Bucket Seat: Ford Ranger Tremor

Another day and another Ford Ranger derivative, the guys at Ford SA do love to tinker with their line-up but I don't think its a bad thing as they really making a Ranger for everyone just depending on what you want it for. The Tremor is one of the more buff looking Rangers in the stable once you get to the nuts and bolts of it all, you realise it borrows the best bits from all the other Ranger offerings and packaged into one complete offering that is a good mix between hardcore off-roading and a versatile double cab bakkie with loads of tech. 

DESIGN

Just like any other Ranger, the Tremor's main feature is the front end with its menacing honeycomb radiator grille that is blacked out with the Ford badge in center accompanied by the distinct C-clamp headlights either side. The Aluminium bash plate isn't just there to compliment the looks but also serves a purpose since this is a fully fledged 4x4. Like mentioned before, it does stand taller than most, thanks to the Bilsten suspension which is borrowed from the Wildtrak X, which increases the ride height by 24mm, it's also 30mm wider than the normal Rangers and has the cast aluminium steps borrowed from the Ranger Raptor to thank for that. Massive General Grabber A/T tyres complete the rugged 4x4 look that gives the Tremor a more aggressive stance. On the inside, the Tremor has the massive touchscreen infotainment screen as the focal point but the immediate difference is noticeable on the floor with virtually the entire tub and seats being finished off in vinyl giving the Tremor a more hardcore, durable surface to clean. The long legged sportsbar in the bin finishes off the look for the Tremor and really add's to the no nonsense style of it all. 

PERFORMANCE

Under the hood, you will find Ford's impressive 2.0L BiTurbo diesel engine that delivers 154kW of power and 500Nm of torque, this all mated to the 10-speed automatic gearbox makes for a power house on the dirt. With the Tremor having AWD - Full time 4-wheel drive system you really get to experience the power of this engine when going in the dirt. The AT3 tyres assist in the fun of it all and the various pre-programmed driving modes make it simple enough for even a novice to navigate tricky conditions on the roads less traveled. On normal roads the Tremor handles like a breeze, one would have thought with the big tyres and high suspension the cabin would be filled with unwanted road noise and it being all over the place but its very composed even at high-speeds on the highway. Handling isn't too bad either and it's everything you'd expect from a bakkie of this nature, could be down to the setup of the shocks and driving modes but the Tremor knows it's surroundings and performs great wherever it goes. 

COMFORT

The interior ain't no Ranger Platinum contender but it's minimalist to a point where all the materials used are robust and easy to clean but the Tremor still comes with all the technology bells and whistles which is what I'm here for. With the 12-inch colour touchscreen infotainment center dominating the cabin with FORD SYNC4 and all mobile apps pre-loaded for wireless usage, it makes it the command center for this beast. The instrument cluster is the standard 8-inch digital display which the driver can navigate through the various car and driving info from the multi control steering wheel. Like all the other Rangers, the Tremor comes with 6 auxiliary switches for additional add-ons and dual-zone climate control for those ever changing conditions when venturing into the great unknowns. The Tremor seats are finished off in vinyl with Tremor name stitched into the driver and front passenger seats, the tub is also vinyl coated for easy cleaning when messed, in fact I wouldn't be surprised if you could take a hose to the floor of the Tremor. Overall, with the driving comfort and what you get in the cabin, the Tremor is not a bad place to be for a work horse/ activity bakkie. The load box comes with the normal goodies which include as a 12V power outlet. The tremor also comes with a 4-camera system with surround view and multi-view ensuring you have eyes all around the car at any given time. 

