South Africa’s many bakkie enthusiasts are in for a treat in 2023, as there are at least four manufacturers with plans to introduce a new model.
Last year saw the debut of a number of highly-anticipated 4x4s, including the next-generation Isuzu D-Max and Ford Ranger, which together with the Toyota Hilux, make up the top three best-selling bakkies in all of South Africa.
The Hilux itself also received an exciting update in the form of the GR-Sport, seeing a small power increase in addition to cosmetic touch-ups.
This year, however, is shaping up to be an interesting one with the launch of the country’s first hybrid bakkie, a new high-performance Ford, and a compact workhorse perfect for small business owners.
Bakkies coming to South Africa in 2023
These are the bakkies that have been confirmed to be coming to South Africa in 2023 thus far.
Ford Ranger Raptor
The next-generation Ford Ranger made its debut at the end of last year, but the best has yet to come as the halo-model Raptor is scheduled to release within the first quarter of 2023.
The Raptor will make use of a new 3.0-litre, twin-turbo V6 engine paired to a 10-speed automatic gearbox, lending the performance bakkie an impressive power ceiling of 292kW and 583Nm.
One of the key attributes that set the Raptor apart from the standard models is its specially-developed Fox racing suspension with dampening technology, making it an even more capable 4×4 when the going gets rough.
It will also retain the previous Raptor’s signature Baja mode, which keeps the turbocharger spooled up for several seconds even at low speeds to reduce turbo-lag.
Other fittings include a pair of shift-on-the-fly front and rear lockable differentials, a permanent all-wheel-drive layout, and a set of sporty paddle shifters not available on the standard car.
JAC T9 Hunter
The JAC T9 Hunter is shaping up to be the first hybrid bakkie in South Africa.
Announced at the tail-end of 2022, the T9 will make its local introduction with a choice of two engines, either a turbocharged diesel unit, or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.
This release will be staggered, as the diesel model is expected to land in the country in the second quarter of 2023, while the PHEV will be released toward the end of the year.
The automaker did confirm that the 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel variant will have an output of 125kW and 410Nm and will feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, however, no figures have been revealed yet regarding the PHEV’s performance.
JAC also confirmed that it has plans to introduce a battery-electric model in 2024, which could become the first electric bakkie in South Africa.
Renault Oroch
At the end of last year, it was announced that Renault had plans to introduce a bombshell of new models in South Africa in 2023.
One of these units is the Oroch bakkie, which is scheduled to make its appearance in the first quarter of the year.
The Oroch will be competing in the compact light commercial vehicle market – a sector that is currently dominated by the small Nissan NP200.
The carmaker has confirmed that South Africa will receive the double-cab version of the Oroch, though other details of the local version of the car have yet to be revealed.
In Nigeria, another African market where the French bakkie is sold, the Oroch is equipped with either a 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre engine producing 82kW and 107kW respectively.
The smaller engine is linked to a five-speed manual gearbox and is only available in front-wheel-drive, while the larger unit is fitted with a six-speed manual and can be had as either a front-wheel or four-wheel drive model.
Regardless of which model is chose, the Renault will be certified to carry 650kg in the rear tray.
VW Amarok
One of the most highly-anticipated cars of the year, the next-generation Amarok is the sibling of the Ford Ranger, as both vehicles were developed in a joint effort between Ford and Volkswagen.
A total of five models will be available at launch, comprising a work-horse entry level unit, two mid-spec entries in the form of the Life and Style trim, and two range-topping models in the guise of the Aventura and PanAmericana.
Alongside these trim levels, the bakkie will launch with a total of four different turbo-diesel powerplants and one turbocharged petrol unit.
VW has yet to confirm the exact outputs for each engine as the performance will vary in each country the Amarok is launched in, however it was stated that the base model will ship with 110kW, while the more powerful diesel drivetrains will be able to generate up to 184kW.
It was also announced that the local market will receive the 10-speed automatic gearbox as standard, and that the high-rider will feature a part-time 4Motion all-wheel-drive layout.
Keyword: Bakkies coming to South Africa in 2023