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LDV T60 TRAILRIDER
C
hinese brand LDV has introduced
a specially tailored T60 dual cab
ute for Australia, dubbed the
Trailrider, which goes a step further
than many other special editions by
including a local suspension calibration
applied at the factory.
The unique suspension set-up was
developed by Holden Special Vehicles’
parent company Walkinshaw Automotive
Group in Melbourne, which already
has close links with Australian LDV
distributor Ateco Automotive through
the Ram full-size pick-up truck right-
hand-drive conversion program that
Walkinshaw executes on behalf of Ateco.
The Trailrider is based on the T60
Luxe flagship, which runs a different
calibration for the double-wishbone
front and live-axle leaf-sprung rear
suspension to the lower-series Pro
version. The Pro was deemed more
likely to be laden with tools and
equipment whereas the Luxe was
expected to spend most of its time
as a family or recreational vehicle,
hence the individual spring and shock
absorber ratings.
But, as most of the leading mid-
size ute manufacturers have found,
Australian buyers want a vehicle that
can perform well in our conditions
both unladen and with heavy loads,
and operate as both a workhorse and
a recreational vehicle. To typecast
tradies as those simply looking for the
cheapest model is also a mistake these
days, as industry figures show that the
overwhelming majority of mid-size ute
sales are highly specified variants.
As its name suggests, LDV’s special
edition is therefore something of a
trailblazer for the Chinese brand.
Apart from the suspension changes,
the T60 Trailrider comes with
increasingly common black cosmetic
enhancements that aim to give a little
more sportiness and pizzazz.
Combining with red, white, grey or
black body colours, these include the
19” 12-spoke alloy wheels, the nudge
bar, sports bar and side steps. A black
grille replaces the chrome finish on the
regular model, while a lockable black
Mountain Top roller tonneau is fitted to
the load tray. Topping it off, Trailrider
decals are also applied to the bonnet,
across the flanks and at the rear end.
Pricing starts at $38,937 driveaway
for the six-speed manual version, while
the six-speed automatic comes in at
$41,042 driveaway. ABN holders can
get hold of one for $36,990 (manual) or
$38,990 (auto).
The unchanged powertrain is a 2.8L
four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine
producing 110kW of power and 360Nm
of torque, driving through a part-time
four-wheel drive system with high and
low range and a rear differential lock.
The T60 Luxe has a 2,950kg gross
vehicle mass (GVM), 875/815kg
(manual/auto) payload, 1,995-2,060kg
kerb weight and 3,000kg braked
towing capacity.
As per the T60 Luxe, the Trailrider
has a high level of equipment including
leather upholstery, six-way power-
operated and heated front seats, a
10” touch screen display, Bluetooth
phone connectivity, keyless entry/
start, climate-control air-conditioning,
automatic wipers and heated/folding
door mirrors.
Safety features include a 360º
camera, adaptive headlights, blind-
spot monitoring, six airbags, tyre
pressure warning, electronic stability
and traction control, ABS brakes with
EBD and brake assist, hill descent
control, hill start assist and ‘roll
movement intervention’.
All T60 models are covered by a
five-year/130,000km warranty with
roadside assistance and a loan car
program thrown in.