What's the difference?
So, you’re after an affordable alternative to the increasingly expensive Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. You need it to be tough enough for work, but also big and comfortable enough to haul family every now and again.
It’s a common predicament, and one that's increasingly served by Chinese and Korean alternatives.
Today, we’re looking at LDV’s latest effort - the T60 Max Plus. While it looks like just another new variant from the outside, it’s hiding some significant changes underneath, and it takes its place at the top of the T60 range in 2024.
Could it be the right ute to fit your budget? Let’s take a look.
Farizon, the commercial vehicle division of Chinese automotive maker Geely, is a new competitor in Australia’s van market having recently launched its full-electric V7E.
Designed to attract buyers in the popular mid-size (2.5-3.5-tonne GVM) commercial van segment, Farizon claims its V7E has the payload capacity, cargo volume and pricing needed to compete with traditional diesel rivals.
We recently spent a working week aboard this new Chinese contender to see how it measures up as a potential tool of trade for tradies, couriers, SMEs, fleets and other commercial van buyers.
The Max Plus brings a lot of welcome upgrades to the T60 range, particularly in its previously non-existent active safety suite, but it’s not all good news. There are still a few areas where this ageing ute could use a lot of polish.
Still, there’s something to be said for how refreshingly straightforward much of it is, and for the most part its specs and features are up to the task of competing with many more expensive alternatives.
These are early days for Farizon in Australia and the V7E is indicative of that. Although it offers attractive sub-$54K drive-away pricing, peppy performance and substantial payload/cargo volume ratings, it lacks refinement in ride and handling, elements of cabin design and active safety calibration which detract from the driving experience. Whether this newcomer’s negatives outweigh its positives, though, only a potential buyer can decide.