Chinese brand LDV has added a turbo-diesel engine to its seven-seat D90 off-roader, finally giving it the tools to fight the Isuzu MU-X, Ford Everest, and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
With 160kW of power and 480Nm of torque, the new 2.0-litre twin-turbo engine outguns the MU-X (130kW/430Nm) and Pajero Sport (133kW/430Nm), and puts it within firing distance of the Ford Everest bi-turbo (157kW/500Nm).
With four-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a transfer case, LDV is talking up the D90’s off-road ability.
The diesel means it can now tow 3000kg, in line with its more expensive mainstream rivals as well.
The diesel engine is only offered on the top-spec D90 Executive, priced from $47,990 drive-away.
Although that’s $12,000 more expensive than the entry two-wheel drive D90 petrol, it undercuts the entry-level Pajero Sport ($46,990 before on-roads) and cheapest MU-X AWD ($50,200 before on-roads).
It’s also significantly cheaper than the cheapest four-wheel drive Ford Everest, which kicks off at $54,690 before on-road costs and features a less powerful 3.2-litre engine.
Despite the sharp starting price, the D90 Executive wants for nothing. A 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, along with rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and stat, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, tyre-pressure monitoring, and a reversing camera.
The Executive also benefits from an eight-way powered driver’s seat, a tilt/reach steering column, and a sunroof. The front two rows of seating are leather-trimmed, and the tailgate is powered.
Boot space is 1800L with the seats folded, 1140L with the third row flat, and 412L with the third row in place.
