DFSK launches new workhorse bakkie in South Africa for less than R200,000

South Africa has been starved of small bakkies since the disappearance of the half-tonne class, but could new entrants like the DFSK K01S partially fill the gap?

This new Chinese entrant has officially landed in South Africa, and with a starting price of R189,900, it is the second least expensive commercial vehicle on our market, after the Suzuki Super Carry, which starts at R187,900.

Like the latter, the DFSK is a highly utilitarian option, with a cab-over design, rear-wheel drive, leaf spring rear suspension and an impressive load capacity of 985kg.

Of course, small business owners who don’t require that kind of load lugging capacity are likely better off with one of the car-based panel vans such as the Nissan Magnite Move or Hyundai Grand i10 Cargo.

The DFSK is a true workhorse in every sense of the word, and it will lug large loads with its dropside cargo bin, which measures 2,700 x 1,140 x 370mm.

The importer says it will appeal to industries such as construction, solar installations and other electrical services.

Power comes from a 1.2-litre normally aspirated petrol engine that produces 65kW and 115Nm, pairing with a five-speed manual transmission. DFSK claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.1 litres per 100km, but keep in mind that real-world consumption could differ.

As you’d expect, luxury features are limited, but the compact bakkie does at least come with ABS brakes. There is also an air conditioned model on offer for R207,150, while adding ABS brakes to the mix will increase the price to R216,062. ABS, we feel, should not be negotiable in this day and age, and the vehicle also lacks airbags. The Suzuki Super Carry lacks these features too, for what it's worth.

The DFSK’s warranty is valid for only one year or 30,000km, although extended coverage is available at an extra cost.

But the K01S isn’t the only new option from this Chinese manufacturer.

The C35 Panel Van has also gone on sale at R265,000, or R282,250 with aircon and R291,162 with ABS.

The newcomer boasts a load area of 5.1m³, and power comes from a 1.5-litre normally aspirated petrol engine that produces 85kW and 148Nm. It comes with the same warranty as its bakkie counterpart.

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