The double cab bakkie market has grown in popularity over the decades, however, with these once utilitarian products now becoming more luxurious, their price tags have inflated. Luckily, there are still some basic versions of popular models, and Mitsubishi recently introduced one in its Triton range. We have selected the entry-level GL variant and will be comparing it with similarly priced derivatives of the GWM P-Series and Isuzu D-Max Gen 6 to determine which offers the best value for money.
Practicality
The GWM is the biggest product here and has the best ground clearance at 232mm, however, both the Isuzu and Mitsubishi feature superior approach, break-over and departure angles. In terms of braked towing capacity, none of our contenders are particularly impressive, but the Isuzu has a clear advantage with its 2 000kg braked capacity.
Performance
While performance is not high on the list of priorities for budget double cabs, our trio here should offer similar performance with the lighter and lower-powered Isuzu and Mitsubishi models both featuring manual gearboxes while the heavier, higher-powered GWM features an automatic. In terms of fuel consumption, there will very likely be little to choose between both the Triton and D-Max in real-world consumption, however, the GWM is almost assured of being the heaviest on diesel.
| Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 Di-D double cab GL | GWM P-Series 2.0 TD double cab DLX auto | Isuzu D-Max Gen 6 250 double cab Hi-Ride manual | |
| Engine | 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel | 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel | 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Power | 100 kW | 120 kW | 100 kW |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 400 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Towing capacity | 1 400kg | 1 200kg | 2 000kg |
| CO2 emissions | 211 g/km | 227 g/km | 203 g/km |
| Fuel consumption | 8.0 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Price | R480 995 | R484 900 | R484 700 |
*This table was compiled with information sourced from www.duoporta.co.za as well as the official press releases of each model.
Specification
In what is becoming a trend in this comparison, both the Isuzu and Mitsubishi are reasonably similar in terms of standard specification. Both come with 2 airbags, ABS, outer rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points, a USB port, front and rear electric windows and airconditioning. The Isuzu gets Bluetooth as standard while the Mitsubishi has a colour touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone functionality as an optional extra. The D-Max also has additional electronic aids such as traction and stability control as well as hill-start assist.
The GWM is by far the best specified, with all of the features seen in the D-Max and Triton, but also 6 airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, tyre pressure monitor, a multifunction steering wheel, climate control, leather seats, keyless entry/start, cruise control, auto wipers/lights/ mirrors, an electrically adjustable driver's seat as well as front and rear Park Distance Control with a reverse camera.
Safety
The P-Series received a 5-Star rating from ANCAP, scoring 32.74 out of a possible 38 points. The Triton was also tested by ANCAP, albeit in 2015, where it too achieved a 5-Star rating, however, the sparse safety systems on the GL variant mean that it is not likely to be as safe. The D-Max Gen 6 is a previous-generation model that is still produced locally. It was tested by ANCAP in 2012, where it achieved a 4-Star rating, a rating not likely to hold up some 10 years later.
Warranty and maintenance
In the warranty and service plan department, the GWM and Isuzu run each other close. The GWM comes with a 5-year/100 000km warranty and a 5-year/100 000km service plan while the Isuzu gets a 5-year/120 000km warranty and a 5-year/90 000km service plan. The Triton gets a 3-year/100 000km warranty as well as a 5-year/90 000km service plan.
Verdict
Looking at the data, there can only be one winner in the value department, and that is the P-Series, which offers you a lot more bakkie for your rands. That being said, the D-Max and Trition offer proven packages at a great price, albeit with less specification and safety.
