LDV D90: Another 7-seater from the east confirmed for SA

LDV D90: Another 7-seater from the east confirmed for SA

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‍It’s true, the LDV (Leyland DAF Vehicles) nameplate is enjoying the spotlight in Mzansi following its introduction to the local market roughly a month ago when it debuted its T60 bakkie which is set to go up against some fierce rivals in its stable. 

As a brand primarily associated with SAIC Motors and one of China’s biggest carmakers, it holds ownership of brands like MG and Maxus while also being a strategic Chinese automotive partner for major entities such as General Motors and Volkswagen.

With the T60 now on sale in SA, the brand seeks to infiltrate the SUV segment with the release of the D90 model, which will rival other 7-seater SUVs currently on the market when it launches in the fourth quarter of the year. 

If the looks of the T60 are to go by, the D90 takes things up a notch with a bold design that consists of a large front grille, thin LED daytime running lights, and large LED automatic headlights. 

According to LDV, all SA-bound D90 models will be fitted with the brand’s Black Package as standard. This adds a gloss black shade to the door handles, rear roof spoiler, side mirrors, roof rails, and bold black wheel arch mouldings. 

There will be two variants of the new D90 available for purchase: Elite and Flagship. Both models will benefit from a list of standard features such as electronic climate control for the front and rear occupants, leather upholstery, dual wireless charging pads, USB ports in the front and rear, and a large 12.3-inch high-resolution infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone pairing. 

Upgrade to the Flagship model, and you get massaging and heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a JBL sound system. Instead of the standard Elite 18-inch wheels, the Flagship is fitted with bigger 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels as standard. 

Powering the range is a 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine with 160kW and 500Nm plus an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The engine proved to be a suitable match in the T60, and we have no reason to discredit it in the D90 application. 

In terms of off-road capabilities, the D90 features a 4x4 low-range system, while the range-topper adds to the Elite's central differential lock with front and rear differential locks.

In the safety realm, the D90 scored a full 5-star ANCAP safety rating and comes with six airbags, adaptive cruise control, an inbuilt dash cam, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and electronic stability control. The Flagship model adds a 360-degree panoramic view camera system, among other features. It also received a full 5-star ANCAP rating in the safety crash test.

For caravan aficionados, the D90 can tow a braked trailer of up to 3,100kg.

At this stage, LDV hasn’t shared any pricing information but mentions a standard 5-year/200,000km mechanical warranty and a 5-year/100,000km service plan.

Looking at what the D90 brings to the 7-seater SUV stable, it offers a great list of standard features, and if priced right, it has the potential to become a highly competitive offering to take on the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu mu-X, Ford Everest, and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

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