China’s Bakkie Invasion: LDV, JAC, and Foton Take on the Hilux in SA
Picture this: you’re blasting down a dusty SA backroad, sun scorching, in a bakkie with Hilux swagger—but it’s not a Hilux! China’s LDV T60, JAC T9, and Foton Tunland are here to shake up our roads, and I’m buzzing to tell you why!
LDV T60 Max
LDV T60: The Flashy Show-Off
The LDV T60 rocks up like the Hilux’s loud cousin—5,365 mm of muscle, 160 kW from a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel, and 500 Nm of torque! With an eight-speed auto smoother than a politician’s promise, it’s got dual 10.25-inch screens, leather seats, and a five-star ANCAP rating. At R670,000, it’s a steal next to a Hilux Legend!
JAC T9
JAC T9: The Plucky Pretender
The JAC T9 struts in with American truck vibes—5,330 mm long, a 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 125 kW and 410 Nm, and an eight-speed auto. Inside? Leather, a 10.4-inch screen, and a sunroof for stargazing! At R549,900, it tows 3,500 kg and laughs at rough roads with 235 mm clearance.
Foton Tunland
Foton Tunland: The Silent Star
The Foton Tunland G7 sneaks up—5,340 mm, 120 kW, 390 Nm from a 2.0-litre turbo diesel, and an eight-speed auto. It’s got a 10.25-inch screen, leather, and a 1,000 kg payload for R559,900. Understated? Yes. Brilliant? Absolutely!
Why They’re Worth a Shout
The Hilux is king—tough, reliable, resale gold. But these Chinese upstarts bring value that’ll make you grin, tech to stun the kids, and style with more guts than a stand-up comic! LDV’s flash, JAC’s pluck, Foton’s quiet win—all under R600k. They’re shaking SA’s bakkie world!
| Model | Power (kW) | Price (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|
| LDV T60 | 160 | R670,000 |
| JAC T9 | 125 | R599,900 |
| Foton Tunland | 120 | R550,000 |
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