Share

New Fiat bakkie for SA?

Cape Town - Fiat’s new Toro (bull in Italian) bakkie, a medium-size double-cab bakkie from the Italian automaker, has been revealed in an official photo from FCA in Latin America.

According to Fiat, its new bakkie is set to take on best-selling stalwarts such as Toyota’s Hilux  and the Ford Ranger.

Fiat South Africa confirms the automaker’s reach will be extended locally with a concerted model campaign from 2016 and beyond – including the launch of “a completely new pick-up in the competitive ‘bakkie’ segment”.

Set to arrive in 2016

According to Johan Cloete, newly appointed project manager for Fiat LCV development, the “yet-to-be-named one-ton bakkie” (however, the Toro moniker has been confirmed) will be offered “in single or double-cab variants and powered by petrol or diesel engines” and is set for introduction during the first half of 2016.

The Toro, previewed by the FCC4 concept presented at the 2014 Sao Paolo auto show, will go head-to-head with Renault’s Duster Oroch bakkie, introduced in October 2015 in Brazil.

To be launched at Dubai auto show

Due to be officially launched at the Dubai auto show later in November 2015, the Toro is rumoured to be based on an extended version of FCA’s Small Wide 4x4 platform which also underpins the Jeep Renegade.

While details are scarce, Fiat Brazil did announce the new bakkie measures 4.9m long – about the same length as the Duster Oroch  and about 26cm shorter than a Ford Ranger – can carry up to a one-tonne payload and can seat five “in the comfort of a luxury car”.

Power

Built at the Pernambuco factory in Brazil, the Toro will be powered by a 103kW 1.8-litre E-Torq Flex four-cylinder engine (that can also run on ethanol) mated to a six-speed auto ’box or a 2.0-litre Multijet turbo-diesel delivering 127kW/380Nm of torque paired with either a six-speed manual, six-speed auto, or nine-speed auto.

According to sources, three trims – Urban, Adrenaline, and Country – will be available in Brazil, with the Urban and Adrenaline only offered with front-wheel drive, while the top-spec Country will be offered with either 4x2 or 4x4 configuration.

The Toro is tow-rated for 1000kg and will be available with options such as Xenons and LED driving lights, fog lights, underbody protection, Uconnect and a 13cm touchscreen navigation and infotainment system, rain sensors and a sunroof.

Unique unitary construction

Design highlights are its Cherokee type headlights and vertically split and hinged cargo bay doors, and it’s also the first one-ton bakkie with a unitary construction and fully independent suspension system.

Unlike the ladder chassis and live rear axle systems of its local competitors, such as the Hilux, Ranger, Isuzu KB, VW Amarok, Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton, this should give the Toro good road manners and fuel economy.

The bakkie will follow in the tyre-tracks of the half-ton Fiat Strada sold locally until 2012. No pricing for the local line-up has been announced yet.

The bakkie will further extend the Fiat Professional vehicle range that includes the Doblo, Fiorino and Ducato vans, and the Ducato minibus and motorhome chassis-cabs.

Cloete said: "We are serious about the future viability of the Fiat Professional brand in South Africa and believe its presence can be strengthened through the LCV development programme, including the new pick-up."

More bakkie news in SA

Mitsubishi's new bakkie: Next-gen Triton for SA
Mitsubishi has confirmed that its next-generation Triton bakkie will arrive in South Africa by mid-2016.

Surf’s up! Limited edition Chev Spark, bakkies for SA
Chevrolet has added some funky, limited edition models to its local line-up. Check out the new Spark Curve, beefed-up Ute Working and the laid back Ute Surf for SA.

Car parts prices in SA: We list cheapest vehicles
Unless you're covered by a warranty or service plan replacing car parts can be incredibly expensive. We list the cheapest parts basket for vehicles in SA!

Ford's locally-built bakkie: Spruced Ranger in SA
New design, improved engines, upgraded tech... Ford's flagship Ranger will reach SA showrooms in November. We have details, gallery and video of the new locally-built bakkie!

Spruced KB bakkie in SA: More punch for workhorses
Isuzu has upgraded its KB in South Africa with the addition of three new bakkies to the range.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE