A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
NP300 Hardbody starts ZAR 699900 cheaperCannon Alpha from ZAR 699,900 · NP300 Hardbody from ZAR 349,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Engine Power
150
98
Torque
600
304
Engine Size
2378
2488
Claimed Mileage
10.2
11.4
Ground Clearance
220
215
Boot Space
-
Not Applicable
Airbags
6
4
Kerb Weight
2125
1395
Seating Capacity
5
Available
Warranty
5
3
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Cannon Alpha
64
/ 100
+15
pts
#2
NP300 Hardbody
49
/ 100
Moderate difference between the models.
The Bottom Line
Cannon Alpha holds a noticeable edge over NP300 Hardbody, especially in key ownership areas.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Cannon Alpha
+8 pts
Efficiency
NP300 Hardbody
+7 pts
Safety
Cannon Alpha
+6 pts
Practicality
Equal
Ownership
Cannon Alpha
+8 pts
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Cannon Alpha
Performance
18/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
8/20
Ownership
20/20
NP300 Hardbody
Performance
10/20
Efficiency
7/20
Safety
12/20
Practicality
8/20
Ownership
12/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Cannon Alpha
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Highway Driving
NP300 Hardbody
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Cannon Alpha
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
NP300 Hardbody
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Body Type
Pickup
Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Not Available
DRL
Yes
Available
LED Headlamps
Yes
Halogen
Led Taillights
Yes
Available
Fog Lights
Yes
Available
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
Available
Body Cladding
Yes
Not Available
Roof Rails
Yes
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Yes
Standard
Led Headlights
Yes
Available
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Available
Alloy Wheel Design
Diamond Cut Alloy
Steel Wheels
Rear Wiper
No
Available
Chrome Exterior Finish
Yes
Not Available
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Chrome Finish
Roof Type
Metal Roof
Available
Rear Spoiler
No
Not Available
Wing Mirror Type
Electric Adjustable
Available
Exterior Colour Options
5
Pearl White
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Number of Doors
4
5
Seats
5
Available
Seating Capacity
5
5
Length
5410
4875
Width
1935
1760
Height
1865
1655
Wheelbase
3220
2500
Ground Clearance
220
215
Kerb Weight
2125
1395
Towing Capacity
3500
2500
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
Available
Load Bed Length
1520
1907
Load Bed Width
1560
1454
Doors
4
Available
Front Overhang
980
Available
Rear Overhang
1160
Available
Front Track Width
1560
1495
Rear Track Width
1560
1490
Front Headroom
1020
Available
Rear Headroom
975
Available
Front Legroom
1070
Available
Rear Legroom
880
Available
Front Shoulder Room
1440
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
1420
Available
Gross Vehicle Weight
3000
2400
Boot Volume
0
Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
0
1500
Turning Radius
13.6
5.8
Max Payload
900
Available
Boot Space
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Payload Capacity
900
1000
Valves Per Cylinder
4
Available
Intercooler
Yes
Available
Fuel Consumption Combined
10.2
Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Available
Spare Wheel
Yes
Available
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
Available
Service Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
Available
Multi Function Steering
Yes
Available
Keyless Entry
Yes
Not Available
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Available
Push Button Start
Yes
Available
Climate Control
Yes
Manual AC
AC Type
Dual Zone Climate Control
Available
Rear Defogger
Yes
Available
Power Windows
Yes
Front
Power Mirrors
Yes
Power Adjustment
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Available
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Not Available
Skid Plates
Yes
Available
Side Steps
Yes
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Available
Tachometer
Yes
Available
Trip Computer
Yes
Available
Heads Up Display
Yes
Available
Wireless Charging
Yes
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Not Available
Fuel Lid Opener
Yes
Available
Boot Opener
Yes
Available
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Available
Sunroof
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Dampers
Yes
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
Available
Engine Start Stop
No
Available
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
215
Available
Drag Coefficient
0.42
Available
Rear Seat Split
No
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Yes
Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Not Available
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Available
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
Available
Headlamp Washer
No
Available
Tail Lamps
LED
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
No
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Available
Steering Response
Progressive
Available
Stability Control
Yes
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Available
Driver Display
Multi-Information Display
Available
Seat Type
Bucket Seat
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Available
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Available
Glovebox Cooling