VERDICT

I think I hit the nail on the head in my previous description of the Tremor, it is an activity bakkie, designed for those that have a sense of adventure but don't want the big V6 of the Raptor. It has the best bits from most of the Ranger line up and with that, it doesn't cross the million rand mark so makes it an appealing option for those that want an adventure bakkie but at a little less than a fortune. I wouldn't go as far as saying its a baby Raptor because the Raptor name badge deserves a lot more credit than that but Ford has given us something very worthwhile and not just another Ranger derivative with a different name badge as this one is unique in every possible way. I like the fact that they gave it almost all the tech you can get from the Ranger range so that it is properly equipped for off-roading. The only thing missing is the e-shifter but in my opinion this one doesn't need it as the current 10-speed automatic does just fine. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0L BiTurbo Diesel
Gear Box	10-speed automatic
Torque	500Nm
Power	154kW
Towing capacity	3500kg
Price	R978,600

 

Bucket Seat: Next Gen Ford Raptor

There is an expression that goes, "when something is so good, it should be illegal" and that is the only way I can describe the Next Gen Ranger Raptor by Ford. Like drugs, this car is addictive, but it will damage your pocket in more ways than one. Lets start with the price tag, starting off at R1,184,100 as base, making it one of the most expensive bakkies on the market, then comes the fuel cost which I will discuss in detail later on in this review, but filling up 80-litres of petrol will cost you nothing short of R2,000 a tank but in saying that, let me tell you there is nothing that will give you the same experience and sensation when driving. I've driven plenty of performance cars in my life, they all have their limitations but performance bakkies? None come close to what Ford deliver, starting with the first generation Ranger Raptor which was powered by a 2.0L BiTurbo diesel which was a bit more frugal on the fuel consumption and it was good but everyone knew it could be better, so Ford took a leaf from the Jeremy Clarkson book and added "MORE POWER", thankfully they didn't use the normal American thinking and throw in a V8 in there, but a more acceptable 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 petrol engine. Spending a week with this beast made me a different person, I was pushing higher weights at gym, running faster and consuming Monster energy drinks by the gallon, and finding every possible dirt road around my commute just so I can kick up some dust and have fun. 

DESIGN

Like the previous generation Ranger Raptor, the car isn't just a standard Ranger with some stickers and bigger engine. The Raptor comes with a different body, which is wider, taller and sleeker than the normal Ranger. The grille is bigger and bolder, with a wafer style pattern with FORD lettering in prominent running across it which leads to the C-Clamp headlamps which has the new Matrix LED's that has become the key design focal point of the new Ranger. The front bumper has been shortened like the previous generation Raptor, with a large skid plate finished in brushed aluminium being quite a visual feature of the front of the car. As mentioned, the Raptor is wider than the normal Ranger and the wheel arches are more bulky, with robust black plastic borders which houses those monster BF Goodrich all terrain KO2 tyres with the 17-inch alloy wheels which not only add to the aesthetics of the car but are functional too. Side steps are larger and wider to fit the profile of the body and are finished off in cast alloy. At the back of the front wheel arch is an air outlet, which I presume has to help with dispelling the heat from the engine bay but either way makes it look cool. The rear of the Raptor is more or less the same as the normal Raptor but again, with the increased ride height and shorter rear bumper styling that houses the twin tail-pipes either side of the bumper. the only off putting thing about this is the fixed tow bar at the back, it I suppose its more robust and can pull a higher towing capacity but with the large nature of the van, it just makes it a bit more cumbersome to park. The decals do add another dimension to the overall look of the car, and I feel it would look naked with out them. 

PERFORMANCE

Lets talk about that 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 petrol engine for a second, 292kW, in a bakkie?! That is wild and let me tell you something it can kick butt on the road. The day it rolled into my driveway, I had to high tail to Richards Bay which was 180km from home and just my luck there was torrential rain en-route. Throwing caution to the wind, or rain in this case, I said lets see what this Raptor can do. While keeping to all road safety rules and obeying the speed limit, the Raptor navigating through the rain calmly at 120km/h, flying past almost everyone who was doing half the pace due to the extreme weather conditions. The all terrain tyres made sure the Raptor was fixing to the tarmac and to maximise grip I turned on fourwheel drive just incase. I knew then and there this car was special, I even got pulled over by the police not for speeding but for them to have a look at this car, plus the bright orange paint colour didn't make it subtle when on the road. Like the previous model, where this Raptor really shines is when taking the roads less travelled, hitting a sho-left onto any gravel track gives you an indication the thought process in making this car. With locking differentials on the front and rear and FOX live vales adaptive performance suspension makes driving on the dirt like a piece of cake for the Raptor. The amount of grip you get from the all-terrain tyres make navigating the bends having you feel like you're part of the Dakar. Let me tell you, there's nothing better than seeing the dust storm you're kicking up in the side and review mirrors. The adaptability of the Raptor in the conditions is remarkable and when there are tricky situations, there is always measures to make sure you can power through them. From the various driving modes and off-road settings, there is no task too tall for it to overcome. Now, I did mention this thing does get thirsty, be it on the tarmac or on the dirt, the temptation is always there to give it horns, on Sport mode the Raptor gave me 380km from a single tank of 80-litres, not the most fuel economical vehicle but when considering its a performance vehicle, which ones are? And this can do so much more than your usual high powered car, for starters you can climb pavements without worrying about damaging low-profile tyres or scraping your front sil. 

