Maxus T60 2.8L 4WD in Malaysia with rear disc brakes, 15k km service interval, 3-year free service – RM99,888

Weststar Maxus has announced that the Maxus T60 4WD Automatic is now on sale in Malaysia. The pick-up was previewed in June last year, and it was mentioned at that point that the launch for the vehicle was towards the end of the year, following homologation, so it has been a while coming. It was also stated at that point that local assembly was also slated to begin sometime in the fourth-quarter of last year.

Some changes have come about since that showing. Two versions of the T60, which measures in at 5,365 mm long, 1,844 mm tall and 2,145 mm wide, were supposed to have been available at point of introduction, and these were a manual and a high-spec auto,

However, there is no mention at all now of the six-speed manual transmission option in both the product communication and on the website, so that looks to have been dropped, leaving the T60 4WD Automatic as the sole offering.

No change to the powertrain unit, which is a VM Motori 2.8 litre four-cylinder DOHC VGT turbodiesel offering 150 hp at 3,400 rpm and 360 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm. This is paired with a six-speed Punch automatic transmission.

Also present is a BorgWarner electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which can be engaged via a rotary 2H-4H-4L dial without stopping. Three drive modes are available – Normal, Eco and Power. Also on is an Eaton mechanical differential lock, which is claimed by Maxus to be the “best of its kind in the world.” As for wheels, the 17-inchers seen previously have been replaced by 19-inch alloys, which are shod with 255/55 profile Continental tyres.

Elsewhere, the equipment levels remain, and exterior kit includes auto LED headlights with auto high beam, LED daytime running lights, front/rear fog lamps, aluminium roof rack rails, a stainless steel sports bar, side steps, power-folding side mirrors and a bedliner for the rear deck, which has a cargo volume of 1,188 litres.

Inside, the T60 features black leather upholstery, a multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel with height adjustment and audio/cruise control switches, keyless entry with push start ignition, automatic air-conditioning and an integrated 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.

Also on are a reverse camera, rain sensing wipers, anti-UV green glass and fully-electric adjustable front seats (first in the class, claims Maxus), with a six-way unit for the driver and a four-way unit for the front passenger.

Safety-wise, the ANCAP five-star rated T60 is equpped with four airbags (front and side), ABS, EBD, traction control, brake assist, hill start assist control and hill descent control. It’s also equipped with roll movement intervention (RMI), which recognises the threat of an impending roll over and intuitively applies the brakes to resist and return control and stability to the vehicle.

Other safety equipment consists of a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), two Isofix anchorage points, rear parking sensors and blind spot assist, the function available through the side mirrors from a vehicle speed of 30 km/h. Maxus also highlights the use of ventilated disc brakes on the front and rear, which is unique in the class (most trucks run rear drum brakes).

Six exterior colours are available, and these are Obsidian Black, Agate Red, Lava Grey, Blanc White, Aurora Silver and Ocean Blue. The Maxus T60 4WD Automatic is priced at RM99,888 (without insurance and road tax), which is close to the indicative price bandied for it last year.

The pick-up comes with a five-year or 130,000 km warranty as well as a three-year or 65,000 km free service package inclusive of parts, lubricants and labour, and 24/7 nationwide road assistance. Service interval is also longer than the industry standard, at every 15,000 km.

So what do you think, would you get this pick-up truck over the usual suspects?

GALLERY: Maxus T60 Malaysian preview, 2019

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