With the launches of several bakkies, including the all-new Volkswagen Amarok range and several additions to the latest Ford Ranger line up, 2023 was an auspicious year for pickups in South Africa and 2024 promises to be even busier.
There is a glut of newcomers on the horizon, though the market will be without a half-tonne bakkie with Nissan set to discontinue local production of its popular NP200 in March. There is no immediate replacement model though Stellantis has hinted the three-quarter-tonne Fiat Strada will return to fill the gap for compact bakkies.
The one-tonne segment is flourishing, and here are the workhorses and leisure bakkies being launched in Mzansi this year:
Mitsubishi Triton
The new sixth-generation Triton is visually aggressive with Mitsubishi’s trademark “Dynamic Shield” grille and slim LED daytime running lights.
Beneath the eye-catching design is a more rigid chassis and new suspension, while the cabin is improved with the use of high quality materials. The 2.4l turbodiesel engine is available in three states of tune, from 110kW to 150kW. The new Triton range will be available in single-, club- and double-cab body styles.
Ford Ranger Platinum and Tremor
Based on the Ranger XLT, the Tremor has enhanced off-road capability courtesy of a wider track, more ground clearance and trick suspension system borrowed from the flagship Wildtrak X.
The Ranger Platinum is the most premium model in the Ranger line-up, except for the Raptor, and has high-end features including quilted leather seats and a heated steering wheel.
GWM P-Series hybrid
The Chinese bakkie range will be bolstered with a petrol-electric version this year. GWM hasn’t provided details but it may use the 140kW/375Nm 1.5 hybrid powertrain from the Haval Jolion.
Isuzu D-Max X-Rider
Isuzu is launching the latest iteration of the popular D-Max X-Rider series that debuted in 2016.
Based on the mid-range 1.9 Ddi LS models, the three-model X-Rider range is identified by 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, X-Rider badging, stylish black accents and a black gloss grille adorned with bold red Isuzu lettering. There are subtle red accents inside the cabin.
JAC T9 double cab
Looking like a prop from a Mad Max movie, the dramatically-styled new JAC Motors T9 double-cab bakkie arrives in four models including 4x4s and 4x2s. All versions are powered by a four-cylinder 2.0l turbodiesel engine making 125kW and 410Nm.
Offering a more affordable alternative to double cabs such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, the Chinese-built T9 is priced from R529,900 to R649,900.
Jeep Gladiator
The Wrangler-based American bakkie, introduced to South Africa in 2022, adopts cosmetic and technology upgrades for 2024. It has a more advanced and comfortable interior with a fancier infotainment system and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot to connect up to eight wireless devices.
Toyota Land Cruiser 79
Toyota has given its rugged Land Cruiser 70 Series a revamp, the fourth since the off-roader range — available in bakkie and SUV guises — first launched in 1984 as heavy-duty models primarily for commercial use and driving in harsh environments.
The refreshed Land Cruiser 79 features a revised exterior with circular LED headlights, enhanced safety and cabin upgrades. In addition to the 4.5l turbo diesel V8 engine used in the current Land Cruiser 79, the newcomer will also offer the 2.8l turbodiesel used in the Hilux and Fortuner.
Toyota Hilux Hybrid
The new Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V is powered by Toyota’s familiar 2.8l four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 150kW and 500Nm, mated to a 48V mild hybrid system that adds another 12kW and 65Nm while improving fuel efficiency by a claimed 10%.
Toyota Hilux Champ
The Hilux Champ is an affordable workhorse for the Thai market available in short and long-wheelbase versions and single- and chassis-cab guises. It rides on the same platform as the Hilux and offers a choice of three engines.
Toyota South Africa has not confirmed whether the no-frills bakkie will be launched in Mzansi but prototypes have reportedly been spotted testing on local roads, and word is it may revive the iconic Stallion nameplate.
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