COMFORT

Being a bakkie, you'd be forgiven for thinking the interior would be boring but you will be wrong, very wrong. The Ranger Raptor comes kitted with a stunning interior to match the exterior. High quality materials adorn the cabin and the performance style seats give it that extra aggression. The leather trimmed black dash has the aircon vents matching the design of the front grille with high gloss plastic inserts that match the exterior color of the car.h Raptor badges present on the steering wheel and front seats, both seats are electrically adjustable. The 12-inch command center style touch screen infotainment center is the key to everything in the cabin, like the Ranger, the climate controls are separate and have their own dials for the front passenger and driver. There is a wireless charging mat and USB C ports, the Raptor supports wireless connectivity for all mobile applications. The 12.4-inch customizable digital cluster gives the driver vital information on speed, trip info, and a lot more all at the touch of a button from the multi-function steering. With the 10-speed automatic gearbox, the Raptor comes fitted with the "e-shifter" as well as cast magnesium paddle shifters which enhance that racing feel when driving. Being a big vehicle, the Raptor comes fitted with front and rear PDC's as well as front , rear and side cameras giving you a 360 degree view and a trailer hitch view from their high res cameras or you can just utilize the fully autonomous parking feature and let the car park itself. The Raptor is loaded with a host of safety features from the likes of active collision breaking, lane keep assist and active cruise control to the newer ones like braking with electronic booster and front locking diff which is for difficult rocky terrain and trail control for low speed off-road cruising. The rear occupants enjoy performance style seats as well with rear ventilation for the aircon and USB C ports for charging. The Raptor comes fitted with a host of power outlets including a 3-pin Euro spec plug outlet in the bin. Sound, very important for an Indian from Durban, the 10-speaker B&O premium audio system was more than what I bargained for, with the right amount of clarity and bass. 

VERDICT

While many might look at this performance Bakkie and think, it's big, bulky and expensive, why would anyone consider it? And I hear you, but it offers something different to the consumer, many have been used to driving around in bakkies but wanted something more from it now have the option and trust me, there are many as when launched, there was a demand for these and still are causing quite a stir on the NAMSA sales figures, so clearly the demand is there. When it comes to performance there is nothing on the market quite like the Raptor, there competitors have tried but the recipe Ford have here is truly something special, its no wonder that their General Manager of Communications go-to reply on most of the social media channels to anyone asking about cars in general is "just get a Raptor". 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	3.0L TwinTurbo EcoBoost V6 Petrol
Gear Box	10-Speed Automatic
Torque	583.Nm
Power	292kW
Towing capacity	2500kg
Price	R1,184,100*

Bucket Seat: Ford Ranger XLT

It seems fitting that this review is being published in the very same week that Ford South Africa is celebrating it's centenary in the country. The American motoring giant has long ties with the country and helping build the economy over the years, now more than ever it's at its strongest with Billions invested into the plant in Silverton to see the production of the new Ford Ranger and VW Amarok. This expansion and investment saw the creation of thousands of jobs locally and firmly rooting their commitment to South Africa. The Ranger XLT is one of the many variants available in the Ranger range, with the XLT forming the bridge between work-horse and lifestyle bakkie. Having spent time with both of its partners derivatives, this was my first hand experience in the new Ranger, so it was keen to see the differences that this would have over the other model on which its based on. 

