In business, the cost of buying a bakkie and running it can prove to be the most critical success factors. A low purchase price from new and a diesel engine are one of the key attributes commercial buyers seek when adding to their bakkie fleet. LDV has announced the arrival of the most affordable T60 Utility single cab bakkie in Mzansi and its powered by a diesel engine.
The move comes as the brand recognises the strong relationship South Africans have with bakkies and the important role these vehicles play across industries ranging from small business and agriculture to construction, mining, municipalities and government fleets.
Unlike many Chinese manufacturers that have initially focused on private buyers and the middle of the passenger-vehicle market, LDV has taken a more commercial approach to its South African expansion. The brand entered the market in 2024 and has since steadily expanded its local line-up with commercial and lifestyle vehicles.
“The introduction of the T60 Utility Single Cab marks another important milestone in our South African journey, reinforcing our focus on delivering hardworking commercial and lifestyle vehicles designed to meet the needs of our growing customer base," says Gerhard Moolman, Chief Executive Officer of LDV South Africa.
Meet the new T60 Utility Single Cab
The T60 Utility Single Cab is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 120kW and 410Nm. It is paired with a six-speed manual transmission and is available in either 4x2 or 4x4 guise. LDV claims the T60 delivers a fuel consumption figure of 7.5L/100km on the highway and 8.7L/100km in urban driving.
Built for the job, with the numbers to back it up
Fundamentally, the T60 is meant to be a workhorse at heart and so it needs the equipment to match the talk, indeed it does because as far as numbers go, this model has a payload capacity of up to 1 170kg and a generous 73-litre fuel tank, along with a braked towing capacity of 3 000 kg. Further dimensions measure as follows, the length of 5 395mm, a width of 1 900mm, height of 1 830mm and a generous 3 155mm wheelbase.
Affordable doesn't have to mean unsafe
Whilst most would think that a cheaper price tags means losing out of some essentials that offer occupants safety, LDV instead has included some kit that will ensure safe travels. The Utility cab has features like driver and front passenger airbags, ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), differential lock, hydraulic power steering, high-mounted brake light and rear fog lamp.
The cabin is basic, as expected from a commercial-focused model, but LDV hasn't completely stripped it down. Because in the cabin there are some welcomed features to be found in the cabin like Bluetooth-enabled radio, air conditioning and selectable Eco, Power and Normal driving modes, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to different driving conditions and workloads.
Pricing
The T60 Utility Single Cab is set to be priced from R 299 900.00. This will join the stacked LDV bakkie lineup as the entry below the Elite, Pro and Max Pro T60 bakkie range. Warranty and service-plan details for the Utility Single Cab had not been confirmed at the time of writing.
“With the launch of the T60 Utility Single Cab, we're strengthening our commitment to South Africa's commercial vehicle market by delivering a dependable workhorse that combines capability, practicality and value for business owners and fleet operators alike,” say Moolman.
To some, the T60 Utility Single Cab may simply look like another Chinese bakkie entering an already crowded market. Look a little closer, however, and there is a bigger shift taking place. Chinese manufacturers are no longer confined to lifestyle SUVs or affordable passenger cars; they are increasingly finding their way into the commercial space, offering competitive pricing, impressive specifications and increasingly comprehensive warranties.
The question is no longer whether Chinese brands can compete in South Africa. It is how the established manufacturers will respond as these newcomers continue to occupy more corners of the market