LDV’s Fortuner rivalling D90 gains new more affordable variant

Elite has finally been added to the LDV D90 range. Picture: Charl Bosch With the aptly named Flagship already available, LDV used its gala relaunch event in Johannesburg this past Friday evening (7 August) to debut the Elite, its new entry-level version of the D90 SUV. Priced considerably lower than previously claimed, the D90 retains the same design and powertrain as the Flagship, but with a reduction in specification items.

Based on the same ladder-frame platform as the T60 bakkie means the D90 Elite carries over the 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine that pumps out 160kW/500Nm. Paired to the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox, the Elite has the 230mm of ground clearance asthe Flagship, a 3 100 kg towing capacity and a low range transfer. Claimed fuel consumption is 9.1 L/100 km.

It does, however, only have a rear locking differential compared to the Flagship’s three, but still seats seven as standard. In total, two driving modes are included, Eco and Sport, plus five off-road settings; Auto, Sand, Gravel, Snow and Rocks. Not included, though, is the Crawl function reserved solely for the Flagship. Officiallyshown to the public at last year’s Kyalami Festival of Motoring, LDV didn’t divulge specification at the event, however, previous reports confirms the Elite as having the following items as standard: As with the Flagship, the Elite has a choice of four colours: Included with the Elite’s price tag, as with the Flagship, is a five-year/200 000 km warranty and a five-year/100 000 km service plan.