No
Available
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Available
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Available
Service Reminder
Yes
Available
Speed Alert System
Yes
Available
Speed Limiter
Yes
Available
Launch Control
No
Available
Voice Command
Yes
Available
Voice Command Support
Yes
Available
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
Available
Front Power Outlet
Yes
150
Chrome Grille
Yes
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Yes
Available
Roof Antenna
Mast Antenna
Available
Rear Wing
No
Available
Aero Kit
No
Available
Electric Mirror Folding
Electric
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
Available
Front Armrest
Yes
Available
Performance Data Logger
No
Available
Panoramic Roof
Yes
Available
Climate Zones
2
Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
Available
Remote Engine Start
No
Available
Rev Matching
No
Available
Engine Start Stop Button
-
Available
Exhaust Finish
-
Available
Exhaust Type
-
Available
Telescopic Steering
-
Available
Tilt Steering
-
Available
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Engine
2.4L GW4D24 Turbocharged Diesel
2.5L Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged
Engine Type Config
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
Available
Engine Code
GW4D24
Standard
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
16
4
Displacement
2378
2488
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Turbocharger
Yes
Single Turbo
Compression Ratio
16.0:1
17.5:1
Cylinder Bore
88
82.0
Piston Stroke
98
92.0
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
Petrol
Torque
600
304
Torque @ RPM
1,500-2,800 rpm
1750-2500 rpm
Power
150
98
Power
201
150
Power @ RPM
3,600 rpm
3600 rpm
0–100 km/h
11.5
Available
Top Speed
185
168
0-100 km/h
150
12.5
Engine Position
Front Longitudinal
Front Longitudinal
Engine Displacement
2378
Available
Maximum Engine RPM
4,000
Available
Engine Oil Capacity
8.0
Available
Variable Valve Timing
No
Available
Battery Capacity
-
Available
Charging Port
-
Available
AC Charging Time
-
Available
EV Range
-
Available
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Unleaded 95 RON
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Available
Start Stop System
No
Not Available
Particulate Filter
Yes
Available
CO2 Emissions
272
228
Idle CO2 Output
272
2.0
Fuel Evaporation Control
EVAP Canister
Available
Green NCAP Rating
3/5
Available
Noise Level
Moderate
74
Hybrid System Type
None
Not Applicable
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
75
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Yes
Not Applicable
Claimed Mileage
10.2
11.4
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Available
City Mileage
11.5
9
Highway Mileage
9.5
12
Average Fuel Consumption
10.5
Available
Real-world Mileage
10.5
Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption
9.8
Available
Fuel Efficiency
Moderate
Available
Auto Start Stop
No
Not Available
Distance To Empty
Yes
Available
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone with Coil Spring
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link Independent
Leaf Spring
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Available
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Available
Power Steering
Yes
Hydraulic
Chassis Type
Body on Frame Ladder Chassis
Ladder Frame
Steering Column
Adjustable
Tilt Adjustable
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic
Available
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Available
Brake Type Rear
Ventilated Disc
Available
Front Tyre Width
275
Available
Rear Tyre Width
275
Available
Tyre Size
275/55R20
235/75 R15
Wheel Diameter
20
Available
Wheel Type
Alloy
Steel
Spare Wheel Type
Alloy
Full Size Steel Under-bed
Spare Tyre
Yes
Available
Wheel Rim Size
20
Available
Tyre Type
All-Terrain Radial
Available
Tyre Load Index
112
Available
Tyre Speed Rating
S
Available
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Front Brake Disc Diameter
320
300
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
300
Available
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Available
BA
Yes
Available
EBD
Yes
Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Central Locking
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Available
Alarm System
Yes
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
AEB
Yes
Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Available
Side Airbags
Yes
Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Available
Airbags
6
4
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Safety Rating
5
Available
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Available
Knee Airbag
No
Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Available
Whiplash Protection
Yes
Available
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Not Available
Speed Alert System
Yes
Available
Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Available
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Available
Hill Hold
Yes
Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Yes
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Available
Approach Angle
32
29
Departure Angle
28
23
Ramp-over Angle
26
Available
Wading Depth
850
600
4WD System Type
Part-Time 4WD with Low Range
Part-time 4WD
Terrain Modes
Yes
Not Available
Locking Differential
Yes
Rear
Recovery Hooks
Yes
Available
