The LDV D90 and T60 Max Luxe showcased their off-road capability, comfort and durability during the challenging Torque Tour: Roof of Africa expedition through South Africa and Lesotho
A demanding high-altitude expedition through some of Southern Africa’s most spectacular landscapes has demonstrated the capability and resilience of LDV South Africa’s growing vehicle range.
Hosted by the Supertech Group, the Torque Tour: Roof of Africa took participants on a three-day, 1,000km journey across South Africa and Lesotho. The route climbed to elevations exceeding 3,500 metres and included iconic destinations such as Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the Maloti Mountains, AfriSki Mountain Resort and the legendary Sani Pass.
The adventure brought together a diverse mix of premium European, American and emerging automotive brands, providing an ideal proving ground for LDV’s flagship D90 SUV and T60 Max Luxe double-cab bakkie.
A True Test of Vehicle Capability
The Torque Tour is designed to push vehicles beyond everyday driving conditions. Participants encountered steep mountain gradients, dramatic switchbacks, loose gravel surfaces, river crossings and rapidly changing weather conditions as they navigated some of Southern Africa’s highest mountain roads.
Travelling through Lesotho’s rugged highlands, the convoy climbed above 3,000 metres before tackling the challenging descent of Sani Pass, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most demanding mountain roads.
These conditions provided the perfect environment for LDV to demonstrate its off-road engineering, comfort and reliability.
LDV D90 Delivers Premium Off-Road Performance
The LDV D90, which recently launched in South Africa, proved itself as a capable companion throughout the journey.
Built on a robust ladder-frame chassis, the seven-seater SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing 160kW and 500Nm. Power is delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system featuring low-range gearing and three independent differential locks.
Throughout the expedition, the D90 handled the demanding terrain with confidence, matching the performance of more established premium off-road brands.
One of the vehicle’s standout moments came during the descent of Sani Pass, where its Crawl Control Operation (CCO) system and differential lock technology provided exceptional traction and control on the rocky mountain route.
Inside the cabin, occupants enjoyed a level of luxury rarely associated with serious off-road vehicles. Heated seats and massage functions helped drivers remain comfortable despite freezing mountain temperatures and long hours behind the wheel.
T60 Max Luxe Proves Its Versatility
Joining the D90 on the expedition was the LDV T60 Max Luxe, a double-cab bakkie designed to blend workhorse capability with modern comfort and technology.
Powered by the same 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine producing 160kW and 500Nm, the T60 Max Luxe is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
Built for serious utility, the bakkie features selectable four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, a rear differential lock and a towing capacity of up to 3,000kg.
During the tour, the T60 Max Luxe demonstrated its versatility by towing a motorcycle across the challenging route. Fully loaded, it travelled from Clarens into Lesotho, descended Sani Pass to deliver the motorcycle, then climbed back up the mountain to retrieve another bike.
With 215mm of ground clearance and a durable ladder-frame chassis, the vehicle tackled rocky terrain, mountain passes and river crossings without issue, completing the expedition without a single mechanical problem.
Built for South African Conditions
While LDV traces its origins back to Britain in 1896, the brand is now backed by SAIC Motor, one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers.
Today, LDV’s range combines its commercial vehicle heritage with modern SUV and bakkie technology, offering vehicles designed to handle both demanding work environments and family adventures.
Experiences such as the Torque Tour: Roof of Africa allow the brand to showcase its durability and real-world capability in conditions that reflect the diverse challenges faced by South African motorists.
From farms and construction sites to mountain trails and long-distance road trips, the expedition highlighted the versatility of the LDV D90 and T60 Max Luxe across a wide variety of driving environments.
The Journey Continues
For LDV South Africa, the Torque Tour: Roof of Africa was more than an adventure — it was a statement of intent.
By successfully conquering some of Southern Africa’s toughest terrain while delivering impressive levels of comfort and refinement, the D90 and T60 Max Luxe reinforced the brand’s commitment to offering genuine capability without the premium price tag.
As LDV continues to expand its presence in South Africa, journeys like this suggest the brand’s story is only just beginning.
For more information, visit LDV South Africa.
