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Naturally, when we're ready to purchase a new bakkie, we want something that can see to most of our needs.
The bakkie in question must tick several boxes, with the most important probably being that it must see to our lifestyle requirements. In other words, the bakkie will be acquired for leisure purposes.
We scoured the South African bakkie market for five of the most affordable double cab bakkies. However, we opted against workhorse variants, given that the average South African will use the bakkie for their daily commute.
The list below comprises of both petrol and diesel bakkies, but they are all rear-wheel-drive only. 4x4 variants often carry a bit of a premium.
Note: Images are representative of the model range and may not be that of the actual bakkie in question.
Do you own any of the bakkies in this list? Email and share your ownership experience with us.
JMC Vigus 2.4 LX
At R251 990, the Vigus is the most affordable double cab in SA. It bests the next most affordable bakkie by quite a margin, but it is not without the specification and comfort we’ve come to expect from leisure vehicles.
The Vigus is equipped with all-round electric windows, a USB port, front fog lights, and rear park distance control.
On the technical front, the 2.4-litre petrol engine develops 95kW and 201Nm and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. JMC claims a fuel return of 10.2-litres/100km. Ground clearance is a respectable 181mm.
2020 JMC Vigus. Image: JMC SA
Mahindra Pik Up S6
While Mahindra also has the Bolero in its arsenal, the bakkie is more workhorse orientated than the Pik Up. A lot more. At R316 499, the S6 double cab is kitted with enough in its arsenal to make it relevant. Like the Vigus, it, too, features all-round electric windows, but does away with the rear park distance control.
It does, however, ride on 16-inch wheels, and comes equipped with a USB and AUX inputs, and front fog lights.
READ: South Africa the first country to launch new Mahindra Pik Up, globally!
The bakkie is powered by the same 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine that powers the rest of the range. This unit produces 103kW and 320Nm between 1500 - 2800rpm, and a six-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels. A 210mm ground clearance means that the bakkie has no problem traversing a gravel road.
Mahindra claims a fuel return of 7.9-litres/100km.
2020 Mahindra Pik Up. Image: QuickPic
GWM Steed 6 Xscape
Like Mahindra, GWM also has a few bakkies in its arsenal, namely the Steed 5 and Steed 5E. While both these bakkies come in single- and double cab, they are too workhorse-like. To cater to the leisure market, GWM has the Steed 6: a bakkie with a menacing aura and an in-your-face design.
Two models make up the range, the SX (R289 900) and Xscape (R319 900), but it is the latter that draws our attention. Powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine, the Xscape makes do with 105kW and 305Nm. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and is said to have a fuel return of 8.8-litres/100km.
The bakkie is fitted with six airbags – the most of any of the bakkies listed here – all-round electric windows, cruise control, climate control, Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity, daytime-running LEDs, rain sensor wipers, a multi-function steering wheel, and rear park distance control.
Ground clearance is rated at 188mm.
2020 GWM Steed 6 Xscape. Image: GWM SA
JAC T8 Lux
Perhaps the least popular of the automakers here, JAC has been operating in South Africa for several years now. Its portfolio consists of the T6 bakkie, as well as the T8; which has been added late last year.
Two models make up the T8 range - a rear-wheel-drive and a 4x4 - and manage to look the part of the design front. Regarding the rear-wheel-drive Lux, it is powered by a 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 100kW and 320Nm. It sends power to the back via a six-speed manual gearbox. However, the torque is available in a tiny window: 2000 - 2600rpm.
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The bakkie has a ground clearance of 210mm and rides on 18-inch wheels – the biggest of all bakkies in this list. It is also fitted with front and rear electric windows, a rear-view camera with park distance control, a multimedia system that’s compatible with Bluetooth, USB and AUX, as well as an onboard computer.
The T8 Lux retails from R359 900.
2020 JAC T8. Image: RoadTrip / Ryan Abbott
Isuzu D-Max 250 Hi-Ride
The Isuzu D-Max is one of the three most popular double cab bakkies in SA after the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. Part of its success recipe is models like this 250 Hi-Ride, which manages to come in at a competitive price. While it is the most expensive here, it is still one of the more affordable double cab bakkies in SA.
The D-Max will be replaced sometime in 2021 with an all-new model, which will, in all likelihood, see the 2.5-litre diesel engine be substituted by a newer and more modern 1.9-litre engine. For now, the current engine is good for 100kW and 320Nm, and power is fed to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
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Ground clearance is an excellent 225mm.
At R426 300, the D-Max 250 Hi-Ride is fitted with all-round electric windows, Bluetooth and AUX connectivity, and 16-inch tyres. Isuzu claims a fuel return of 7.7-litres/100km.
2020 Isuzu D-Max. Image: QuickPic
