VS
At a Glance
Power
65 kW
82 kW
Torque
115 Nm
142 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
9.5 l/100km
Towing
—
—
Engine
1240 cc
1498 cc
Choosing between the DFSK K01S and the Foton Truckmate is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The DFSK K01S delivers 65 kW while the Foton Truckmate produces 82 kW. On fuel, the K01S returns 7.2 l/100km while the Truckmate uses 9.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R198 950 for the K01S and R199 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
65 kW
82 kW
Torque
115 Nm
142 Nm
Top Speed
110 Km/h
140 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1240 cc
1498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
9.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
175 g/km
218 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4435 mm
4735 mm
Width
1560 mm
1680 mm
Height
1825 mm
1920 mm
Wheelbase
2760 mm
2400 mm
Kerb Weight
880 Kg
1210 Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Load Capacity
985 l
1200 l
Safety
ABS
Optional
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
—
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
Optional
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
200000 Km
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
DFSK K01S
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Truckmate
Fuel Economy
K01S
Value
K01S
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
DFSK K01S
Better fuel economy (7.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R198 950)
Less power than rival (65 kW vs 82 kW)
Foton Truckmate
More powerful engine (82 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (9.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the K01S or Truckmate?
The K01S uses 7.2 l/100km and the Truckmate uses 9.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The K01S 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 K01S or Truckmate?
The K01S produces 65 kW and 115 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 K01S and Truckmate?
The K01S starts from R198 950 and the Truckmate from R199 900. The K01S is cheaper by R950 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the K01S or Truckmate?
The K01S has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Truckmate can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the K01S 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.