The winners of the second annual South African Bakkie of the Year competition were announced this weekend at the Nampo Kaap expo in Bredasdorp, Western Cape.
The winners and runners-up in six categories, as well as the overall victor, were decided by 22 experienced jurors over the course of six days.
The luxury 4×4 automatic double cabs were judged in four engine categories and on three disciplines comprising towing, off-road, and dynamic handling covering more than 150 criteria to conclude the “most comprehensive, dedicated test on double cab bakkies ever in South Africa,” as per competition sponsors Jou Statsie.
The overall winner for the 2024 Bakkie of the Year competition was a relatively new entry in the domestic market, the GWM P500 HEV.
The P500 swooped in at the last minute to grab this year’s top spot on the rostrum, having only been introduced to the country in August.
The Chinese double cab is an impressive machine, able to go toe-to-toe with the heavy hitters on the market courtesy of a powerful hybrid drivetrain and luxuries aplenty.
The HEV derivative – which is short for Hybrid Electric Vehicle – boasts a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine partnered with an electric motor over the rear axle which combined produce a substantial 255kW and 648Nm.
Gear changes are facilitated by a nine-speed automatic transmission and it features an intelligent torque-on-demand four-wheel-drive system with low range and electronically controlled front and rear differential locks.
The semi-electric bakkie can tow a maximum load of 3,500kg behind it as well as carry up to 735kg in the load box.
It further brings an extensive assortment of creature comforts, including but not limited to automatic LED lighting with high-beam assist, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, a heated Eco-leather steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear wireless device chargers, a heads-up display, and a 120W power outlet.
Front passengers are spoiled with multi-way electric seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging; while those in the second row get two-way electric seats with heating and ventilation.
Upwards of 20 assistant and safety systems are included, too, the highlights of which are 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, intelligent turning, lane-keeping assist, fully automated parking assist, automatic emergency brake assist, pedestrian and cyclist safety assistance, and rear cross-traffic warning with braking.
The P500’s final party trick is a 60:40 split tailgate.
The tailgate can open up and down just like the more traditional bakkies out there, but it can also be opened to the sides like the doors of a wardrobe for easier ingress and egress.
The P500 measures an imposing 5,445mm long, 1,991mm wide, and 1,924mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,350mm, rendering it one of the largest bakkies on the market at the moment.
In achieving this impressive feat, GWM made history by being the first Hybrid and the first Chinese Manufacturer to win the Bakkie of the Year competition in South Africa.
Bakkie of the Year winners
The list below details the 2024 Bakkie of the Year winners in six individual categories, as well as the overall winner.
2024 South African Bakkie of the Year overall winner
- GWM P500 HEV
Category A – 100-125kW
- Winner – Foton Tunland G7 TLX 2.0Tdi
- Runner up – Isuzu DMax X-Rider 1.9Tdi
Category B – 126-160kW
- Winner – GWM P500 2.4Tdi
- Runner up – Ford Ranger Tremor 2.0BiT
Category C – 161kW-plus
- Winner – GWM P500 HEV
- Runner up – RAM 1500 Rebel 5.7L V8 Petrol
Category D – Specialist Vehicles
- Winner – Jeep Gladiator Rubicon V6 Petrol
- Runner up – RAM 2500 Laramie V8 TDI
Lowest cost of ownership
- Winner – Isuzu D-Max X- Rider 1.9Tdi
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