The wait is finally over, and LDV has wasted no time in making its presence felt. 

The much-anticipated LDV Terron 9 double-cab bakkie and its SUV sibling, the LDV D90, have officially arrived in Namibia, promising to shake up two of the country’s most competitive motoring segments. 

Headlining the launch is the LDV Terron 9 Flagship, a top-of-the-range double-cab bakkie that delivers a compelling blend of power, technology and value. 

With a local retail price starting at an extremely competitive N$849 000, the Terron 9 positions itself as a serious alternative to established players in the lifestyle and workhorse bakkie market. 

Powering the Terron 9 is a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine producing an impressive 164 kW and 520 Nm of torque. 

Paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox and a capable 4×4 drivetrain, the bakkie is claimed to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 km/h. 

Fuel efficiency is equally noteworthy, with LDV quoting a consumption figure of just 7.9 litres per 100 km, helped by an 80-litre fuel tank that promises excellent touring range. 

The Terron 9 is offered in two derivatives, namely the Premium and the range-topping Flagship, which are both built around the same Euro 5-compliant single-turbo diesel engine. This allows buyers to choose between a well-equipped entry point or a fully loaded flagship model without compromising on performance or capability. 

Off-road ability is a clear focus for the Terron 9, making it well-suited to Namibia’s varied and challenging terrain. Standard 4×4 features include front and rear differential locks, hill descent control, hill-start assist and a maximum wading depth of 550mm. The bakkie also boasts a digital compass, multiple camera views including front and rear wheel monitoring, a skeletal underbody view, and a maximum climbing angle of 31 degrees when unladen. 

Safety has not been overlooked. The Terron 9 carries a five-star safety rating and comes equipped with advanced driver assistance systems such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane change assistance and intelligent speed limit assistance that adapts vehicle speed when approaching curves. 

Luxury features further elevate the Flagship model, which includes heated front and rear seats, as well as a driver’s seat offering massage and ventilation functions, which are amenities rarely seen in this segment at this price point. A panoramic sunroof is equipped on the Terron 9, and this also features on the SUV front, where LDV is equally ambitious. The refers to the newly introduced LDV D90, retailing at around N$899 000, which is aimed squarely at competing with established large SUV contenders such as the Hyundai Palisade, GWM Tank, Kia Carnival and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. 

Under the bonnet, the D90 is powered by a robust turbo-diesel engine producing 160kW and 500Nm of torque, delivered through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Designed to combine on-road comfort with off-road competence, the D90 offers families and adventurers a refined yet rugged alternative in the full-size SUV segment. 

With the arrival of the Terron 9 and D90, LDV is signalling its intent loud and clear. Competitive pricing, generous specifications and strong performance figures suggest the brand is ready to challenge the status quo in Namibia’s bakkie and SUV market, and consumers may well be the biggest winners. – ebrandt@nepc.com.na