The upcoming LDV D90 SUV has been making its way around Sydney and surrounds, ahead of a global premiere set for this month’s Shanghai motor show.
Based on the D90 concept revealed last year in China, where LDV is marketed as Maxus, the SUV parked handily for public view will clearly skew close to its progenitor in styling and size.
The D90 is expected to ride on the same ladder-frame design that underpins the incoming new T60 ute, making it a rival – in concept, at least – to off-roading SUVs like the Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Holden Trailblazer and Isuzu MU-X.
Full details are still to be made official, although it’s likely the D90 will feature a seven-seat interior in some if not all grades, with power provided by the same 2.8-litre 110kW turbo-diesel engine that will drive the T60 ute.
This camouflaged D90’s presence in Australia is confirmed to be focused primarily on chassis testing and electronics configuration, although the company is keeping quiet on the details.
Australia is likely to be one of the D90’s biggest right-hand-drive markets, so a localised tune could prove a smart selling point for the Chinese brand, still new to these shores.
Some promotional work will also be carried out here this week, with actress and former Miss Universe China, Zhang Meng, in Australia to film footage that will be used during the car’s Shanghai unveiling.
Further Australia details are still to come, but it is believed the D90 will be among the few vehicles on sale here to offer road-sign recognition, helping with active cruise control. Fully automated parking is also expected to be available, along with lane-keep alert and assist.
LDV has previously committed to a top 5-star ANCAP safety rating for the T60 ute, and, although no sure thing, we could see the same high marks awarded to the D90.
With a Shanghai debut confirmed, and the T60 already expected for a third-quarter Australian launch, we could see the D90 on sale here before the end of the year. An early 2018 launch could be on the cards, however.
CarAdvice will be on the ground in Shanghai for the D90’s April 19 debut, along with other new models. Watch for our full coverage then.
Click through to our gallery for more images of the LDV D90 concept and camouflaged prototype.
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