DESIGN

Ford's new design took many by surprise when we first got a look at the new Ranger, bold American pick-up truck inspired looks really gives the new Ranger presence like never before on the roads. The car is also physically bigger than its predecessor by a few millimeters here and there but it stands tall with increase ride height and bigger rims and wheels to amplify that it means business on and off the road. The C-Clamp headlamps are a focal point of the design, with the C shaped LED halo that serves as day-time running lights and the main lamps housed inside that. The massive new grille extends from the lights to the center which is adorned by the Ford emblem in the middle. Like the Everest, it's a very strong front design with the top of it colour-coded, the bottom see's a mixtures of robust plastics and the skid plates which are finished in brushed aluminium to give it some character. The profile of the car is where you can see the increase in ride height with a visible gap between the wheel arch and the top of the tyre. The wheel arches also have that black plastic border to prevent scratches to the body work. A side step extends from the front to the back, with black detailing for the side vents, and bin frame. Being an in between model, the doors get black plastic handles. What I like about Ford's design over the VW is that there is small additions to the design that make so much sense, like the inclusion of a step at the rear end of the bin on either side to make entry into the bin easier, then the ruler which is embossed on the tail gate of the bin for measurements on site.  There is even slots for clamps on the bin walls and a 12V power outlet in the bin. Very practical and extremely innovative if you ask me. 

PERFORMANCE

With a choice of two engine derivatives in the XLT range, and two drive options, I was in the seat of of the range topping 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel 4x4 model. Producing 154kW and 500Nm of torque, the power supplied by the motor, coupled with that magnificent 10-speed automatic gear box just gives the XLT power on demand, whether you have a load or not, the car senses when to use how much power thanks to that gearbox. This gives the XLT a great fuel economy. Going off road with it, having the option of four wheel drive is always handy should you get your self in a pickle but for most of my gravel expeditions, leaving the car in two wheel drive and occasionally getting into four -high was more than adequate for it. The car handles extremely well both on the tar and in the dirt, the turning circle might not be the greatest but that is a given since it is a rather large vehicle. The Range XLT boats a towing capacity of 3500kg so rest assured your caravan can be towed along to any destination with ease. The steering feels light on the hand with easy maneuverability at slow speeds, making it ideal to navigate those tricky paths when venturing off road. 

COMFORT

I know I said the XLT is an in-betweener of a Workhorse and a Lifestyle bakkie, stepping into the cabin makes you feel its more of the latter as its a very nice place to be. Full leather seats with patterns that match the front grille, and white stitching, A stylish dash finished off with various textured materials and elements with that large 10.4-inch infotainment screen, it makes the Ranger XLT feel like a modern SUV. The driver and front passenger enjoy dual zone climate control with vents in the back for the rear passengers. With Ford's latest SYNC OS on the screen it makes it really easy to navigate what you need, or with most of us today, this screen makes the perfect display for mobile applications such as Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The wireless charger sits below the climate controls with two USB ports for charging. The instrument cluster is fully digital with various views to toggle with and it has a full multi-function steering wheel with buttons to control pretty much every thing in the cabin, keeping the drivers hands where they should be. Space in the cabin is very impressive with even my seat being reclined to the back due to my height, still giving the rear occupants enough room to be seated comfortably. Being a bakkie I dont think much gets spoken about the bin, I love the molding and the finishing of the Fords bin, even with the power outlet, clamps and ruler I mentioned earlier, it just feels a much neater product than the VW. 

VERDICT

Ford's pricing for their new Ranger was very aggressive, coming in at almost identical pricing to the outgoing models made this product a very attractive offering. To see what the cars are coming loaded with in terms of technology and safety, it makes you think hard and long that this is actually a bakkie and not an SUV. Such is the demand for these lifestyle vehicles, its nice to see Ford heading the consumers call by offering vehicles like this to suit almost everyone's pockets. While you will get the odd few who will moan about paying that much for a bakkie, stepping inside one, driving it around you will very quickly learn that its value for money. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0L Bi-Turbo
Gear Box	10-Speed Automatic
Torque	500Nm
Power	154kW
Towing capacity	3500kg
Price	R833,800*

Bucket Seat: Ford Ranger Stormtrak

With Ford revealing to the world the next-gen Ranger and the Ranger Raptor, everyone is waiting impatiently for the local launch dates but while we still have some time before the next generation of one of the countries most loved bakkies, we still have some great models of the current range on offer. As per the norm with most out going models, brands tend to start releasing some special edition models to lure customers to take advantage of the model before the stops production for the new model. The Ranger Stormtrak has been released to do just that, while it was launched towards the end of last year, I recently got to spend some time with this rather impressive double cab bakkie and here's how it went.

