We recently completed the Isuzu One Tank Challenge, and the reality of the Isuzu D-Max 1,9’s frugality brought up the question, what are the most fuel-efficient bakkies available in South Africa?
It must be said that the bar for frugality in the bakkie segment is high compared to smaller road-going four-wheelers. The majority of these utilitarian offerings are accompanied by double-digit fuel figures but here are five bakkies that seek to offer the beloved bakkie platform to consumers conscious about their fuel economy.
Related: Million rand bakkies: Ford Ranger Raptor VS VW Amarok Aventura
- 1. Isuzu D-Max 1.9Ddi Single Cab: 7,0 L/100km
At the forefront of the fuel-efficient bakkies segments is Isuzu’s textbook farmyard workhorse. The single-cab D-Max we piloted for the Isuzu One Tank Challenge was frugal not only in its fuel expenditure but also in its cabin. Bare bones and built to perform, a little throttle finesse results in the Isuzu’s file figure dropping to as low as 5,5 L/100 km. The 1,9TD single cab Isuzu D-Max is accompanied by a price tag in the region of R411 800, a contributor to the Japanese automaker’s local monthly sales successes.
Related: South Africa’s Top 5 best-selling bakkies for March 2023
- 2.Mazda BT-50 1,9TD Double Cab Active: 7,9 L/100km
Borrowing some elements from the aforementioned brand, Mazda’s BT-50 is priced much higher than this list’s front runner (R630 400) but equals the Isuzu offering in power and performance. Offered solely in a double cab configuration, the Mazda BT-50’s 1,9 turbo diesel engine may not be as competent as the higher-ranking 3,0-litre powered model.
- 3. Ford Ranger 2,0 Sit Single Cab XL: 8,3 L/100km
Needing no introduction, Ford’s latest Ranger offering introduces more tech and creature comforts while its lowest-lying offering possesses the best fuel economy figures in the entire lineup. The single cab configuration is priced at R464 200, making it a solid option for those seeking one of the most fuels efficient bakes in the local market while sticking to a brand that has continuously refined its bakkie offering. For R20 000 more, you could opt for the double cab configuration that retains the claimed 8,3 L/100km fuel figure but in a larger platform.
- 4. Toyota Hilux 2,4GD-6 Double Cab SR: 8,5 L/100km
Akin to Ford’s revival of its flagship bakkie offering, Toyota has unleashed a new generation of its cherished Hilux nameplate. The 2,4GD-6 inherits better on-road manners than its previous incarnation and introduces a slew of creature comforts that ease the other no-nonsense constitution the Hilux is known for. Priced at R534 400, the Hilux shares the same fuel economy figure with Isuzu’s 1,9TD single cab L offering, which undercuts the Hilux’s price by almost R100 000.
- 5. Nissan Navara 2,5DDTi: 8,6 L/100km
The cheapest option on this list, the Nissan Navara 2,5DDTi Single Cab XE (which costs R387 200) offers an impressive fuel economy figure when compared to the rest of the bakkie segment. The Navara is unfortunately plagued with a less than appealing ride quality, but its solid constitution and interior amenities lighten the load.
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