DAIHATSU GRAN MAX FOR THE TOUGH, LOVING JOBS

The tough Daihatsu Gran Max full one-ton pick-up has become something of a cargo legend since being introduced to the South African market in 2010. The feisty workhorse, with its flat, drop-side load bed, willing performance and impressive economy is already a firm favourite among small business owners and corporate fleets.

But this week, the Gran Max is being used for a different challenge: to transport goods being donated to charity. Motoring media from across the country converged on Gauteng to hand over donations to CHOC, as well as the Children’s Oncology Ward at the Steve Biko Hospital in Pretoria.

“The Gran Max has become an established and admired player in the one-ton utility market,” says Pedro Pereira, General Manager of Daihatsu South Africa.  “Its full one-ton loading capacity, ease of use and functionality are key features, but it’s also an eager performer, while its value-added pricing and economy also translate into low running costs.”

All of these attributes make the Daihatsu Gran Max the ideal vehicle for a challenge with a difference: to deliver vital goods and appliances to the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation.

“Daihatsu has a long-standing relationship with CHOC, and we have always admired the vital work being done by the organisation in caring for children with life-threatening diseases,” adds Pereira. “By involving the media in a charity challenge, we are not only helping a worthy cause, but also reiterating the virtues of the Gran Max pick-up,” he concluded.

Media guests will be handing over a significant cash donation to CHOC on behalf of Daihatsu SA, while the Children’s Oncology Ward at Steve Biko Hospital will also benefit from a donation for vital equipment. Discount chain Makro is also supporting the initiative with a donation of goods to CHOC.

The Gran Max is an innovative workhorse in every respect. Its cab forward design maximises the available load area, while still offering a spacious cabin with seating for up to three occupants. The load bed is 2.4 m long and 1.6 m wide, creating a flat-floored cargo area of more than 3.7 square metres.


Together with a full one-ton carrying capacity, and drop sides around the cargo area, the Gran Max offers exceptional functionality. A low load height of just 720 mm makes loading easy, while a turning circle of just 10 metres ensures exceptional manoeuvrability around town.

While functionality and utility are core focus points, the Gran Max also offers a spacious, safe and comfortable cabin. The raised cabin and generous glass areas ensure exceptional visibility, while the seating combines a two-seater bench for passengers with an independently adjustable driver seat.

The gearlever is located in the dashboard, close to the steering wheel, freeing up further legroom and ensuring that the Gran Max can accommodate three occupants with ease.

In terms of safety, the Gran Max features ABS anti-lock brakes, crumple zones in front, dual side impact bars in the doors, and a collapsible steering column for frontal impacts. A high-spec version adds dual front airbags to the safety equipment list, together with standard air-conditioning.

The Gran Max is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine featuring variable valve timing for improved tractability and response at low revs, without compromising power output at high revs. The result is a maximum power output of 71kW at 6 000 rpm, linked to a 134Nm torque peak. A full 90% of the torque maximum is already available at just 2 000 rpm.

The low running costs of the Gran Max are underscored by its combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 7.5 litres/100 km. Linked to its value-added pricing, extensive parts availability and low maintenance costs, the overall running costs of the Gran Max are highly attractive.

The Daihatsu Gran Max is offered in standard and high-spec versions, with retail pricing of R139 995 and R149 995 respectively. The price includes  a three-year/100 000 km warranty.

STORY BY DAIHATSU