LDV D60 2020 revealed

The LDV D60 nameplate mightn’t ring any bells yet, but the new compact Chinese-made crossover could one day compete with the likes of the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V in Australia.

The all-new mid-sized SUV has been revealed in China ahead of the 2019 Shanghai motor show, and it will be on sale in that market in the third quarter of 2019. The production model is the realisation of the concept car, known as Tarantula, which was revealed in 2018.

Is it coming to Australia? That’s not certain yet - a spokesperson for the company responsible for importing LDV models (badged Maxus in China), Ateco Automotive, told CarsGuide that “at the moment, these vehicles are purely for the Chinese market”.

But if there’s a market to compete in, its the mid-size SUV segment, which accounts for more than 15 per cent of total vehicle sales in Australia. So don’t be surprised to see the LDV D60 slotting in below the LDV D90 large SUV at some point in the future.

According to Chinese reports the D60 offers the choice of 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines, with the availability of a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. No specs have been made public as yet. However, there are conflicting reports the D60 will run the same 2.0-litre turbo engine as the D90, with 165kW of power and 360Nm of torque.

The D60 will be offered in five, six and seven seat configurations, while the cabin of vehicles unveiled overnight included leather seat trim with two-tone finish, while the exterior styling is dominated by a large grille, slim matrix LED headlights, and a chrome hoop that runs from D-pillar to roof-rail.

The D60 offers some high-tech gear as well, with “level 2.5” autonomy, including adaptive cruise control, automated parking and remote summoning tech. The car also has an AI-driven facial recognition system.

Inside, the D60 has an AI-driven facial recognition system. (image credit: Kaixian.tv )

The new D60 model is the third vehicle to be built off a new small vehicle platform by SAIC / Maxus / LDV, the same toolbox that underpins the EV30 small van and G50 compact people mover.

As you may have guessed by the EV30 nameplate, the architecture is capable of electrification. Indeed, the EV30 has up to 400 kilometres of battery range, with a fast charge mode that can recuperate 80 per cent charge in 45 minutes. 

It’s understood neither the EV30 (nor a petrol V30 model) or the G50 small people mover are on the cards for Australia. 

However, CarsGuide has heard that there’ll be a new V80 large van later this year, and that could be in Australia in 2020. 

Is there space for a mid-sized budget-priced Chinese-made SUV in Australia? Tell us in the comments section below.