VS
At a Glance
Power
59 kW
82 kW
Torque
190 Nm
142 Nm
Fuel
7.7 l/100km
9.5 l/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
—
Engine
1478 cc
1498 cc
Choosing between the Ashok Leyland Phoenix and the Foton Truckmate is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Ashok Leyland Phoenix delivers 59 kW while the Foton Truckmate produces 82 kW. On fuel, the Phoenix returns 7.7 l/100km while the Truckmate uses 9.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R279 900 for the Phoenix and R239 900 for the Truckmate. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
59 kW
82 kW
Torque
190 Nm
142 Nm
Top Speed
100 Km/h
140 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1478 cc
1498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.7 l/100km
9.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
—
218 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5025 mm
4735 mm
Width
1842 mm
1895 mm
Height
2061 mm
2420 mm
Wheelbase
2590 mm
2400 mm
Kerb Weight
—
1310 Kg
Doors
2
2 + 2 rear
Seats
3
2
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
—
Load Capacity
1810 l
1100 l
Safety
ABS
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
—
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
200000 Km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Truckmate
Fuel Economy
Phoenix
Value
Truckmate
Practicality
Phoenix
Pros & Cons
Ashok Leyland Phoenix
Better fuel economy (7.7 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Less power than rival (59 kW vs 82 kW)
Higher starting price
Foton Truckmate
More powerful engine (82 kW)
Lower starting price (R239 900)
Higher fuel consumption (9.5 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Phoenix or Truckmate?
The Phoenix uses 7.7 l/100km and the Truckmate uses 9.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Phoenix is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Phoenix or Truckmate?
The Phoenix produces 59 kW and 190 Nm of torque while the Truckmate delivers 82 kW and 142 Nm of torque. The Truckmate is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Phoenix and Truckmate?
The Phoenix starts from R279 900 and the Truckmate from R239 900. The Truckmate is cheaper by R40 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Phoenix or Truckmate?
The Phoenix has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the Truckmate can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Phoenix or the Truckmate?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.