The 2024 South African Bakkie of the Year (SABOTY) competition recently concluded, showcasing an impressive lineup of contenders. After a rigorous evaluation process, the GWM P500 HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4 9AT has been awarded the title of overall winner.
GWM P500 HEV Ultra Luxury: The champion
The GWM P500 HEV Ultra Luxury stood out among the eight competitors, earning high praise from a jury of expert motoring journalists. Key highlights that contributed to its victory include:
- Luxurious interior: The high-quality materials and design elevate the driving experience.
- Exceptional ride performance: Comfort on both on- and off-road terrains impressed the judges.
- Outstanding handling dynamics: The vehicle’s superior handling capabilities set it apart.
- Impressive towing capacity: It excelled in towing tests, further solidifying its top position.
In addition to winning the overall category, the P500 HEV also triumphed in the Towing, Driving Dynamics, and Off-Road/4×4 categories. Its smaller counterpart, the GWM 2.4 T 9AT 4×4 Luxury, also secured a win in its respective class.
Competition Categories
This year, the Bakkie of the Year competition was divided into three main categories based on engine power:
- Category A: 100kW to 125kW
- Category B: 126kW to 160kW
- Category C: 161kW and above
- A new Specialist Category for purpose-built 4×4 double-cab bakkies was also introduced
Competing models
- 100 – 125kW Class: Foton Tunland G7 4×4 8AT TLX
- 126 – 160kW Class: GWM P500 2.4T 9AT 4X4 Luxury
- 161 – 200+kW Class: GWM P500 HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4 9AT
- Specialist Category: Jeep Gladiator Rubicon 3.6 V6 8AT (petrol)
- Lowest Cost of Ownership: Isuzu D-MAX 1.9 X-Rider 4×4 AT
Eligibility and participating brands
All double cab 4×4 bakkies launched in South Africa between September 2023 and August 2024 were eligible for the competition. This excluded brands like Volkswagen, Mahindra, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Peugeot. Participating brands included:
- Ford: Ranger (Tremor, Platinum)
- Foton: Tunland G7
- GWM: P500 (2.4 and HEV)
- Isuzu: D-MAX 1.9 X-Rider
- Jeep: Gladiator facelift
- RAM: 1500 and 2500
- Toyota: Hilux 48V, GR-S III, Land Cruiser 79
Performance highlights
Dynamic tests were conducted using advanced VBOX technology, evaluating acceleration, braking, and off-road capabilities. The competition showcased the three fastest accelerating bakkies in South Africa, with the Ranger Raptor leading the pack. Remarkably, the RAM 1500 Rebel (0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds) closely followed the GWM P500 HEV (0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds). All vehicles demonstrated strong off-road capabilities, with the Jeep excelling in rugged conditions. However, the RAM 1500 Rebel impressed with its agility over obstacles.
Towing tests
In challenging conditions, the RAM 2500 Laramie with its powerful 6.7-litre diesel engine showcased exceptional towing performance, handling a fully equipped off-road caravan with ease. Smaller engine models, such as the Isuzu and Foton, also performed admirably.
Dynamic handling
The Ford Ranger Tremor excelled in standard double-lane and slalom tests, while both GWM P500 models and the RAM 1500 Rebel impressed with their luxurious interiors and superior ride quality across various terrains.
Conclusion
The 2024 South African Bakkie of the Year competition has highlighted the advancements and capabilities of bakkies in the local market. With its impressive performance and luxurious features, the GWM P500 HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4 9AT has rightfully earned its place at the top, setting a high bar for future competitors.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights into the evolving world of bakkies in South Africa!
