With the launches of several bakkies, including the Volkswagen Amarok range and several additions to the latest Ford Ranger line up, 2023 was an auspicious year for pickups in SA and 2024 promises to be even busier.
A glut of newcomers is on the horizon, though the market will be without a half-tonne bakkie, with Nissan set to discontinue local production of its popular NP200 in March. While there’s no immediate replacement model, Stellantis has hinted its three-quarter-tonne Fiat Strada will return to fill the gap for compact bakkies.
The one-tonne segment is flourishing, and here are the workhorses and leisure bakkies being launched this year:
JAC T9 double cab
Looking like a prop from a Mad Max movie, the dramatically styled new JAC Motors T9 double-cab bakkie arrives in four models, including 4x4s and 4x2s. All versions are powered by a four-cylinder 2.0l turbodiesel engine producing 125kW and 410Nm.
Offering a more affordable alternative to double cabs such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, the Chinese-built T9 is priced from R529,900 to R649,900.
Mitsubishi Triton
The sixth-generation Triton is visually aggressive with Mitsubishi’s trademark “Dynamic Shield” grille and slim LED daytime running lights.
Beneath the eye-catching design is a more rigid chassis and new suspension, while the cabin is improved with high-quality materials. The 2.4l turbodiesel engine is available in three states of tune, from 110kW to 150kW. The new Triton range will be available in single-, club- and double-cab body styles.
Ford Ranger Platinum and Tremor
Based on the Ranger XLT, the Tremor has enhanced off-road capability courtesy of a wider track, more ground clearance and trick suspension system borrowed from the flagship Wildtrak X.
The Ranger Platinum is the premium model in the Ranger line-up, bar the Raptor, and has high-end features including quilted leather seats and a heated steering wheel.
GWM P500
GWM will launch the P500 luxury 4x4 double cab in the second quarter of the year as the brand’s flagship bakkie, positioned above the one-tonne P-Series. It will be powered by a choice of a hybrid 2.0l petrol turbo powertrain with outputs of 255kW and 648Nm or a 2.4l turbo diesel with 135kW and 480Nm. It will feature a deluxe interior with a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable rear seats with heating, and wireless charging at the back.
Isuzu D-Max X-Rider
Isuzu is launching the latest iteration of the popular D-Max X-Rider series that debuted in 2016.
Based on the mid-range 1.9 Ddi LS models, the three-model X-Rider range is identified by 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, X-Rider badging, stylish black accents and a black gloss grille adorned with bold, red Isuzu lettering. There are subtle red accents inside the cabin too.
Jeep Gladiator
The Wrangler-based American bakkie, introduced to SA in 2022, gets cosmetic and technology upgrades for 2024. It has a more advanced and comfortable interior with a fancier infotainment system and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot to connect as many as eight wireless devices.
Toyota Land Cruiser 79
Toyota has given its rugged Land Cruiser 70 Series a revamp, the fourth since the off-roader range — available in bakkie and SUV guises — first launched in 1984 as heavy-duty models, primarily for commercial use and harsh environments.
The refreshed Land Cruiser 79 features a revised exterior with circular LED headlights, enhanced safety and cabin upgrades. In addition to the 4.5l turbodiesel V8 engine used in the current Land Cruiser 79, the newcomer will also offer the 2.8l turbodiesel used in the Hilux and Fortuner.
Toyota Hilux Hybrid
The new Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V is powered by Toyota’s familiar 2.8l four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 150kW and 500Nm, mated to a 48V mild hybrid system that adds another 12kW and 65Nm while improving fuel efficiency by a claimed 10%.
Toyota Hilux Champ
The Hilux Champ is an affordable workhorse for the Thai market available in short- and long-wheelbase form. It rides on the same platform as the Hilux and offers a choice of three engines.
Toyota SA hasn’t confirmed whether the no-frills bakkie will be launched in Mzansi, though there are reports of prototypes testing on local roads, and word is it may revive the iconic Stallion nameplate.
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