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Ten dirty secrets of cheap 4x4 on sale in South Africa.
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Then look no further, for listed below are the cheapest 4x4 double cab surprises for those who don't want to risk getting hijacked in the best-selling Hilux; or fork out for the strong Ford Ranger.
Note these cheapies ain't your spartan workhorse 4x4 either, but comfortably appointed double-cabs with electric windows, aircon, MP3 playing sound systems (often with touch screens), ABS, EBS, airbags ... service plans, in short, the lot.
Sure, the finishing is somewhat plastic in places and as Hallo Peter shows, several of Tata's multi-franchises have to jack up (often literally) their after-sales service, but with this list you can "pays your monies" AND afford to eat your own cake.
For after you paid a lot less every month, you can smirk all the way through the mud, knowing the scratches and dings will not make your resale price any lower, while the marks will serve to remind you -- and your peers -- that you play hard.
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| The Ranger is currently SA's strongest 'Western' bakkie, but Newton/rand, 14 models from the cheapies below will kick its butt. |
1. Dirty dozen to choose from:
There are 12 Chinese, Korean or Indian brands of 4x4 double cabs in SA, sold by Foton, GWM, JMC, Mahindra, Tata and SsangYon.
2. The Indians' kick butt, on paper at least.
The models that offer the most power for the least money is Tata's 3,0. (320 Nm), followed by Mahindra's 2,2 MHawk (290 Nm) and GWM Steed 5 2,4i (280 Nm).But do spend some time in the waiting area of your multi-franchise dealer that sells the Tata Xenon before you place your orders. The client's comments will reveal to you whether the shop gives service or not. Or do a bit of due diligence on Hallo Peter to find the few good Tata dealers.
3. Longest warrantee
Foton and SsangYong offer the longest warranties, with Foton limiting it to only on the drivetrain, i.e. engine and gearbox. |
| The new Vigus may have outpriced itself against its Chinese and Indian rivals, but it's looks fit the bill. |
4. The top 5 cheapest 4x4 doublecabs in SA are:
Tata Xenon 3.0 TD 4x4: ZAR192,995GWM Steed 5 2,4i Mpi 4x4: ZAR239,900
Tata Xenon 2.2 TD L 4x4: ZAR249,495
Mahindra Scorpio 2.2 mHawk DE 4x4: ZAR266,995
Tata Xenon XT 4x4: ZAR279,495
5. The top five most expensive Chinese 4x4's in SA are:
JMC Vigus 2,4 TD LX 4x4: ZAR355,990JMC Vigus 2,4 SLX 4x4: ZAR365,990
Foton Tunland 2,8 ISF Luxury 4x4: ZAR369,950
Vigus 2,4 TD SLX 4x4: ZAR379,990
Foton Tunland 2,8 ISF Comfort 4x4: ZAR389,950
6. And in third place we have...[wtf, where did the Tunland go!?]
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| Why pay a high price for a shiny 4x4 if this is what you REALLY want to do with it? |
Next among the cheapies comes:
a Tata Xenon 2.2 TD, (320Nm) or the Xenon 3,0 (330Nm);
a Vigus 2,4 TD or Mahindra's 2.2 mHawk (290 Nm)
a Foton Tunland 2,8 ISF (280 Nm)
a Vigus 2,4 petrol or a GWM Steed 2,4i MPi (200 Nm).
7. How does Toyota and VW compare?
The cheapest 4x4 Hilux double cab costs closer to R426k, the price of two 4x4 Tata Xenon's. The popular 2,7 VVTi makes 241 Nm, which is more than enough for most. Isuzu sells its entry level 4x4 double cab, the Isuzu KB250 DTeq LE, for R383,900. Toyota's diesel Hilux -- South Africa's best selling bakkie -- which makes 343 Nm from the 3,0 D-4D. The VW Amarok share the spot for South Africa's fourth strongest bakkie with 340 Nm.8. The wheels
Chinese and Indian's ride on 16 inch wheels, the best selling hilux ride on 17 inches wheels.9. Their workrates (kW)
The Tunland's 2,8 ISF Cummins engine offers the highest workrate, (120 kW) which is the same as that of the Hilux 3,0 D-4D. The GWM Steed 2,2 Mpi has the lowest workrate, (78kW). The average among the 4x4 on offer is 102 kW and because the kilo-Watts show an engines's fitness for high speed work -- demand nothing less if you often drive long distances on tar.
