subscribe Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Subscribe now
DFSK's K01S has a 985kg payload and a starting price of R189,000. Picture: SUPPLIED
DFSK's K01S has a 985kg payload and a starting price of R189,000. Picture: SUPPLIED

Chinese brand DFSK has launched the K01S as one of the cheapest workhorse bakkies in SA, filling the gap left by the discontinued Nissan NP200 half-tonner as a compact and affordable load lugger.

With a starting price of R189,900, the single-cab vehicle is a no-frills dropside pickup designed for various industries including construction, logistics and trades such as electrical and solar companies. It is a rival to the Suzuki Super Carry 1.2 bakkie which is priced at R187,900.

The 4,435mm long DFSK K01S has a 985kg payload capacity in a cargo area measuring 2700 x 1140 x 370mm.

With rear-wheel drive, the K01S is powered by a 1.2l four-cylinder petrol engine with 65kW of power and 115Nm of torque. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, the bakkie has a claimed top speed of 110km/h.

There are few frills inside the DFSK K01S, though aircon and ABS brakes are optional. Picture: SUPPLIED
There are few frills inside the DFSK K01S, though aircon and ABS brakes are optional. Picture: SUPPLIED

It has on independent front suspension and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. Braking is by discs in front and drums at the back, and the vehicle wears 165/70 tyres on 14” steel rims.

With a fuel tank capacity of 40l, the bakkie has a claimed fuel consumption of 7.1l/ 100km.

Inside, you’ll find a basic cabin with power steering, cloth seats, old-fashioned sliding lever ventilation controls and no airbags, though air conditioning and ABS brakes are available as options.

The K01S is sold with a one-year/30,000km warranty and DFSK has 19 dealers across SA.

C35 PANEL VAN

DFSK also offers a range of C35 panel vans with a large cargo area of as much as 5,100l and maximum payload of 1,015kg. The load compartment is accessible via sliding doors on both sides and a tailgate.

The C35 panel van has a choice of petrol or electric power. Picture: SUPPLIED
The C35 panel van has a choice of petrol or electric power. Picture: SUPPLIED

The C35 has a choice of petrol or electric power. The 1.5l petrol produces 85kW and 148Nm and is linked to a five-speed manual transmission. The electric EC35 version has outputs of 60kW/200Nm, a claimed range of 240km and takes about six hours to charge on a 7kW home charger.

It comes with a three-year/60,000km warranty for the vehicle and a five-year warranty for the battery.

DFSK was formed in 2003 as a joint venture between Chinese automakers Dongfeng Motor Corporation and Sokon Industry Group, and exports vehicles to 70 countries.

PRICES

DFSK K01S standard — R189,900

DFSK K01S aircon — R207,150

DFSK K01S aircon + ABS — R216,062

C35 standard — R265,000

C35 air conditioning — R282,250

C35 aircon + ABS — R291,162

EC35 electric — R655,500

subscribe Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.