Skip advert
Advertisement

Chinese vehicle manufacturer LDV to produce Tarantula SUV

LDV has announced its latest SUV, the Tarantula, will go on sale in China next year, with aspirations to also enter the European market

LDV, formally Leyland DAF Vans, has announced that it will start production of its mid-size SUV concept the Tarantula, in 2019. The interestingly named SUV will offer a mix of powertrains, including petrol, diesel, hybrid and pure EV variants. While the car will be initially limited to the Chinese market, a spokesperson confirmed that the marque is hopeful the Tarantula will go on to be sold in Europe at a later date.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The mid-size SUV will sit below the larger LDV D90, which is already on sale in China, but will feature what the company claims is an “edgier and more contemporary look”. The platform on which the new SUV will be built, will also be used for the G50 – an MPV with roughly the same size footprint as a Renault Grand Scenic.

• Best hybrid SUVs on sale

The SAIC-owned brand also has plans to launch a new fully electric commercial vehicle named the EV31. This will share technology from other EVs made by the Chinese firm and sold under its other brands – potentially meaning the LDV van could share components with future electric MGs. The EV31 is set to come with a 70kW motor, two battery options (either 35 or 53kWh)  as well as a claimed range of 200-miles on a single charge.

Mark Barret, general manager of LDV, UK & Ireland, said, “This launch of this mid-size crossover will position LDV as a true challenger to more mainstream brands in a key market segment for commercial vehicles”.

Looking for an electric car? Then read our best electric cars on sale page…

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Return of the Audi TT: iconic coupe to make all-electric comeback
Audi TT design render (watermarked)

Return of the Audi TT: iconic coupe to make all-electric comeback

Iconic coupe is set to be resurrected for the electric era, and this is what it could look like
News
21 Mar 2025
The smart money is being spent on hybrid cars
Opinion - Toyota Yaris Cross

The smart money is being spent on hybrid cars

Mike Rutherford thinks hybrids sit in the sweet spot between cheaper petrol and diesel models and more expensive pure-electric cars
Opinion
23 Mar 2025
Car Deal of the Day: go upmarket with a Genesis G80 for under £300 a month
Genesis G80 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: go upmarket with a Genesis G80 for under £300 a month

The G80 is a prestige executive saloon, but also one that’s currently super cheap. It’s our Deal of the Day for 21 March
News
21 Mar 2025