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.
P Series starts ZAR 699900 cheaperCannon Alpha from ZAR 699,900 · P Series from ZAR 444,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Engine Power
150
110
Torque
600
480
Engine Size
2378
1996
Claimed Mileage
10.2
9.8
Ground Clearance
220
210
Boot Space
-
-
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
2125
1985
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Cannon Alpha
64
/ 100
+4
pts
#2
P Series
60
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Cannon Alpha and P Series are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Cannon Alpha
+4 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Equal
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Cannon Alpha
Performance
18/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
8/20
Ownership
20/20
P Series
Performance
14/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
8/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Cannon Alpha
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway Driving
P Series
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Cannon Alpha
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
P Series
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Body Type
Pickup
Pickup
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Yes
DRL
Yes
Yes
LED Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Led Taillights
Yes
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Body Cladding
Yes
Yes
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Led Headlights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
Diamond Cut Alloy
Multi-Spoke Alloy
Rear Wiper
No
No
Chrome Exterior Finish
Yes
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Coloured
Roof Type
Metal Roof
Metal Roof
Rear Spoiler
No
No
Wing Mirror Type
Electric Adjustable
Electric Adjustable
Exterior Colour Options
5
5
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Number of Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Seating Capacity
5
5
Length
5410
5360
Width
1935
1900
Height
1865
1815
Wheelbase
3220
3220
Ground Clearance
220
210
Kerb Weight
2125
1985
Towing Capacity
3500
3500
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
75
Load Bed Length
1520
1520
Load Bed Width
1560
1560
Doors
4
4
Front Overhang
980
980
Rear Overhang
1160
1160
Front Track Width
1560
1560
Rear Track Width
1560
1560
Front Headroom
1020
1020
Rear Headroom
975
975
Front Legroom
1070
1070
Rear Legroom
880
880
Front Shoulder Room
1440
1440
Rear Shoulder Room
1420
1420
Gross Vehicle Weight
3000
3000
Boot Volume
0
0
Boot Space Seats Folded
0
0
Turning Radius
13.6
13.6
Max Payload
900
900
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Payload Capacity
900
1000
Valves Per Cylinder
4
4
Intercooler
Yes
Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined
10.2
9.8
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Spare Wheel
Yes
Yes
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
5 Years / 100,000 km
Service Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
5 Years / 75,000 km
Multi Function Steering
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Climate Control
Yes
Yes
AC Type
Dual Zone Climate Control
Dual Zone Climate Control
Rear Defogger
Yes
Yes
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Skid Plates
Yes
Yes
Side Steps
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Heads Up Display
Yes
No
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Yes
No
Fuel Lid Opener
Yes
Yes
Boot Opener
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Sunroof
Yes
No
Adaptive Dampers
Yes
No
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop
No
No
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Ground Clearance Unladen
215
215
Drag Coefficient
0.42
0.42
Rear Seat Split
No
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
Yes
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Tail Lamps
LED
LED
Tyre Repair Kit
No
No
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Yes
Steering Response
Progressive
Progressive
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Yes
Driver Display
Multi-Information Display
Multi-Information Display
Seat Type
Bucket Seat
Bucket Seat
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Glovebox Cooling
No
No
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Speed Limiter
Yes
Yes
Launch Control
No
No
Voice Command
Yes
Yes
Voice Command Support
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Chrome Grille
Yes
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Yes
Yes
Roof Antenna
Mast Antenna
Mast Antenna
Rear Wing
No
No
Aero Kit
No
No
Electric Mirror Folding
Electric
Electric
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Performance Data Logger
No
No
Panoramic Roof
Yes
No
Climate Zones
2
2
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
Yes
Remote Engine Start
No
No
Rev Matching
No
No
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Engine
2.4L GW4D24 Turbocharged Diesel
2.0L GW4D20 Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Type Config
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
Engine Code
GW4D24
GW4D20
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
16
16
Displacement
2378
1996
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Turbocharger
Yes
Yes
Compression Ratio
16.0:1
16.5:1
Cylinder Bore
88
84
Piston Stroke
98
90
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
Diesel
Torque
600
480
Torque @ RPM
1,500-2,800 rpm
1,600-2,600 rpm
Power
150
110
Power
201
148
Power @ RPM
3,600 rpm
3,400-3,600 rpm
0–100 km/h
11.5
13.2
Top Speed
185
175
0-100 km/h
150
110
Engine Position
Front Longitudinal
Front Longitudinal
Engine Displacement
2378
1996
Maximum Engine RPM
4,000
4,000
Engine Oil Capacity
8.0
8.0
Variable Valve Timing
No
No
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Diesel
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
Start Stop System
No
No
Particulate Filter
Yes
Yes
CO2 Emissions
272
258
Idle CO2 Output
272
258
Fuel Evaporation Control
EVAP Canister
EVAP Canister
Green NCAP Rating
3/5
3/5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
Hybrid System Type
None
None
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
75
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Yes
