The most fuel-efficient bakkie under R500,000 in South Africa

Bakkies are some of the most popular vehicles on South Africa’s roads, but can be expensive to own and run, depending on the model of choice and its fuel efficiency.

The most efficient choice in South Africa, the BYD Shark 6, demands buyers part with nearly R1 million to take advantage of its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) efficiency.

Those looking to spend less than half of that for a bakkie will have to make do with the most efficient double-cab under R500,000, the Peugeot Landtrek, or could save even more and buy the JAC T6 single-cab.

Granted, this choice would force buyers to sacrifice an additional row of seats, but the Chinese bakkie is both more affordable and fuel-efficient than the Landtrek.

This is true of both the JAC T6 single-cab derivatives – the Comfort and the Lux – which demand R299,900 and R314,900 respectively.

In either guise, the bakkie is one of the most affordable in the South African market, as well as the most fuel-efficient under R500,000, with an average consumption of 6.9l/100km.

Fuel-efficient diesel power

The single-cab JAC T6 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, the same model that can be found in the T8 models that have been available in our market since 2023.

This motor produces 102kW and 320Nm, which drives the back wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

Thanks to its average fuel consumption of 6.9l/100km and the bakkie’s 76-litre tank, it boasts an approximate maximum range of over 1,100 kilometres.

“The T6’s fuel consumption is exceptional, as its low torque curve enables earlier shifts and fewer gear changes,” said Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.

“In local combined-cycle testing, we recorded consumption as low as 6.1l/100km, and just 8.0l/100km with a 750 kg load.”

The T6 single-cab is 5,315mm long, 1,830mm wide, and 1,815mm high, featuring a 3,090mm wheelbase, 197mm of ground clearance and a 6.2m turning radius.

Beyond this, it is capable of carrying payloads up to 1,000kg in its 2,260mm × 1,520mm × 470mm load box, and is rated for a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,400kg.

The 4×4 derivatives of the T6 are also expected to launch later this year.

Features

Standard features on the T6 include power steering, manual air conditioning, electric windows, and a height-adjustable, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel.

Beyond these, the bakkie includes electrically adjustable side mirrors with indicators, halogen headlamps, a high-mounted stop lamp, rear fog lamps, a driver’s seatbelt alarm and headlight levelling functionality.

It also features an immobiliser, multi-information display, remote entry, central locking with speed-sensing door locks, and rear park distance sensors come standard.

Adding to this, the Lux derivative introduces a reverse camera and leatherette trim, as well as a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while the T6 Comfort features a radio and MP3 player with Bluetooth.

Both trim levels include a USB and 12V power socket, housed in a closable centre console compartment.

In terms of safety, features on the T6 comprise dual airbags, front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, as well as 4-channel ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Buying the Chinese bakkie comes with a 5-year/100,000km warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance.