More power for LDV T60 Trailrider

The LDV T60 Trailrider has been blessed with a new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel bringing more power, torque and efficiency than 110kW/360Nm 2.8-litre engine that continues in lesser versions of the dual-cab 4x4 ute.

On sale now at just $37,990 drive-away for ABN holders ($39,990 for the automatic), the upgraded ‘LDV T60 Trailrider 2’ range-topper delivers a more respectable 120kW of power at 4000rpm and 375Nm of torque over 1500-2400rpm.

The all-new 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine – the first to be developed in-house by China largest and oldest auto-maker, SAIC – is essentially a single-turbo version of the twin-turbo engine recently made available in the T60-based LDV D90 seven-seat SUV.

In that SUV application, it produces a muscular 160kW and 480Nm, and we understand the Ford Ranger Raptor-rivalling twin-turbo engine could eventually also power a new flagship version of the T60 ute.

For now, the 2020 LDV T60 Trailrider’s new Euro 5 emissions-compliant D20 engine features Bosch’s third-generation high-pressure common-rail direct fuel-injection technology and is claimed to bring improved refinement and driveability over the 2.8 it replaces.

Fuel consumption is listed at 8.5L/100km and CO2 emissions at 223g/km for both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

Specifications are otherwise unchanged, including an 865kg payload (895kg for the manual) and 750/3000kg towing capacity (un/braked).

Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, blind spot monitoring, 360-degree rear-view camera, lane departure warning and tyre pressure monitoring.

Standard cabin features include leather trimmed seats, Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity and a huge 10.0-inch infotainment touch-screen.

The LDV T60 Trailrider is differentiated externally by black trim accents, blacked-out logos and badging, a new rear sports bar, Mountain Top roll cover, 19-inch 12-spoke black alloys, side steps, nudge bar and a heavy-duty spray-on tub liner.

Two new paint colours – Jewel Blue and Vivid Red – join Blanc White, Metal Black and Lava Grey.

“We continue to develop our product offering throughout our fast-growing range, so we’re delighted to announce the arrival of the next-gen Trailrider,” said LDV Automotive general manager Dinesh Chinnappa.

“With the addition of the lighter and more efficient 120kW diesel engine, Trailrider 2 is a formidable ute, as comfortable on the worksite during the week as it is towing jet skis at the weekend.”

Like all T60 utes, the Trailrider comes with Australian-tuned suspension, a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating and LDV’s five-year/130,000km warranty with roadside assist.