+ Click to Enlarge DOUBLE-CAB IN DISGUISE: The new Colt ClubCab looks like a double-cab but the rear doors are missing - and so are the rear seats. That makes it ideal for businesses looking to recoup their VAT.

August 4, 2001
By Les Stephenson

The Mitsubishi wing of DaimlerChrysler SA has managed to bridge the gap between single and double-cab bakkies – with a consequent huge saving in VAT for business buyers – by introducing the Colt ClubCab.

Essentially, we’re talking about a double-cab without the rear doors or rear seats. No rear seats, no VAT for company buyers, and where they used to be has been taken up by a pair of rather rugged, lockable and removable polyethylene utility boxes with elasticated oddments nets on their forward-facing sides.

The Colt family has long been associated with the top end of the bakkie market, thanks in equal parts to its high levels of quality and accessories and to the fact that it has always been marketed in SA by Mercedes-Benz dealerships that now, of course, also have access to the Mitsubishi Pajero range.

The ClubCab bakkies, with their abbreviated load boxes – still rated for a one-ton load, however – come with a choice of two or all-wheel drive and three motors: 2.4 and three-litre fuel-injected and 2.8-litre turbodiesel. SA is the only country in the world to offer the turbodiesel version, thanks to some clever engineering and permission from Japan.

David Marshall, divisional manager for the Mitsubishi division of DaimlerChrysler SA, said at the bakkies’ launch this week: “Colt customers have been calling for powerful petrol and diesel engines in single-cab pick-ups but Mitsubishi had nothing on the shelf.

“Mitsubishi Motors and DaimlerChrysler SA, with the launch of the current Colt pick-up range, uniquely engineered the Pajero 2.8Tdi into a double-cab (Colt Rodeo) to provide customers with what has now become the top-selling double-cab 4x4 in SA.

“In fact, we currently command around 33% of that market.”

That demand bled off into the single-cab market but the fact was that a single-cab version of the Pajero-based Tdi was not possible in engineering terms so SA and Japanese designers and engineers set about creating the ClubCab.

A huge majority of potential buyers (about 85%) indicated they would be happy with a smaller load box but wanted some kind of security for valuable items – especially, one presumes, when in foreign climes and out in the bush.

They also wanted air-conditioning, a sound system, alloy wheels and anti-lock brakes along with the extra cab space.

Marshall added: “We wanted to offer customers a vehicle with the unique ClubCab layout and benefits at a price similar to that of competitive single-cabs but with full-house specifications.”

The 2.4 motor puts out 97kW at 5250rpm and 192Nm of torque at 4000; the three-litre V6 manages 133kW at 5250rpm and 255Nm and the 2.8Tdi 92kW at only 4000rpm along with 294Nm at 2000rpm.

All-wheel drive is available with the 2.4 petrol and 2.8 turbodiesel, though all have the same suspension, drive and safety systems, including ABS. Alloy wheel rims with 245/75 radials are standard while leather upholstery is an extra-cost option. All Colts share the 4x4-on-the-fly system introduced with the early Pajeros.

Their load boxes are SA-designed with double skins and thicker steel; there are tie-down hooks and heavy-duty latches and extra bracing has allowed them to be rated to carry a one-ton load.

All ClubCabs will be covered by a two-year or 100 000km warranty.

Along with the introduction of the Colt ClubCab bakkies come a couple of improvements to the Colt Rodeo 2.8Tdi and three-litre V6 – previously called the Pioneer – double-cab models.

The Rodeos get anti-lock brakes as standard.

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+ Click to Enlarge

STILL A ONE-TONNER: The ClubCab's loadbox is smaller than a normal single-cab but it's rated for a ton just the same.