The EFTM Garage: LDV D90 Executive

Make: LDV

Model: D90

Variant: Executive

Engine / Transmission: 2.0 litre twin turbo diesel – 8 Speed automatic

Manufacturer Claimed Fuel Economy: 9.1L/100km combined 

Price: From $47,990 drive away

First Impressions:

I wasn’t really looking forward to the LDV. It’s not really my thing. Firstly, it’s no secret that I’m not a massive fan of SUVs and secondly, I’m a brand snob. If SUVs are your thing and you don’t care what it says on the bootlid, you’ve really got to check this thing out; for the money, it’s amazingly good. The interior especially, is welcoming, comfortable and will suit families down to a T.  

Tech Inside:

Everything but the kitchen sink has been thrown at the D90 Executive. In addition to all of the regulars, the ‘Executive’ sports: 8” digital instrument cluster, 12” infotainment display, autonomous braking, blind spot warning, traffic sign recognition (more on this later), keyless entry, tyre pressure monitoring, excellent LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, electric tailgate and USB chargers in all three rows. 

Most Impressive:

The most impressive aspect of the LDV D90 is its ability to provide families with modern, safe, comfortable and good looking transportation that will happily do the daily running around while also providing decent off road performance and an impressive 3100kg towing capacity. 

Not So Impressive :

Despite this, you will have to make sure that you value the package that LDV is providing. For example, I don’t need a lot of tech in my cars. To be honest, I’m flat out trying to get Netflix to work let alone revelling in the opportunity to spend hours delving into sub screens and sub, sub screens to set the car up the way I want it.

If modern cars had a big ‘turn everything off’ button, I’d be pressing it every time. No. Scratch that. If modern cars had a big ‘turn everything off’ button I’d only want to press it once, on my way out of the dealership (don’t even get me started on stop/start systems!).

If a car isn’t fitted with a big ‘turn everything off’ button, then the tech has to work seamlessly.

This isn’t always the case with the LDV. For example, the traffic sign recognition system is linked to the over-speed warning system.

This is clever except it doesn’t know if it’s school zone time or not. The system beeps to remind me to “slow down”, but I don’t need it to beep; I’ve got this. I know what the speed limit is because I’m not an idiot.

Maybe it’s just me. I mean, I don’t get seatbelt or headlight reminders either. I just don’t need them.  

Ultimately, the main selling point for the LDV is the price. At $47,990, it is better equipped than the $66k Toyota Prado. For this reason alone, if you’re in the market for a big 7 seater SUV you have to look closely at the LDV.

It’s a compelling combination of value and features might just get it across the line for you.