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Single vs. double cab: Which bakkies are more popular in SA?

Image: AuutoTrader SA / Lawrence Minnie
Image: AuutoTrader SA / Lawrence Minnie

Cape Town - The choice between a single or double-cab is based solely on the potential owner’s need and the purpose for the vehicle.

Where double-cab vehicles are family orientated due to additional passenger space, a single-cab is often built for utility and aimed at individuals who require more loading space; be it for a hobby or work purposes.  

Bakkie sales in SA 

Lightstone, vehicle information specialists, shares findings on vehicles sold in the last five years within the utility category: 

30 644 one-ton double-cab utilities were sold through dealer networks in 2012 compared to the 48 104 one-ton single-cabs in the same year. Five years later in 2017, analysis of the first 10 months indicate that more than 39 000 double cabs have been bought in comparison to 37 000 single-cabs.

This significant change in buyer behaviour came about in 2016 when, for the first time ever in the one-ton market, double-cabs outsold single-cabs. According to Lightstone Auto's Hein Coetzee this change in the market is attributed to the fact that manufacturers are offering double-cabs with improved levels of driveability, luxury and comfort.

Coetzee said: "With all the latest attributes double-cabs are becoming a realistic alternative to the previously modern Sports Utility Vehicle." 

Image: Lightstone

Image: Lightstone

A vehicle that has become the benchmark in the double-cab segment is the Ford Ranger. This vehicle began the process of changing the way consumers looked at  double-cab when it was originally released in 2011. The new and improved Ranger was launched during the latter of 2015, along with the new Toyota Hilux, Isuzu KB and the VW Amarok, which were all launched within a nine month window.

The introduction of updated vehicles, particularly from the leading vehicle brands, usually generates a fair amount of interest. The hype, allied to the SUV-like qualities the manufacturers introduced with these new double-cab ranges, quickly catapulted the body shape passed the single-cab.

The spike in sales during 2016 can be attributed, not only to the launch of the upgraded version of the Ranger, but also to an amalgamation of all the new and improved double-cab offerings on the market.

The sales of the Ranger during this period is an indication of the dominance of the model in this segment. One of the most significant findings by Lightstone is that since the beginning of January 2015, 41% of all double-cab sold in Southern Africa have been Ford Rangers. 



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