If you’re a double-cab bakkie owner, you’re likely to be impressed by their evolvement as refined and smooth luxury vehicles, or be traumatised by how expensive they have become, with R1m being the nominal asking price on some of the latest offerings.
Fear not if you belong to the latter group, as there remain a few that offer the versatility, family practicality, safety nets and some of the trending tech features but are priced below R500,000.
JAC T6
JAC is a Chinese brand that has been selling bakkies and trucks in South Africa for more than a decade. Its double-cab ranges include the T6 (above) and T8. The former is quite the bargain by being South Africa's cheapest double-cab, albeit with few but key specifications. It boasts airbags, ABS, Bluetooth, reversing camera and cruise control.
Power is provided by a 2.8l turbodiesel engine mated to a five-speed manual, and you can have it in 4x4 guise with low range gearing.
Prices: R379,900 (4x2); R429,900 (4x4)
Power: 68kW/210Nm
Transmission: 6spd manual
Warranty: five years/150,000km
Service plan: five years/60,000km
JAC T8
If you want more luxury and power, making the switch from the T6 to the T8 doesn’t get you a 4x4 drivetrain though, but you benefit from a more powerful and modern 2.0l turbodiesel, 220mm of ground clearance, a touchscreen display, LED light plus a bit more. Both JAC T6 and T8 models are rated with a towing capacity of 2,000kg braked trailers.
Price: R464,900
Power: 104kW/320Nm
Transmission: 6spd manual
Warranty: Five years/100,000km
Service plan: Five years/100,000km
GWM Steed 5 2.0VGT
There’s a big reason GWM persistently sells the Steed 5 range. It’s the company’s first model to be marketed here in South Africa and the attraction of a low asking price and relative capability continues to this day. Available in single SX grade and 4x2 and 4x4 guise both powered by a 2.0 turbodiesel engine with a six-speed manual transmission, standard fitments park distance control, two airbags, leather upholstery and electric windows.
Prices: R390,150 (4x2); R423,350 (4x4)
Power: 110kW/320Nm
Transmission: 6spd manual
Warranty: Five years/100,000km
Service plan: Three years/40,000km
Mahindra Pik Up
Part of the Mahindra Pik Up standout points from the rest of the double-cab pack is its Indian origins among Chinese and Japanese rivals, and the tall and gawky stance that offers unrivalled passenger space.
The Pik Up double cab range is offered in 20 derivatives and 14 cost less than R500,000 in a wide selection of specification, rear wheel drive or 4x4, manual or automatic. All models are powered by the same 2.2l turbodiesel engine.
Prices: R399,199-R496,099
Power: 103kW/320Nm
Transmissions: 6spd man/auto
Warranty: Four years/120,000km
Service plan: Five years/90,000km
GWM P-Series
GWM sells 13 versions of the P-Series, with four derivatives at prices lower than R500,000. The small batch is limited though, with a single automatic model and a lone manual with 4x4 underpinnings. The P-Series is known for undercutting its rivals on price while it’s among the largest of the species, and is surprisingly good in many areas, particularly in specification and ride quality. It’s a single 2.0l turbodiesel engine for the range and among the most powerful in the niche.
Prices: R444,650-R497,750
Power: 120kW/400Nm
Transmissions: 6spd man/8spd auto
Warranty: Five years/100,000km
Service plan: 10 years/100,000km
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