LDV Terron 9 undergoes local testing

LDV has commenced local validation testing of its Terron 9 range in Australia ahead of the duo’s arrival in showrooms in the second quarter of 2025.

To be offered with battery electric and turbo-diesel power, the LDV Terron 9 will go on sale alongside the T60 ute range, offering Australian buyers even greater choice in the burgeoning dual-cab segment.

This week, LDV Automotive Australia has commenced final validation testing of the Terron 9 range on Aussie soil, with two prototype examples of the model being assessed for advanced safety systems “such as speed-sign recognition, lane-keeping assistance, and other electronic aids”.

The Chinese importer says the test route includes major arterials and backroads in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, as well as the metropolitan areas and outskirts of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

“The purpose of this validation test is to ensure the new-generation LDV Terron 9 ute series is ready for Australian driving conditions,” said LDV Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa.

“The arrival of these vehicles for final validation testing shows the factory recognises the importance of the Australian market.”

LDV Automotive Australia confirmed that the eTerron 9 (electric) and Terron 9 (turbo-diesel) will be sold alongside the existing T60 ute series in Australia, giving buyers options at differing price points.

ROVER documents recently uncovered by GoAuto show the Terron 9 will be offered in both rear- and all-wheel drive formats with both electric and diesel powertrains.

GoAuto understands the battery electric eTerron 9 meanwhile is available with single 200kW or dual 325kW (200kW at the rear and 125kW at the front) electric motors.

Torque and range figures have not been provided, but European data shows the model offers 430km (WLTP) range from a 102kWh battery.

Meanwhile, the diesel model is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine developing 164kW (torque figures are not provided). The unit is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard with no manual option listed.

“We want to make sure when a ute buyer walks into an LDV showroom, we have a vehicle that offers value across a range of price points,” added Mr Chinnappa in referencing the part the Terron 9 will play against its smaller, and less expensive sibling.

“We are not going to leave our traditional ute buyers behind. Rather, the LDV Terron 9 ute series will broaden our offering across the ute segment.”

Mr Cinnappa said pricing and specifications for the LDV Terron 9 range ute will be announced closer to Australian showroom deliveries.

“Certain segments of the ute market are not only ready for an electric ute, they’ve been pleading for one,” he stated.

“Particularly fleets and mining companies who want a factory-built, turn-key solution straight off the showroom floor, rather than a diesel vehicle that has been converted to electric power.”

While the LDV eT60 electric ute recorded only modest sales in Australia since sales began in late 2022 – with approximately 100 examples reported as sold to date – the importer has high expectations for the all-new LDV eTerron 9.

“This is a completely different vehicle, inside and out,” said Mr Chinnappa.

“We are proud that the LDV eT60 was the first electric ute in Australian showrooms, but we are also proud to demonstrate just how far electric ute technology has progressed with this all-new model.”

The Terron 9 range is longer, wider, and taller than the recently updated LDV T60 Plus. Against its sibling, the Terron 9 measures 5500mm in length (+105mm), 1997mm in width (+97mm), and 1860mm in height (+41mm). It also rides on a longer wheelbase, measuring 3300mm (+125mm).

Year-to-date sales figures show the LDV T60 Plus with sales of 23 two-wheel drive and 5361 four-wheel drive models.

The tally places the model in eighth place within the crucial latter segment behind the Ford Ranger (49,028), Toyota HiLux (40,199), Isuzu D-Max (20,233), Mitsubishi Triton (12,109), Toyota LandCruiser (10,354), Mazda BT-50 (10,219), Nissan Navara (7746), Volkswagen Amarok (7297), and GWM Ute (6756).

The segment is rounded out by the SsangYong Musso (2899), GWM Cannon Alpha (768), and Jeep Gladiator (420).