No
Claimed Mileage
10.2
9.8
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
City Mileage
11.5
11.5
Highway Mileage
9.5
9.5
Average Fuel Consumption
10.5
10.5
Real-world Mileage
10.5
10.5
Claimed Fuel Consumption
9.8
9.8
Fuel Efficiency
Moderate
Moderate
Auto Start Stop
No
No
Distance To Empty
Yes
Yes
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone with Coil Spring
Double Wishbone with Torsion Bar
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link Independent
Leaf Spring
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Torsion Bar
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Leaf Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Power Steering
Yes
Yes
Chassis Type
Body on Frame Ladder Chassis
Body on Frame Ladder Chassis
Steering Column
Adjustable
Adjustable
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic
Hydraulic
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Ventilated Disc
Drum
Front Tyre Width
275
265
Rear Tyre Width
275
265
Tyre Size
275/55R20
265/60R18
Wheel Diameter
20
18
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Spare Wheel Type
Alloy
Steel
Spare Tyre
Yes
Yes
Wheel Rim Size
20
18
Tyre Type
All-Terrain Radial
All-Terrain Radial
Tyre Load Index
112
112
Tyre Speed Rating
S
S
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Electronic
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Front Brake Disc Diameter
320
320
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
300
300
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
No
AEB
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Airbags
6
6
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
5
5
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
No
No
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
Approach Angle
32
30
Departure Angle
28
26
Ramp-over Angle
26
24
Wading Depth
850
800
4WD System Type
Part-Time 4WD with Low Range
Part-Time 4WD with Low Range
Terrain Modes
Yes
Yes
Locking Differential
Yes
Yes
Recovery Hooks
Yes
Yes
Underbody Protection
Yes
Yes
Ramp Breakover Angle
24
22
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Drive Type
4WD
4WD
Drivetrain
4x4 AWD
4x4 AWD
Differential Lock
Yes
Yes
Transfer Case
Yes
Yes
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine Four Wheel Drive
Front Engine Rear Wheel Drive
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Paddle Shifters
Yes
No
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
16.5:1
16.5:1
LSD Available
No
No
Final Drive Ratio
3.54
3.54
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
5 Years / 100,000 km
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
6 Years
Roadside Assistance
Yes
Yes
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Service Plan Distance
75000
75000
Service Plan Duration
5
5
Maintenance Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
5 Years / 75,000 km
First Service At
5000
5000
Service Interval
10000
10000
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km
10,000 km
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Alternator
120A
120A
Approx Service Cost
Included in Service Plan
Included in Service Plan
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
-
USB Ports
3
2
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Yes
Premium Audio
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
12
8
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Screen
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Display
14.6-inch Touchscreen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size
14
12
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
No
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
-
Yes
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Rear AC Vents
Yes
-
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Electric
8-Way Electric
Heated Seats
Yes
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Yes
No
Cup Holders
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
Yes
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Memory Seats
Yes
No
60 40 Split Seat
No
No
Steering Wheel Material
Leather Wrapped
Leather Wrapped
Instrument Cluster Type
Full Digital Cluster
Digital Instrument Cluster
Seat Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Front Seat
Yes
Yes
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
4-Way Manual
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
Yes
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Yes
Interior Colour Options
1
1
Folding Rear Seats
No
No
Cooled Seats
Yes
No
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Yes
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
Yes
Leather Seats
-
Yes
Fabric Seats
-
No
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
-
Drive Modes
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
Sport Mode
Yes
No
Eco Mode
No
No
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front and Rear
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
No
No
Cruise Control
-
Yes
Spec
Cannon Alpha
P Series
Real-world City Mileage Min
10.5
10.5
Real-world City Mileage Max
13.0
13.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
8.5
8.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
11.0
11.0
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Gwm Cannon Alpha
wins with 64 pts
vs 60 pts for P Series
In structured scoring, Cannon Alpha emerges as the stronger overall package. However, P Series 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 P Series 0. 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, P Series 18. 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, P Series 20. 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, P Series 8. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Cannon Alpha 18, P Series 14. 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 P Series in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Cannon Alpha scores 18 vs 14.
Efficiency: Cannon Alpha scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Cannon Alpha scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: Cannon Alpha scores 8 vs 8.
Ownership: Cannon Alpha scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Cannon Alpha
the advantage in this comparison.
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