LDV bakkie not so new at all

The LDV bakkie’s history goes back to 1896.

Before the LDV group was sold to the Shanghai Automobile Industrial Corporation group, it had United Kingdom interest with the likes of Leyland and DAF vans.

With British blood in their veins, the LDV will be more accepted.

Additionally, the Australians have been importing the vehicle for more than 10 years.

The name ‘LDV’ does not refer to ‘light delivery vehicle’, but to more robust commercial bakkies that also serves a family, recreational or show-off vehicle.

LDV sales executive Darren Diergaardt at M+Z Motors in Windhoek has all the right to boast about the new kid on the floor, as the vehicle is not only affordable, but also reliable.

The vehicle rates high on luxury, reliability and affordability, Diergaardt says.

The LDV Pro, Pro Max and Max Luxe have all received the five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Programme safety rating.

This rating is the highest level of safety performance in Australia.

The T60 Max Lux was the one that landed in the hands of Top Revs recently, and it was wow at first sight.

On closer inspection the LDV’s personality stands out on various platforms.

It is available in various derivatives to suit every client’s needs, ranging from the purpose to the pocket.

It’s also available in 4×2 or 4×4 version, and with either six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The manual transmission is still a prerequisite that many bakkie owners prefer due to the terrains they often operate in.

The LDV’s 2.0-litre turbodiesel delivers a comfortable 120kW and 375Nm.

For those who need that extra oomph, the top of of the range (T60 Pro Max and Max Luxe ) 4×4 upgrade to a 2.0L bi-turbo diesel peaks at 160kW and 500Nm – enough for almost any challenge you may experience on the road or off the road.

The tow capacity is impressive with a three-tonne braked towing capacity and an unbraked capacity of 750kg.

Braked towing capacity refers the vehicle towing the maximum weight using the trailer’s brakes.

The load box with its measurements of 530mm in height and 1485mm in length, with a width of 1 510mm, means it can handle quite sizeable loads.

The ground clearance of 215mm and wading depth of 550mm makes the LDV a competent vehicle in its class.

With an average combined fuel consumption of 8.6l/100km one can drive just over 840km on a full tank under normal driving conditions.

The vehicle comes with a tonne of luxuries and other specs when it comes to security and safety, basic parameters, technical specifications, comfort and convenience.

Some of the safety features include 360-degree surrounding camera, six airbags, ABS, ESP, driver fatigue monitoring system, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, engine immobiliser, a traction control system, hill decent control and hill start assist system.

The driver and passengers are taken care of with air conditioning, cruise control, four cup holders, a multifunctional and adjustable steering wheel, and one-touch up and down electric windows with an anti-pinching system.

This function is not only a safety measure, but assists in avoiding injuring especially children.

Diergaardt says the LDV is affordable, with the various models ranging between N$550 000 and N$780 000.

Keep an eye out for the LDV venturing into the SUV market, he says.

The vehicle comes with five-year 100 000km service plan, and a five-year 200 000km warranty.