ability.

Sharing the same platform as the T90 pick-up that goes on sales in Australia next week, the D90 measures 5200mm long, 2050mm wide and boasts 2.3 cubic metres of storage space with the second and third row seats folded.

The D90 will become LDV’s fourth model available on the Australian market following the G10, V80 and T60, and is expected to come in at a price well under its large seven-seat SUV competitors including the Ford Everest (from $47,990 before on-roads), Isuzu MU-X ($42,800), Mitsubishi Pajero Sport ($45,000) and Toyota Fortuner ($47,990).

A diesel powertrain is expected to bolster the D90 range in the future when the new engine comes on stream.

LDV Automotive Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa said the brand leveraged the expertise from its parent company to develop the D90 SUV and hinted at its expected competitive pricing.

“This means that the D90 provides an even stronger value for money equation, given its ability, features and technology,” he said.

“The SUV sector may be hard fought, but we believe that the D90 will be a strong and competitive addition to the sector and will be another top seller for LDV in Australia.

“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.”