Categories: Articles, WheelsPublished On: 13th December 2018

THE BAKKIE: Willing workhorse on every farm

By 9 min read
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Hilux Skuins foto verskaf

“The UltimateDrive Media Team every year drives just about every new vehicle model launched in South Africa. In fact, sometimes the same model goes through the hands of a number of their test drivers. Personally I test between 80 and 90 models every year and, on average, I’m behind the steering wheel on the road covering about 1 700 km every week.”

Johann van Tonder, editor of our Ultimate-Drive motoring newspaper, lives and works in George and travels 400 kilometres to the Cape and back to collect his test drive vehicle – sometimes twice a week, and regularly on a motorcycle! There are months when he is on the road for up to 10 000 km!

“Why do we do it? It’s simple – vehicles and bikes are the passion of test drivers and, to be honest, boys simply love ‘playing around’ with their toys!”

When the ProAgri editor, Annemarie, asked me to prepare a summary of vehicles aimed at the farmer and launched in the past year, or which drew the attention of the farmer, she obviously meant bakkies, but also 4x4s for farm tracks. It presented an ideal opportunity to involve the team to reminisce and gain their opinions about the bakkies which impressed them in 2018. Next month we will do the same with test drive SUVs.

The UltimateDrive Media team wish all the ProAgri readers a joyful and blessed Christmas and, above all: A safe journey!

2018 Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Dakar and Raider models: A new look for even bigger popularity

by Dirk Gallowitz

Toyota Hilux

Toyota Hilux

For the introduction earlier this year of the jazzed-up Hilux and Dakar models, Toyota simultaneously made a few changes and refinements to suit the taste of their traditional supporters. The top models in the range, such as the 2.4 GD-6 SRX and 2.8 GD-6 Raider (single, double and Xtra cab versions for each) now also boasts the “Dakar” look with a bigger and deeper grille and bumper finished in black and, on the Raider, edged with a shiny chrome border. The new headlights, with LED day drive lights, is visually striking. Inside, similar to the Dakar models, the cabin is mainly finished in black, even the roof, and with shiny black trim on the front and door panels.

The flagship Raider model is fitted as standard with 18” alloy wheels and 265/60R18 tyres, an air-cooled cubbyhole, automatic climate control, leather trim on the steering wheel and gear lever, speed control and seven airbags including curtain-type side bags, as well as at the knees. There are 12V and 220V female sockets and an arm rest with mug holders for the rear passengers.

The up-dated “novice” is still fitted with the latest Toyota 2,8 litre turbocharged diesel engine which puts out 130 kW. The power is fed through a six gear manual gearbox (420 Nm) or six gear auto box (450 Nm) to drive the wheels.

The excellent off-road driving characteristics of the 4×4 Hilux still makes it a relatively “easy” bakkie to change from the normal road to the rough. This novice did everything demanded of it – off-road, sandy tracks (difficult terrain included) were conquered successfully. These “comfortable” off-road driving abilities certainly contribute to the Hilux’ popularity and status as top seller in its segment.

The price of the beefed-up 2018 Toyota Hilux double cab 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Raider six speed manual box at the time of our test was R601 500.

Mercedes-Benz X Class: A tough guy in a dress suit

By Dirk Gallowitz

Mercedes-Benz X-Klas

Mercedes-Benz X Class

Mercedes entered the local market with a product termed the “world’s first luxury bakkie” by the three point star marketing team, in spite of being assembled on the frame, or rather “platform”, of the latest Nissan Navara bakkie.

According to the Mercedes white coat team every aspect of the X-class was scrutinised in-depth to transform their first bakkie to a vehicle worthy in all aspects of displaying the famous Mercedes brand insignia on its bonnet.

Amongst others this include LED headlights, a wider body, as well as further refined engine, gearbox and drive train to comply with the Mercedes quality and performance demands. Furthermore it offers the typical Mercedes cabin, which immediately creates that impression with its design, layout and quality image of the C-class.

At the front end the nose of the X Class is dominated by the big three point star on the bonnet. In the rear the design of the body and the wheel well catches the eye; the upright rear lights are recessed in the body. A tow bar is standard equipment on all models.

The axles of the X-class has been lengthened by 50 mm in order to widen the wheel track by 70 mm, which improves road dynamics and stability.

Mercedes spared neither trouble, nor expense with the design, equipment and upholstery of the cabin to be able to substantiate their claim of world’s first luxury double cabin bakkie. The result is that the design, layout and trim of the vehicle was undertaken with the typical quality which Mercedes owners accept as normal in the latest Mercedes sedan range.

