The DFSK brand is making a comeback under local importer WilGin Holdings, and their K01S compact bakkie is poised to undercut the competition with a starting price targeted at under R180,000.
This news comes as a welcome relief for budget-conscious bakkie buyers. The recent departure of Nissan’s NP200 left a gap in the entry-level market, filled only by Suzuki’s Super Carry. The DFSK K01S promises to be even more affordable, potentially undercutting the Super Carry’s current R182,900 price tag.
While the K01S won’t offer the car-like comfort of the departed NP200, it shares a similar layout with the Super Carry. It’s a body-on-frame, cab-over design, offering a practical solution for those prioritizing functionality over frills.
However, the K01S boasts some advantages over its closest rival. It’s a good 600mm longer than the Super Carry, translating to more cargo space. Additionally, it outmuscles the Super Carry in terms of payload capacity, offering 900kg compared to the Suzuki’s 750kg.
Powering this budget bakkie is a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, generating 61kW and 112Nm. It might not win any drag races, but it should provide sufficient grunt for everyday tasks.
There’s a caveat to the K01S’ rock-bottom price – essential safety features like airbags and ABS brakes are currently absent. While WilGin Holdings hasn’t confirmed their inclusion yet, these features might be offered as options in the future.
For those seeking a larger load-lugging solution, DFSK also offers the C35 panel van. This bigger brother boasts a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 85kW and 148Nm, and a substantial 1.9-tonne payload capacity.
To ensure customer support, WilGin Holdings has appointed 18 multi-franchise dealerships, with plans to expand that network to over 30 by launch time. The future also holds promise for an expanded DFSK product portfolio, although details remain under wraps for now.
The DFSK vehicles will come with a one-year warranty backed by the Automobile Association (AA), but a service plan isn’t included. However, WilGin Holdings assures customers that servicing will be budget-friendly, with routine oil changes reportedly costing under R1,000.