Underbody Protection
Yes
Partial
Ramp Breakover Angle
24
Available
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Drive Type
4WD
4WD
Drivetrain
4x4 AWD
Available
Differential Lock
Yes
Rear Lock
Transfer Case
Yes
Standard
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine Four Wheel Drive
Part-Time 4WD
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic CVT
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
7-Speed Automatic
Number of Gears
8
6
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Not Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
16.5:1
Available
LSD Available
No
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
3.54
Available
Clutch Type
-
Available
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
Available
Warranty Years
5
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
6 Years
Roadside Assistance
Yes
3 Years
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Service Plan Distance
75000
Available
Service Plan Duration
5
Available
Maintenance Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
Not Available
First Service At
5000
5000
Service Interval
10000
10,000 km or 6 Months
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km
Available
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Available
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Available
Alternator
120A
Available
Approx Service Cost
Included in Service Plan
Approx R3,500
Battery Warranty
-
Not Applicable
Battery Type
-
Available
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Not Available
USB Ports
3
1
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Not Available
Premium Audio
Yes
Available
Number of Speakers
12
4
Navigation System
Yes
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
Yes
7-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display
14.6-inch Touchscreen
Available
Infotainment Screen Size
14
Available
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Available
Voice Recognition
Yes
Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
Available
Rear Usb
Yes
Available
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
-
Yes
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Hydraulic Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Adjustable
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Available
Seat Material
Leather
Fabric
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Electric
Available
Heated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Cup Holders
Yes
4
Front Armrest
Yes
Standard
Rear Armrest
Yes
Standard
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Available
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not Available
Memory Seats
Yes
Available
60 40 Split Seat
No
Available
Steering Wheel Material
Leather Wrapped
Available
Instrument Cluster Type
Full Digital Cluster
Available
Seat Adjustment
Yes
Manual
Adjustable Driver Seat
Yes
Available
Adjustable Front Seat
Yes
Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
Available
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
Available
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Available
Interior Colour Options
1
Black
Folding Rear Seats
No
60/40 Split
Cooled Seats
Yes
Available
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Available
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
Available
Leather Seats
-
Available
Fabric Seats
-
Available
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Available
Drive Modes
Yes
Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
Available
Auto Lights
Yes
Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Sport Mode
Yes
Available
Eco Mode
No
Available
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Available
EV Mode
No
Available
Cruise Control
-
Not Available
Reverse Camera
-
Available
Spec
Cannon Alpha
NP300 Hardbody
Real-world City Mileage Min
10.5
9
Real-world City Mileage Max
13.0
11
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
8.5
11
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
11.0
13
Owner Review Count
-
38
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Gwm Cannon Alpha
wins with 64 pts
vs 49 pts for NP300 Hardbody
In structured scoring, Cannon Alpha emerges as the stronger overall package. However, NP300 Hardbody may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Cannon Alpha edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Cannon Alpha 0 vs NP300 Hardbody 7. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Cannon Alpha 18, NP300 Hardbody 12. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Cannon Alpha 20, NP300 Hardbody 12. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Cannon Alpha 8, NP300 Hardbody 8. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Cannon Alpha 18, NP300 Hardbody 10. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Cannon Alpha edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Cannon Alpha scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Cannon Alpha and NP300 Hardbody in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Cannon Alpha scores 18 vs 10.
Efficiency: Cannon Alpha scores 0 vs 7.
Safety: Cannon Alpha scores 18 vs 12.
Practicality: Cannon Alpha scores 8 vs 8.
Ownership: Cannon Alpha scores 20 vs 12.
Final structured scoring gives Cannon Alpha
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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