At present two engine options are available: both the 2,3 litre double turbo high pressure diesel, but with different power output, available as 4×2 or 4×4 models with six speed manual or seven speed automatic gearbox. Towing mass is given as 3 500 kg.

With a ground clearance of 221 mm and 600 mm water depth ability, the X-Class can cross most streamlets with ease. In the veld one can still climb in on an incline of 30,1°, pull away on an incline of 25,9°, and attack a maximum slope of 49°. These attributes make it possible to cope with most off-road challenges.

Most owners of the X-Class will probably be wearers of stiletto heels, mascara, and rather climbing over city sidewalk obstacles than mountains, or fulfilling bakkie duty on a farm. Tough men in khakis, with callous hands and mud-clogged boots, will, however, be equally satisfied with the X-Class over hills and vales on challenging tracks . . . and be highly satisfied at the end of the trip.

In standard mode the Mercedes-Benz X-Class is available with the manufacturer’s PremiumDrive-program, designed to provide owners with peace of mind. Amongst others this include a full service plan of 100 000 km/6 years which may be extended at a nominal fee to 180 000km/8 years.

Prices kick off at R642 103 for the entry model X220d Progressive, 4×2 manual, and jumps to R791 315 for the present top model: the X250d Power 4Matic Automatic. The long expected V6 X350d with its 190 kW engine is to be launched locally this month. At our print date South African prices had not been announced.

The Mitsubishi Triton Athlete

by Charlen Raymond

Mitsubishi Triton Athlete

The Mitsubishi Triton story is a heart sore one in South Africa. As a sales figure success this excellent bakkie could never really get off the ground locally. Similar to Toyota with its Dakar models, Mitsubishi decided to market the Triton in a special Athlete model. The 133 kW/430 Nm 2,4-litre diesel engine is transferred unaltered from the rest of the series, but with a 5-speed automatic gearbox.

All around the bakkie one can see it is unlike other run of the mill bakkies. The athletic theme is continued in the cabin with a black and orange colour scheme. To complete the theme gears are changed with rowing paddles behind the steering wheel!

The Athlete certainly offers one of the most comfortable driving experiences compared with its opponents. The athlete glides over high traffic calming humps rather than bouncing up and down. However, it is heart-breaking that it is not really appreciated for what it offers. The Mitsubishi Triton Athlete sells at R579 995.

2019 ISUZU D-MAX: Trusted bakkie changes its name, but not its stripes

by Dirk Gallowitz

2019 ISUZU D-MAX

Isuzu KB has been a trusted name in the bakkie market in South Africa stretching over 40 years and six generations and boasting a proud heritage that was built on reliability, capability, durability and trust. The popular Isuzu bakkie range comes with a name change from KB to D-MAX, re-aligning it with global markets.

The D-MAX name originated in Thailand, with the ‘D’ originally referring to the 2000 model Isuzu bakkie which boasted the flush “Dragon Eyes” headlamp design.

Outside a new grille and headlight design immediately catches the eye with the new projector-type Bi-LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights introduced on the extended and double cab models; there are restyled fog lamp bezels framed by chromed vertical accents on the LX models.

Inside a new generation infotainment system, incorporating an eight-inch full colour touch screen, replaces the 6,5-inch version used in the previous model. The fully featured system incorporates the display for the rear-view camera, and facilitates Bluetooth hands-free cell phone use and audio streaming.

On-road the standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control has also been bolstered with the addition of Trailer Sway Control (TSC) that detects and minimises the effect of a trailer or caravan beginning to sway from side to side. The 3,0-litre 4X4 LX derivative is capable of hauling 3,5 tonnes.

Prices start at R256 100 for the entry level work horse 250C Single Cab base to R606 400 for the top model D-MAX 300 4X4 Double Cab LX 6-spd automatic.

Nissan Navara SE 4×2

by Charlen Raymond

Nissan Navara SE 4×2

When Nissan launched its new Navara, the main subject of discussion was the new five shackle spring system for the rear wheels with the aim of providing riding comfort equal to that of a much more luxurious and fancy SUV.

Now, in its second year on the market, Nissan has launched an entry level SE 4×2 model. The same 2,3-litre 140 kW diesel engine with an output of 450 Nm is still used but only the rear wheels are connected to the six speed manual gearbox. The engine feels lively and when you feed the juice, the bakkie runs like a hot devil. However, the passenger comfort is not as comfortable as one would have expected.

Sitting behind the steering wheel, every control is still within easy reach. The media system even provides satellite navigation. The Navara sells in limited numbers but it remains a bakkie to keep in mind. The Nissan Navara SE 4×2 sells at R484 900.

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