Chinese brand DFSK has launched the K01S as one of the cheapest workhorse bakkies in SA, filling the gap left by the discontinued Nissan NP200 half-tonner as a compact and affordable load lugger.
With a starting price of R189,900, the single-cab vehicle is a no-frills dropside pickup designed for various industries including construction, logistics and trades such as electrical and solar companies. It is a rival to the Suzuki Super Carry 1.2 bakkie which is priced at R187,900.
The 4,435mm long DFSK K01S has a 985kg payload capacity in a cargo area measuring 2700 x 1140 x 370mm.
With rear-wheel drive, the K01S is powered by a 1.2l four-cylinder petrol engine with 65kW of power and 115Nm of torque. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, the bakkie has a claimed top speed of 110km/h.
It has on independent front suspension and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. Braking is by discs in front and drums at the back, and the vehicle wears 165/70 tyres on 14” steel rims.
With a fuel tank capacity of 40l, the bakkie has a claimed fuel consumption of 7.1l/ 100km.
Inside, you’ll find a basic cabin with power steering, cloth seats, old-fashioned sliding lever ventilation controls and no airbags, though air conditioning and ABS brakes are available as options.
The K01S is sold with a one-year/30,000km warranty and DFSK has 19 dealers across SA.
C35 PANEL VAN
DFSK also offers a range of C35 panel vans with a large cargo area of as much as 5,100l and maximum payload of 1,015kg. The load compartment is accessible via sliding doors on both sides and a tailgate.
The C35 has a choice of petrol or electric power. The 1.5l petrol produces 85kW and 148Nm and is linked to a five-speed manual transmission. The electric EC35 version has outputs of 60kW/200Nm, a claimed range of 240km and takes about six hours to charge on a 7kW home charger.
It comes with a three-year/60,000km warranty for the vehicle and a five-year warranty for the battery.
DFSK was formed in 2003 as a joint venture between Chinese automakers Dongfeng Motor Corporation and Sokon Industry Group, and exports vehicles to 70 countries.
PRICES
DFSK K01S standard — R189,900
DFSK K01S aircon — R207,150
DFSK K01S aircon + ABS — R216,062
C35 standard — R265,000
C35 air conditioning — R282,250
C35 aircon + ABS — R291,162
EC35 electric — R655,500
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