DESIGN

The Stormtrak follows the lines of the range topping variants in the Ranger stable, such as the Wildtrak and Thunder with an aggressive look that is achieved with a blacked out front grille and door handles, posh side skirting, large black 18-inch rims and very sporty livery with the Stormtrak badge large and embossed on the front doors and tail gate. Other design elements include some coloured vents in the grille and black mud guard fitting on the front bumper. Finished off in a nice metallic Rapid Red colour the Stormtrak really did stand out from the rest and was quite the attention stealer. The car has a lot of presence so it demands attention, both on the road and when parked. Looking at the interior, not much has changed in terms of design but the finishes have been spruced up to give it a different look and feel to the normal Ranger line up. Red stitching  adorns the dash and steering wheel to give it that premium yet sporty guise, there's a good mixture of leather and suede in the cabin, again adding to the sporty nature of the car. Stormtrak insignia has been stitched into the front seats. Other noticeable additions include the Ranger name plate on the side skirts and Stormtrak name badge on the passenger side of the dash. 

PERFORMANCE

The Ranger Stormtrak is powered by Ford's latest 2.0L BiTurbo motor from their engine line up, it's probably my favourite engine from their offering with it producing 157kW and 500Nm of torque from the smallest displacement motor in the line-up. This is assisted massively by the 10-speed Automatic gearbox which is a married made in heaven with this motor. It would have been fun to have paddle-shift as well but then again, I'm the same guy that said its an overkill in a competitors model which had it. The Ranger's ability on the road needs no re-introduction as it's sublime on tarred surfaces but it really comes alive on the dirt roads. I had the opportunity to do some exploring with the Ranger Stormtrak on the outskirts of Northern KZN, taking the roads less travelled through picturesque escarpments at some hairy heights. While my passengers were left aghast at some of the conditions, I was quite comfortable behind the wheel of the Ranger Stormtrak, knowing exactly what this vehicle is capable off and it handled every hurdle with ease. The Ranger off-road system is one of the easiest to operate and even a novice can figure it out. 

COMFORT

While this is a double cab bakkie, the cabin is quite spacious with enough room to seat four adults comfortably. The driver and front passenger get dual-zone climate control and seat heating, the rear passengers get single zone climate control which is controlled by the front passenger. The seats are very comfortable, with extra padding to ease out the bumps you'll experience when traveling off-road. The car comes with the lastest Ford SYNC 3 interface which has built-in mobile apps with 3x US ports for connectivity, Bluetooth, which is displayed on an 8-inch colour TFT screen. The car is equipped with a 6-speaker system that is pretty decent for a van.  Other handy standard features include active park assist for parallel parking as this vehicle is quite big. PDC sensors in the front and back plus a rear camera. LED Headlamps with daytime running lamps, side steps, roof rails and one which I really like is the automated tail-gate cover which is remote controlled. Sateywise, the Ranger Stormtrak comes with Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Assit with pedestrian detection, Distance Alert, Autonomous emergency braking, Lane Keep Alert System and Auto High Beam Control. 

VERDICT

Overall, the Ranger Stormtrak really is the complete package when it comes to your luxury double cab offering. While the price may be an eyebrow raiser, seeing the list of equipment that comes standard might just give you some understanding behind it. Even with the next Gen Ranger due sometime this year, there will still be a market for this model, seeing that with increase in pricing for just about everything, this model might suit the pocket for many who can't justify spending their money on the newer model. It really is a well put-together bakkie and one can easily see why it's giving SA's number 1 selling bakkie, the Hilux such a hard time in the market since its introduction. The Stormtrak is a well rounded package which looks the part and in my opinion doesn't need any extra cosmetic modifications like what most owners are doing on the market. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0L BiTurbo
Gear Box	10-sepeed automatic
Power	157kW
Torque	500Nm
Top Speed	210km
Price	R855,200