Bakkie enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to as there are at least seven new models coming to South Africa in the near future.
Not that it has been a slow year for the country’s favourite segment, as several brands have brought out exciting new options over the last few months.
Ford launched the new Ranger Tremor and Platinum, while Toyota has added wheeled out the latest iteration of the GR-Sport nameplate for the Hilux.
Isuzu revived the X-Rider designation for the D-Max, JAC updated the T8 series with more affordable units, and South Africa welcomed a new Chinese carmaker – LDV – which has since introduced the T60 double cab.
Chinese brands in particular are making a big play for our market, as three different manufacturers have models in the pipeline – one of which is returning to South Africa for the first time in years.
JAC is finally bringing out the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery-electric (BEV) versions of its range-topping T9, which up till now has only been available with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel plant.
GWM, meanwhile, is launching its flagship P-Series known as the P500 (Shanhai Cannon in other markets) which is expected to be a major step up from the existing units that’s more comparable to some of the larger American pickups than most of our local options.
The other carmaker is Foton, which is relaunching in South Africa with the Tunland G7 and is on its way to a network of 40 dealerships as we speak.
Other models coming in the near future include a new VW Amarok with a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, which is being added to the roster due to consumer demand.
The Peugeot Landtrek is also being updated to make it a more versatile offering in the light commercial sector with a new single cab model and a lower-spec double cab with a manual gearbox – both of which are set to be locally produced once Stellantis’ factory in the Eastern Cape is completed.
Mitsubishi is making the final preparations to launch the next-generation Triton, and Kia is entering the bakkie scene with the new Tasman, though this has still yet to be officially unveiled.
New contenders
These are all of the bakkies that are confirmed to be coming to South Africa.
Click on the underlined links for more information on each model.
Foton Tunland G7
GWM P500
JAC T9 BEV & PHEV
Kia Tasman
Mitsubishi Triton
Peugeot Landtrek single cab & lower-spec double cab
VW Amarok 2.3-litre turbo-petrol
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