Southern Africa’s most demanding roads and mountain passes recently provided the perfect proving ground for LDV South Africa’s growing vehicle range, as the brand joined the latest edition of the Torque Tour: Roof of Africa.
Hosted by the Supertech Group, the three-day expedition covered approximately 1,000 km and climbed to elevations of more than 3,500 metres above sea level. The route wound through some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes, including the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the rugged Maloti Mountains of Lesotho, the renowned AfriSki Mountain Resort, and the infamous Sani Pass before descending into the foothills of the Drakensberg.
Open to all vehicle brands, the event attracted a diverse mix of participants driving everything from established European and American SUVs and 4x4s to some of the newest entrants in the South African market. Representing LDV were the D90 seven-seater SUV and the T60 Max Luxe double-cab bakkie, both of which faced a demanding combination of steep mountain roads, rocky terrain, high-altitude passes and rapidly changing weather conditions.
The journey into Lesotho presented drivers with some of the toughest conditions found anywhere in Southern Africa. Long climbs, sharp switchbacks, dramatic drop-offs and mountain passes exceeding 3,000 metres tested both vehicles and drivers. The thin mountain air and challenging terrain provided an ideal opportunity to evaluate real-world performance under pressure.
For the LDV D90, the tour offered a chance to demonstrate the capabilities of its ladder-frame construction and advanced four-wheel-drive system. Powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing 160 kW and 500 Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the full-size SUV tackled the challenging route with confidence.
As temperatures dropped and elevations increased, the D90 maintained its composure, delivering the performance and reliability needed to keep pace with significantly more expensive competitors. Its Crawl Control Operation system proved particularly valuable during the descent of Sani Pass, where the vehicle’s differential lock capabilities and advanced traction systems helped maintain control over the rocky and uneven surfaces.
While the terrain outside was uncompromising, occupants enjoyed a level of comfort more commonly associated with premium SUVs. Heated seats and massage functions helped reduce fatigue during the long days behind the wheel, allowing drivers to arrive at each destination refreshed despite the demanding route.
Joining the D90 was the LDV T60 Max Luxe, a double-cab bakkie designed to blend work-ready capability with everyday comfort. Like the D90, it is powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine producing 160 kW and 500 Nm. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Built on a robust ladder-frame chassis, the T60 Max Luxe offers selectable four-wheel drive with low range, a rear differential lock and a towing capacity of up to 3,000 kg. Those credentials were put to the test throughout the expedition as the vehicle performed a critical support role, towing a motorcycle across the challenging route.
Despite carrying additional load, the T60 Max Luxe successfully completed the journey from Clarens into Lesotho, descended Sani Pass to deliver the motorcycle and then climbed back up the mountain to retrieve another bike. The demanding assignment showcased not only its towing capability but also its resilience across some of Southern Africa’s toughest terrain.
With 215 mm of ground clearance, the bakkie absorbed rough surfaces with ease, confidently navigating rocky tracks, river crossings, mountain roads and border checkpoints throughout the tour. Impressively, it completed the entire expedition without experiencing any mechanical issues.
Although LDV is a relatively new name in the local passenger vehicle market, the brand’s history stretches back more than a century. Originally established in Britain in 1896 as a commercial vehicle manufacturer, LDV is now backed by SAIC Motor, one of the world’s largest automotive groups. Through partnerships and joint ventures with major global manufacturers, including Volkswagen and General Motors, SAIC has become a significant force in the international automotive industry.
That commercial vehicle heritage remains evident in LDV’s modern product range. Both the D90 and T60 Max Luxe have been engineered to deliver durability and capability while incorporating the comfort, technology and refinement expected by modern consumers.
Events such as the Torque Tour: Roof of Africa provide valuable opportunities for emerging brands to demonstrate their products in authentic real-world conditions. For LDV South Africa, the expedition highlighted the ability of its vehicles to handle the diverse challenges faced by local motorists, whether on farms, construction sites, mountain trails or family road trips.
If the Roof of Africa journey demonstrated anything, it is that LDV is determined to establish itself as a serious contender in the South African market. By combining genuine off-road capability with premium comfort and competitive pricing, the brand is positioning itself as an increasingly attractive alternative in the SUV and bakkie segments.
