Are you looking for the cheapest double-cab bakkies on South Africa’s new-vehicle market right now? Here are the 5 most affordable options in Mzansi…
On the hunt for a brand-new double cab but keen to spend as little as possible? Well, we’ve sorted through the lower part of South Africa’s new-vehicle market and picked out the 5 cheapest double-cab bakkies available right now.
As you might have already guessed, Chinese contenders dominate this space, although there’s also room for a certain locally assembled double-cab bakkie from an Indian brand. All models here feature a 4×2 configuration and come in at under R450 000 (pricing is correct at the time of writing in April 2026).
1. JAC T8 2.0CTI DC Comfort 6MT – from R349 900
With the T6 double cab seemingly discontinued locally, the 4×2 version of the JAC T8 takes over at the Chinese brand’s most accessible 5-seater bakkie – and becomes the cheapest option in the segment, too. This derivative’s 2.0-litre turbodiesel motor makes 104 kW and 320 Nm, while ground clearance comes in at 220 mm. JAC says this variant has a carrying capacity of 900 kg and can tow up to 2 000 kg (braked).
- Airbag count: 2
- Warranty: 5 years/200 000 km
- Service plan: Optional (5 years/100 000 km standard on Lux derivative)
- Find a JAC T8 on Cars.co.za
2=. Foton Tunland G7 2.0TD DC TL 6MT – from R399 900
Sharing the 2nd place on the list of South Africa’s cheapest double-cab bakkies, the manual-equipped TL derivative in Foton’s Tunland G7 range uses a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine developing 120 kW and 390 Nm. This model offers 210 mm of ground clearance, a payload of 1 000 kg and a braked towing capacity of 3 000 kg.
- Airbag count: 2
- Warranty: 5 years/200 000 km
- Service plan: 3 years/50 000 km
- Find a Tunland G7 on Cars.co.za
2=. JMC Vigus 2.5TD DC 6MT – from R399 900
The base version of JMC’s newly launched Vigus (not to be confused with the Vigus Pro below) ties as the 2nd most affordable double cab around. Equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox, this derivative features a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine generating 123 kW and 410 Nm. The bakkie has a ground clearance of 210 mm and a payload of 915 kg, though a braked towing capacity curiously isn’t listed.
- Airbag count: 2
- Warranty: 5 years/200 000 km
- Service plan: 4 years/65 000 km
- Find a JMC Vigus on Cars.co.za
4. Mahindra Pik Up 2.2CRDe DC S6 6MT – from R413 849
The KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up is the only model here not imported from China. This S6 double-cab version offers 103 kW and 320 Nm from its 2.2-litre turbodiesel heart, with the Indian brand claiming a payload of 1 095 kg, a braked towing capacity of 2 500 kg and a ground clearance of 210 mm.
- Airbag count: 2
- Warranty: 4 years/120 000 km
- Service plan: 5 years/90 000 km
- Find a Mahindra Pik Up on Cars.co.za
5. JMC Vigus Pro 2.0TD DC 8AT – from R439 900
The rear-wheel-drive version of the JMC Vigus Pro double cab slots in at number 5 on the list of SA’s cheapest double-cab bakkies. Offering 104 kW and 350 Nm from its 2.0-litre oil-burning engine, this contender ships standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The listed braked towing capacity is just 1 650 kg, while the payload comes in at 955 kg.
- Airbag count: 2
- Warranty: 5 years/100 000 km
- Service plan: 3 years/50 000 km
- Find a JMC Vigus on Cars.co.za
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About SA’s Cheapest Double-Cab Bakkies
Q: What is currently the cheapest double-cab bakkie on South Africa’s new-vehicle market?
A: As of April 2026, the JAC T8 2.0CTI DC Comfort 6MT holds the title of the most affordable double-cab bakkie in Mzansi, with pricing starting from R349 900. It offers a 104 kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine and a 900 kg carrying capacity.
Q: Which affordable double-cab bakkie is locally assembled?
A: The Mahindra Pik Up 2.2CRDe DC S6 is the only vehicle in the top five most affordable double cabs that is not imported from China. It is assembled locally in KwaZulu-Natal and is priced from R413 849.
Q: Are there any automatic options among the most affordable double-cab bakkies?
A: Yes, the JMC Vigus Pro 2.0TD DC 8AT is the most affordable option for those seeking a self-shifting gearbox. It ranks 5th on the list and comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission for R439 900.
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