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Cape Town - The battle for the 2017 South African bakkie throne is off to a flying start with two new challengers being unleashed into the market earlier this year.
In January, Mitsubishi launched its new Triton, followed by Mazda's refreshed BT-50 in February.
Nissan's new Navara will arrive in March 2017 followed by Volkswagen's refreshed Amarok, available with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine.
Also headed for SA is Mercedes-Benz's new X-Class but more on that later in this article.
New bakkies headed for SA
Nissan's flagship Navara bakkie is set to arrive in March 2017.
The Navara will be available in two power outputs, 120kW and 140kW, and the range-topping version introduces twin turbocharging technology, a first for Nissan. The 2.3-litre can be mated to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed auto. A four-wheel drive variant will be available.
The 3.0-litre V6 diesel looks likely to continue leading the range.
An altered version of the outgoing Navara's all-wheel system features a rotary switch that allows for shifting between between 2WD and 4WD at speeds of up to 100km/h. Low range is also on offer.
Volkswagen South Africa says its facelifted bakkie powered by a 2.0-litre TDI and BiTDI engines will arrive during the second half of 2017.
The new bakkie receives minor cosmetic enhancements but the big news, of course, is the addition of a new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel model.
Estimated pricing for the Extreme model should, says VW, be a less than "R800 000", while the Highline model should retail for "little more than R700 000". Full pricing and specifications have yet to be confirmed.
The new V6 produces 165kW from 4000-5000rpm with peak torque at 550Nm from 1500rpm. It delivers 130Nm more than the current Ultimate version and is mated to an eight-speed auto box. VW's claimed fuel consumption figure is 7.6litres/100km with CO2 emissions quoted at 199g/km.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the X-Class is the world’s "first premium bakkie" and will combine the best of two worlds, as demonstrated by two design variants of the concept model; The Stylish Explorer and Powerful Adventurer.
The concept X-Class “powerful adventurer” illustrates that the future X-Class will possess all the strengths of a traditional bakkie - “tough, functional, strong, and with off-road capability”.
The top-of-the-range model will be powered by a V6 diesel in combination with 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system will combine an electronic traction system, a transfer case with reduction gear, and two differential-locks. The traction system and the electrically operated differential- locks channel the power to where traction is best.
Production for the European, Australian and South African markets will start at the Nissan factory in Barcelona, Spain, in 2017.
Renault's Hilux-fighter: New Alaskan bakkie
Renault’s new bakkie, the Alaskan, has been revealed and will be the automaker’s attempt at taking on light commercial vehicle (LCV) stalwarts such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
Renault South Africa says "nothing has been confirmed as to whether the bakkie will be available locally" though the automaker adds that its Alaskan will be up for discussion as to whether it will suit the local market.
The Alaskan will be available with both petrol and diesel options. The 2.5-litre petrol engine is set to deliver 120kW and the 2.5-litre diesel engine 140kW. Both engine types will be make use of turbo technology and will be mated with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed auto.
Launched in 2017
Mitsubishi's fifth-generation Triton bakkie arrived in South Africa earlier in 2017.
The new Triton, says Mitsubishi, is the automaker's most advanced bakkie yet. The Triton uses a new-generation 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine which produces 133kW/430Nm and can be mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.
Inside, it's roomier and quieter than its predecessor with higher quality interior finishes and a new full colour display.
The 4x4 doublecab variants use the Super Select II all-wheel-drive system borrowed from the Pajero and Pajero Sport.
Refreshed Mazda BT-50
The BT-50 received a much-needed facelift in February 2017. Though changes are mostly cosmetically and ergonomically, the bakkie still uses the very same engines. It is powered by a 2.2-litre and a 3.2-litre diesel engine.
Power is channeled to the road via six-speed manual and automatic transmissions and the bakkie is available in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive options.
READ: Mazda's refreshed BT-50 - A 'premium alternative' bakkie
