BusinessTech
Bakkies have long been a staple within the South African car market thanks to their ability to handle the demanding terrain South Africa has to offer. The admiration for these cars is also evident in the strong sales of models such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), Toyota continued its reign as the leading manufacturer of local car sales in September 2022, and this was largely thanks to its flagship Hilux bakkie, which represented 2,842 out of the total units sold.
Additionally, while Ford SA has discontinued its hatchback and sedan models in South Africa after a 28-year run, its bakkie (Ford Ranger) still remains – selling 1,604 units in September 2022 – which is a testament to the love South Africans have for their bakkies.
Despite these models’ popularity, buying a double cab can be a very expensive exercise for many South Africans, with the abovementioned favourites – the Hilux and Ranger double cab variations – starting at close to R500,000.
With this in mind, here are the top five cheapest double cab bakkies you can buy in South Africa right now.
GWM Steed 5 2.2MPi double cab — R242,900
The cheapest double cab in this segment is the GWM Steed 5, which comes with a 2.2-litre petrol engine, providing 73kW of power and 180Nm of torque.
This rear-wheel drive bakkie features a five-speed manual gearbox and manages a combined fuel consumption of 9.8l/100km. It also has a towing capacity of 1,700kg, and the back can accommodate a load of up to 1,005kg.
Inside, the Steed features electric front windows, cloth upholstery, manual air conditioning, and a radio with USB connectivity.
Mahindra Bolero 2.5TD double cab — R265,999
The Mahindra Bolero is powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 74kW and 235Nm.
Like the Steed, the Bolero is rear-wheel drive and uses a five-speed manual transmission, which gives it an average fuel consumption of 9.5l/100km. The Mahindra also has a towing capacity of 1,100kg, while the rear box can carry a maximum of 750kg.
The interior includes cloth seats and a manual air conditioning system.
JAC T6 2.0VVT double cab Lux — R344,900
The JAC T6 has a 2.0-litre petrol engine that is capable of producing 108kW and 190Nm.
While its maximum load capacity is listed at 820kg, it boasts a maximum braked towing capacity of 2,000kg.
This bakkie is also a rear-wheel drive, using a five-speed manual transmission to a combined fuel consumption of 8.6l/100km.
Unlike the previous vehicles, the JAC offers artificial leather upholstery, as well as a multifunction steering wheel, electric windows, cruise control, manual air conditioning, and a four-speaker Bluetooth sound system.
Mahindra Pik Up 2.2CRDe double cab S6 — R378,999
The second Mahindra on the list, the Pik Up, is powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel, generating 103kW and 320Nm.
The Pik Up also boasts the best fuel consumption out of the five budget double cabs on this list at 7.9l/100km.
This Mahindra bakkie has a six-speed manual gearbox, towing up to 2,500kg, while the load box will carry a further 1,095kg.
It also features manual air conditioning, electric windows, front and rear charging points, cruise control, fabric upholstery, and a four-speaker sound system.
GWM P-Series 2.0TD double cab SX — R435,950
The GWM P-Series is the most powerful bakkie among these five options, offering a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that produces 120kW and 400Nm.
The generous power levels translate to a towing capacity of 2,250kg and a load space capacity of 650kg.
The GWM IS also rear-wheel drive with power being delivered via a six-speed manual gearbox.
While the P-Series is the most expensive option, the value is seen in its welcome features, such as electric windows, daytime running lights, a multifunction steering wheel, manual air conditioning, a digital instrument cluster, cruise control, traction control, hill start and hill descent assist, rear parking sensors, and a four-speaker Bluetooth sound system.
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