Is the LDV D90 just another Chinese SUV entering the South African market? With an increasing number of new models and brands launching locally, some consumers may be experiencing ‘new model fatigue.’ But greater competition ultimately benefits buyers by expanding choice and driving price competitiveness across the segment.
Despite the growing variety of options available, the D90 stands out in LDV’s lineup, not simply because it is the brand’s only SUV in a portfolio better known for bakkies and commercial vehicles, but because it delivers strong value in the full-size 7-seater category. Often priced below established rivals, it offers a compelling mix of space, capability and features that positions it as a serious contender in its segment.
Local reviews have praised the D90 for its high, commanding driving position, spacious interior and strong on-road presence, as well as being a well-built solid car that is big in every respect.
The D90 is currently sold under slightly different names in India, the Middle East, China and Australia. Reviews from these regions consistently highlight its strong value proposition, its spacious cabin and practical third-row seating, making it well suited to larger families. International reviewers have also noted that it offers a comfortable highway ride, well suited to long-distance travel. More recent updates have introduced improved interior quality and enhanced technology, contributing to a more refined driving experience that feels easier to handle than expected. Overall, the latest cabin redesign has significantly added to the vehicle’s perceived upmarket and premium feel.
Fortunately for South African consumers, the D90 available locally benefits from a series of facelifts and enhancements, reflecting the most recent updates to the model’s design, technology, and overall refinement. The D90 Flagship is priced from R899,900 and is backed by a 5-year/200,000km mechanical warranty and a 5-year/100,000km service plan, underlining LDV’s confidence in its long-term reliability.
The LDV D90 is a full-size seven-seater SUV that combines robust performance with refined comfort and advanced technology, offering a range of features typically reserved for higher-spec variants of competing models. This vehicle has proper, not crossover, SUV capabilities, built on a ladder-frame platform, similar to bakkie-based SUVs. It has a strong bold look, complemented by an assertive grille design and modern LED headlights, with exterior colour choices including Metal Black, Metal Ash, Natural White or Spruce Green.
The interior features electrically adjustable front seats, with the driver’s seat equipped with lumbar support, massage and heating functions as standard.
A key selling point of the D90 is its diesel performance, powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing 160kW and 500Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Flagship features selectable 4WD with Low Range, plus front, centre, and rear differential locks – a full three-lock off-road system that rivals far pricier SUVs. Drivers can select from multiple drive modes, including Sport, Normal, and Eco, and the D90 Flagship can tow a braked trailer of up to 3,100kg, making it a formidable choice for those who need genuine real-world capability. It rides on 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Despite its value-focused positioning, the D90 Flagship offers features typically found in more premium SUVs. These include dual 12.3-inch digital display screens that provide a fully integrated driver and infotainment interface, Bluetooth connectivity, dual wireless charging pads, adaptive cruise control, a power-operated rear liftgate, a 12-speaker JBL premium sound system, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, and a panoramic sunroof.
Safety equipment is also comprehensive, with six airbags, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and electronic stability control all included as standard. The LDV D90 delivers a combined fuel consumption figure of 9.1L/100km and a maximum speed of 175km/h.
This SUV really is the full package – comfort, capability, and practicality and value all in one – and, backed by a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, it could well be a market disruptor within South Africa’s SUV segment.
