South Africa loves a bakkie. But the conversation is usually about which Hilux spec to choose or whether the Ranger’s V6 is worth the premium. What rarely gets enough attention is the bottom end of the market, where three brand-new double cabs are fighting for buyers who need a proper workhorse without the flagship price tag.
The GWM Steed 5, the Mahindra Pik Up, and the Foton Tunland G7 all come in under or around R350,000. All are diesel. All seat five. All have genuine payload credentials. But they are not the same vehicle, and picking the wrong one for your use case is a mistake that will follow you for the next five years.
By the end of this article, you will know:
- How the three bakkies compare on price, payload, and running costs
- What separates them in build quality and cabin spec
- Which one makes the most sense for different buyer types
- Where each one falls short
For a full breakdown of the GWM range available in South Africa, visit Top Chinese Car Brands.
The Three Contenders at a Glance
Before we get into the detail, here is where each bakkie sits when you line them up side by side.
| GWM Steed 5 | Mahindra Pik Up | Foton Tunland G7 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo diesel | 2.2L mHawk diesel | 2.0L turbo diesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual / auto | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 / 4×4 | 4×2 / 4×4 | 4×2 / 4×4 |
| Payload (approx.) | ~800 kg | ~1 000 kg | ~900 kg |
| Assembly | China (CBU) | India (CBU) | SA — Gqeberha (CKD) |
| Warranty | 5-year / 100 000 km | 3-year / 100 000 km | 5-year / 200 000 km |
| Starting Price (approx.) | R299,900 | R319,900 | R329,900 |
Prices subject to change. Verify current pricing at autotrader.co.za or directly with dealerships.
GWM Steed 5: The Familiar Face
The GWM Steed 5 has been in South Africa long enough to have a track record — which, at this price point, matters enormously. It is the entry-level product in the GWM bakkie range, positioned below the P-Series, and it targets buyers who need reliable, uncomplicated transport for business or personal use.
The 2.0L turbo diesel is adequate for everyday duties. Do not expect the towing muscle of a Hilux or the refinement of a Ranger, but for moving materials, towing a small trailer, or running a small business, it delivers. Fuel economy is competitive in this class (source: cars.co.za).
The biggest arguments in the Steed 5’s favour are familiarity and the GWM dealer network. With Motus-backed GWM dealerships across South Africa, parts availability and service accessibility are among the best in this segment.
Best for: Buyers who want Chinese-brand peace of mind backed by an established dealer network and a model with proven SA road time.
Mahindra Pik Up: The Payload Leader
The Mahindra Pik Up has one standout stat that keeps it relevant: payload. With approximately 1,000 kg of rated capacity, it consistently leads this segment on what a workhorse bakkie is actually measured by. For contractors, farmers, and small fleet operators who load their bakkie properly, this is not a small advantage (source: autotrader.co.za).
The 2.2L mHawk diesel engine has been refined across multiple model cycles and is broadly considered reliable in fleet conditions. Mahindra has also expanded their South African dealer and service network meaningfully over the past few years, which reduces the historical concern around parts availability.
Where the Pik Up falls behind is in cabin quality and in-vehicle technology. The interior is functional rather than comfortable — this is a tool, not a lifestyle vehicle. If you spend significant time in your bakkie, the Steed and Tunland are more pleasant environments.
The shorter 3-year warranty is also worth noting when comparing total cost of ownership.
Best for: Heavy-duty commercial operators, farmers, and fleet buyers where payload is the primary spec that matters.
Foton Tunland G7: The Local Assembly Wildcard
The Foton Tunland G7 is the most interesting entry in this comparison, and here is why: it is assembled in Gqeberha from CKD (completely knocked-down) kits. That means local jobs, reduced import exposure, and a brand that is actively investing in South Africa beyond just moving stock (source: naamsa.net).
The Tunland G7 also carries the longest warranty in this comparison at 5 years/200,000 km. For a budget bakkie that is going to work hard over its lifetime, that coverage significantly lowers the financial risk of ownership.
On specs, the 2.0L turbo diesel and 6-speed manual are workmanlike rather than exciting. Payload sits between the Steed and the Pik Up. The cabin is practical, with decent specification for the price point (source: cars.co.za).
The key question mark is dealer network depth. Foton has been expanding its footprint in South Africa, but in remote areas, access to service and parts remains more limited than for GWM. This is a material consideration if your bakkie is 300 km from the nearest large town.
Best for: Value-driven buyers in urban or peri-urban areas who want maximum warranty cover and appreciate supporting local assembly.
Running Costs: The Number That Actually Matters
Purchase price is only part of the conversation. Over a five-year ownership period, fuel, servicing, tyres, and insurance frequently add up to more than the vehicle’s purchase price. Here is how the three stack up:
- Fuel: All three are in a similar bracket for fuel economy. Real-world diesel consumption will vary based on load and driving profile.
- Servicing: GWM and Foton both include service plans. Verify what is included and what the interval is before signing — service plan inclusions vary by trim and dealer.
- Warranty: Foton leads (5-year/200,000 km), GWM matches on years (5-year/100,000 km), Mahindra trails (3-year/100,000 km).
- Resale: GWM has the most SA market history at this price point, which generally provides slightly better resale predictability.
The Verdict: Which Budget Bakkie Wins?
There is no single winner — because the right answer depends on what you are buying the bakkie to do.
| Buyer Type | Recommended Pick |
|---|---|
| Small business, city/suburban use | GWM Steed 5 |
| Heavy commercial / agricultural loading | Mahindra Pik Up |
| Value + long warranty + urban base | Foton Tunland G7 |
If you are comparing this segment against the step-up bakkies in the GWM range, the GWM P-Series is worth serious consideration. The price gap to a proper mid-range bakkie has narrowed, and the additional capability and refinement may justify it for many buyers.
Take the Next Step
Ready to put the GWM Steed 5 through its paces? Find full pricing, specs and your nearest dealership at Top Chinese Car Brands or contact a GWM dealer directly to arrange a test drive.
Website: topchinesecarbrands.co.za
Sources: cars.co.za | autotrader.co.za | naamsa.net | manufacturer brochures
