LDV came into the South African market with one clear objective: to shake up the bakkie segment with the T60 bakkie . Later, they promised to cause further market disruption by adding another bakkie offering and an off-road-capable SUV. It is, in fact, the time for them to put their money where their mouth is, as they are welcoming two new cars: the Terron T9 and the D90.
We first saw the Terron T9 at the 2025 Festival of Motoring, where the key brand speakers spoke about the good market adaptation and progress they had made shortly after showing us what they had planned coming to our shores soon. Now, LDV has announced that the first shipment of the new Terron T9 has arrived and should be launched soon.
So, what do we know about the Terron? Well, for starters, it seems to have a lot of "firsts" under its belt, which is the typical Chinese thing to do, as this car is probably going to be the largest in size in its segment, measuring at a claimed 3, 300 mm in wheelbase. For context, this would mean that the car is longer than a Jeep Gladiator, Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, and a GWM P500.
The car's appearance takes on more of an American truck- themed design, as everything-and I mean everything-on it is big. The grille, side mirrors, and overall dimensions, at face value, are all big and hard to miss. It also introduces an all-new, market-first feature for South Africa: an openable rear panel that would be ideal for storing longer items in the car instead of having them protrude out of the back.
“The response to the Terron 9 has been phenomenal. It’s going to make a bold statement in the market,” said Frank Chen, CEO of LDV South Africa.
Some more features said to exist within the Terron T9 are 8-way electric heated, ventilated, massaging seats, Panoramic sunroof, Ambient interior lighting, Heated steering wheel, Front and rear differential locks, and finally a Rear tailgate with integrated step and these by the way are LDV's "Key Features".
Under the hood will sits a 2.5-litre Turbodiesel with just one turbo producing a power output of 163kW (three up on the T60, at slightly lower revs) and max torque of 520Nm (20 more). It will be a driven via a 8 speed automatic through either all four wheels or just the rear because it is of an 4x4.
Offered in just two grades the T9 will be priced as follows :
TERRON 9 FLAGSHIP 4x4 8AT R849 900
TERRON 9 PREMIUM 4x4 8AT R779 900
LDV didn't stop there because there is also an another capable SUV that will be available called the D90. it will be powered by a 2.0L bi-turbo diesel engine and filled with cutting-edge technology, advanced safety systems.
It is said key features like an Integrated dash camera, 3 independent differential locks, 8-way electric heated, ventilated, massaging front seats, Ambient lighting just to name a few. The D90 will priced at R899 900, “The LDV D90 is here and it’s raising the bar with power, beauty, and luxury. South Africa is in for a shake-up with this exciting drive,” added Chen.
So then, are we ready for yet another brand, and more importantly, are we willing to give this LDV a shot over the already existing legacy brands? Well, it remains to be seen. After all, the Chinese do look like they are here to stay more and more each week.