These popular types of vehicles make up between 25% and 30% of all sales every year, and more and more manufacturers are coming into that segment with new offerings. Traditional favourites like the
Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-MAX (formerly known as KB) and the
Ford Ranger are being challenged by strong contenders. Here is a look at what is good out there.
TOYOTA HILUX
South Africa’s perennial favourite bakkie, and indeed vehicle of any type, remains just that. For over four decades, the
Toyota Hilux has held the “Best-selling vehicle in the country” title, and does not seem ready to drop it yet. Just this past February it sold over 3 500 units, the highest of any other vehicle of any type. The
Hilux comes in single, Xtra and double cab variants, with over 30 models to choose from. Rugged, durable and reliable,
Hilux appeals to a wide range of people looking for a daily workhorse or leisure vehicle. Or both. Lately these cars are as modern as the rest, with comfort, connectivity and safety features usually found in premium
SUVs.
Isuzu D-MAX
For a long time the
D-MAX was called the
KB in
South Africa. It only appealed to serious workhorse lovers, with very little compromise on attracting leisure customers. But the current (outgoing) range has really stepped up to the plate, providing more features demanded by the leisure market. Simultaneously the hardcore bakkie buyer still finds the
D-MAX one to choose when it comes to off-road prowess, durability and longevity. The new model promises to improve on all aspects, including safety, performance, and utility as a whole. It also aims to be more comfortable and accessible.
Nissan Navara
Nissan gave us the first Navara over a decade ago, and it changed the way we viewed bakkies. It was wider and longer than contemporaries, almost reminiscent of American bakkies.
South Africans bought it by the thousands and you can still see many of them on the roads today. The new vehicle picks up the mantle from that, adding modernity in areas of comfort and driveability.
Navara is also now available in single cab too, thus giving potential buyers the opportunity of owning a
Navara in the workhorse environment. Sales have not been that strong though, but the fact that it is now manufactured here in Rosslyn means it should be more competitive in terms of availability.
Nissan NP200
With a seemingly insurmountable monopoly on the half tonne bakkie market, the little
NP200 is chugging away nicely all on its own out there, with no competition in sight. These vehicles are seen all over the roads; freeways, byways, pathways and on gravel in rural areas. The range is quite compact, including two diesels and two petrols. One model is also geared towards the leisure market, with some attractive body panels and interior appointments. There have been some reports of lack of longevity on the
NP200, but we are not sure how widespread this is though.
GWM P Series
The massive Chinese bakkie is shaking up the market in a big way. Not only is the
P Series loaded with all sorts of current technologies, large load and passenger cabin, it is also priced to go. We had curious enquiries from some competitors when it was launched last year, mainly on features and sticker prices. Clearly there is concern. And there should be.
P Series looks strong, is capable and offers unbelievable value at the till. Sure, there remains questions about long-term reliability, so we shall all find out about that at the same time. For now though there is very little to fault about these bakkies.
Peugeot Landtrek
Peugeot has been in the bakkie game for over 100 years, from the likes of
202, 203, 404 etc, which all had bakkie versions. Very interesting that they were the only manufacturer to bring out a bakkie version of most of their sedan and/or hatches. Today the
Peugeot Landtrek is continuing the
Peugeot bakkie tradition with its attractive face and car-like interior. Yes it is based on a Chinese product, but is that necessarily a negative in this day and age? The Landtrek is at least on par with the segment in pretty much all features. There are no single cabs available, therefore it is confined more to the leisure market than the workhorse one. Fitted to the vehicle are things like touch screen infotainment and a 110kW, 350Nm turbo diesel engine, paired exclusively to an automatic transmission.
Mahindra Pik Up
Unpretentious, uncompromising, unstoppable, and underrated, the
Mahindra Pik Up should be every farmer’s top choice. It does exactly what the box says, which is to deliver honest hard work whenever called upon. Over and over again, with little or no fuss at all. True, the Pik Up is no Beyonce. But when it comes to boots on the ground, when the bell rings and graft must be done, it is the first to put in its wheels. Latest models have been gifted features like infotainment systems, electric this and that, because it is not only the farmer who must live with the vehicle.
