Another Chinese CX-5 rival coming

Hot on the heels of launching its first ute and SUV, ambitious Chinese brand LDV — backed by China's biggest car-maker — will release its first direct rival for Australia's most popular SUVs including the mid-size CX-5 in 12 months.

Due on sale here by November 2018, the all-new mid-size SUV is being developed with not only petrol and diesel engines but also full electric and hybrid powertrains.

It’s unclear at this stage what engine choices Australian buyers will have for the mid-size LDV SUV, which will join fellow Chinese brand Haval’s redesigned H6 on sale, but petrol and/or diesel are the likely scenarios.

The new SUV will also share its monocoque platform with all-new small van and ute models from LDV.

LDV’s first small van, also due to arrive in Australia next year, will join its larger siblings the G10 and V80. The van will compete against the likes of the Citroen Berlingo and Volkswagen Caddy.

When it arrives it will give LDV buyers the widest choice of vans under 3.5 tonnes in the Australian market.

Given that our market hasn’t taken to a small ute since the 1994 Subaru Brumby, LDV’s upcoming compact ute is unlikely to be sold here.

LDV will continue its new model roll out in 2019 with an all-new V80 van. The new V80 has been a long time coming: the current model is largely based on the V80 launched in 2004 when LDV was still a British brand (Chinese conglomerate SAIC bought LDV in 2009 and moved V80 production from the UK to China in 2010).

Finally, an all-new G10 van is due to arrive in 2020, and will be offered in EV form as well as with a traditional powertrain.

The LDV brand arrived in Australia in 2013 with the V80 imported by White Motor Corporation (WMC). Current importer Ateco Automotive took over from WMC in 2014.

The G10 van and people mover were launched here in 2015, while LDV’s first ute (the T60) and large SUV (the D90) arrived late this year.