Why the LDV D90 takes versatility to new heights

Are you hunting for a spacious seven-seater that’s also easy to drive – a car that’s as great around town as it is on the open road?

Perhaps you’re after a vehicle that’s as much a four-wheeled sidekick as it is an SUV? Something that’s well-appointed but affordable and can easily handle a carload of passengers.

The stylish and practical LDV D90 is the standout do-it-all solution thanks to its combination of value, performance, safety and space. So, let’s take a look at its resume and see what it delivers…

The LDV D90 is a stylish seven-seat SUV that is available in four value-packed model variants, starting from $34,990 drive away for ABN holders for the entry-level 2WD petrol version with a powerful 160kW, 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, standard six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

The flagship D90 Executive is offered with the same mechanical configuration from $38,990 drive away for ABN holders for the 2WD but can also be had with an advanced four-wheel drive transmission and the choice of either a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine from $42,490 drive away (ABN holders) or a turbo-diesel engine from $47,490 drive away (ABN holders).

All variants in the LDV D90 range feature an extensive list of standard equipment that includes LED headlights and daytime running lights, keyless entry with push-button start, and a twin digital display. The latter marries an 8.0-inch, multifunction instrument cluster between analogue gauges for the speedo and tacho with a 12-inch colour touchscreen which incorporates Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay® smartphone mirroring.

The entry-level, two-wheel drive D90 has synthetic leather trim with cloth inserts, a six-speaker audio system and dual-zone climate control, while the Executive models add a raft of additional creature comforts, including separate climate control adjustments for rear-seat occupants, ambient interior lighting, leather-accented trim for the first two rows and an eight-speaker audio system, as well as a powered tailgate and sunroof.

The Executive trim also brings larger 19-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel on the diesel variant and puddle lights under the heated exterior door mirrors.

If you need room to move, whether that’s for work or weekends, the LDV D90 has you covered.

All versions offer a seven-seat configuration and measure 5005mm in overall length, 1875mm in height and 1932mm in width, and ride on a wheelbase with 2950mm between the front and rear axles.

That equates to a spacious and flexible cabin that can comfortably accommodate seven adults in a dynamic package that’s not overly bulky or difficult to manoeuvre.

With all seven seats in place, the D90 still provides a generous 343L of cargo carrying capacity in the boot. But that can expand to a mammoth 1350L with the third row folded down, or 2382L with only the front seats in place.

The powered tailgate that is standard on the Executive trim level makes it easy to access the rear cargo area, which has a loading height of 833mm and measures 1248mm across between the wheel arches, which is wider than most dual-cab utes.

However you use the space behind the front seats, those in the front are treated to a premium experience with comfortable and supportive seats that provide ample adjustment and a commanding view of the road ahead. The interior design is stylish with quality materials, convenient storage solutions for small items and easy access to often-used functions, with physical buttons to adjust the climate control and audio system.

There’s ample head room for tall occupants across all three rows, and middle row passengers have more than 1000mm of legroom as well as cup holders, USB power outlets to keep mobile devices fully charged and, in Executive trim, separate adjustments for the climate control.

Access to the third row is easy with a one-touch tilt and slide function on both sides of the 60:40 split fold second row.

LDV ensures that anything you carry in the D90 is precious, whether that’s the tools and equipment required for work or family and friends, having earned a five-star rating in 2017 from ANCAP, the independent authority on vehicle safety.

All D90 variants have a comprehensive suite of advanced crash-avoidance functions, including autonomous emergency braking with front collision and lane departure warnings, traffic sign recognition, traction and stability control and six airbags that provide coverage for occupants in all three rows.

The entry-grade LDV D90 comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine. The unit produces 160kW of power at 5300rpm and 350Nm of torque on a band of revs between 2500 to 3500rpm, with a standard six-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels and offers three unique drive modes: Normal, Eco and Sport.

Choosing the Executive model opens up myriad features, including the petrol engine being teamed to an advanced, part-time four-wheel drive system with low range and additional settings that tailor the car’s electronics to suit a range of driving conditions.

It also introduces the choice of a 2.0-litre turbocharged common-rail diesel four-cylinder engine that generates 158kW of power and significantly more torque, at 480Nm.

Not only does the turbo-diesel offer more pulling power, but it is also more efficient with a claimed average fuel consumption of 9.1L/100km. The petrol engine delivers a claimed average of 10.2L/100km in its rear-wheel drive configuration and 10.9L/100km with the four-wheel drive transmission.

Either way, with a generous 75L fuel tank, the LDV D90 will keep you on the road for longer, with the ability to cover between 680 to 820km, depending on the model, between re-fills.

How much can the LDV D90 carry and tow?
The LDV D90 has a maximum payload capacity of 730kg with the diesel engine and between 630kg (4WD) and 690kg (2WD Executive) with the petrol motor.

The petrol models have a maximum braked trailer towing capacity of 2000kg and a tow ball down weight limit of 200kg, while the diesel option increases those figures to 3100kg and 310kg respectively.

All D90 models ride on a rugged ladder-frame chassis and have a fully independent suspension set-up with double wishbones on the front and a sophisticated five-link configuration on the rear axle.

Plus, they offer 210mm of ground clearance, 550mm of wading depth and have a 28-degree approach angle, 25-degree departure angle and a 20-degree breakover angle.

The part-time four-wheel drive transmission brings a low-range transfer case and Terrain Selection driving modes that tailors the throttle map and stability control to suit driving conditions.

Importantly, all versions of the LDV D90 also carry a spare tyre, on a 17-inch steel wheel.

The LDV D90 offers buyers a value-packed yet rugged and stylish large SUV that offers a compelling blend of space, features, safety and comfort.

Plus, it is covered by a five-year/130,000km warranty, whichever comes first, with 24-hour roadside assistance and in some instances access to a loan vehicle should your car be off the road for more than 48 hours for a warrantable fault for the period of your warranty.

With the choice of petrol and diesel powerplants, and the option of rear- and four-wheel drive with the petrol engine, the LDV D90 is certainly a versatile and highly capable choice.

For more information on the LDV D90, head to the D90 page on the LDV website.