Bucket Seat: GWM P300 LT

The love affair that South African motorists have with bakkies needs to be studied. I say this because a good 50% of the bakkie drivers don’t use the bakkie for it’s intended purpose, they buy it as an everyday car which is why you’re seeing more and more luxury elements filtering into what used to be a workhorse type of vehicle. Majority of the bakkie drivers don’t use bin, barely go off-roading and a lot just buy a tonne of fancy accessories to make their bakkie stand out more from the next. The most action these bakkies face is climbing pavements. Now I know I’ve been slandering the bakkie drive a lot in this introduction but for someone who drives multiple types of cars, I just feel that bakkies are not practical family cars. However, every time I get a bakkie rolling into my driveway, I do get excited and in this review I’ll tell you why. Not too long ago I spent some times with the GWM P300 double cab, a bakkie that’s shook the local market sending a shock wave to the likes of Toyota, Ford and Isuzu whom have been dominating the market for some time, the Chinese have already made their mark in the SUV segment so now they’re setting their eyes on the much loved bakkie with this P300.

DESIGN

The P300 is no stranger to SA with it being the talk of the market since it was launched 4 years ago. It’s managed to gain traction due to its offerings and attractive price but the looks department hasn’t changed drastically since. With minor updates to the car over the years, it still remains an attractive offering, and with the latest LT model you can see the cosmetic work done to it is anything but subtle. The flared wheel arches make it quite prominent, the bolder grille and GWM badge sits more proud on the front. A more neater front bumper which follows the lines of the grille keep the front end symmetrical all while looking rugged and capable for action. The size of the van really does surprise you when you get up close to it. The use of more bolder colours and higher quality materials makes this van look a lot more premium, the extra additions like roof rails and the very handy step ladder that deploys from the tail gate for easy access into the bin. On the inside, one would be mistaken for being in a luxury SUV, the layout is simple but classy, something very different from what we are used to in a "workhorse". 

PERFORMANCE

The P300 LT comes in one engine derivative, being the 2.4L Turbo Diesel, this being the same engine that featured in the Tank 300 that I had previously. The two models vary in terms of drive, with the entry level being a 4 x 2 and the range topping being 4 x 4, both have a 9-speed automatic gearbox that works superbly with the drive train, without the normal issues that plagued the previous models. The engine derives 135kW and 480Nm of torque, which is powerful numbers. GWM claim the 4 x 4 model has a fuel economy of 8.0L per 100km, which wasn't that hard to achieve, the diesel motor makes a world of difference and with out any load and calm driving around town is what helped me get to around that figure. Once you start loading the bin and cabin, it might be a different story. The P300 LT comes with 18" alloys which are wrapped around with 265 all terrain tyres, the front suspension is a double wishbone type with the rear being leaf spring rigid axle. The off-road controls very easy to engage with most of them being a push of a button and with the new off-road display on the infotainment screen it makes it all that more simpler to conquer tougher terrains. 

COMFORT

As mentioned earlier, the cabin of the P300 LT is akin to a luxury SUV, with high quality and robust materials used to adorn it. The new layout is very modern, feature two screens, a 9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch multi-touch infotainment screen. The user interface is simple to use and very touch sensitive, so making it easy for the driver to access items while driving. The car has Bluetooth connectivity, wireless mobile app connectivity which includes Android Auto and Carplay. It has a 6-speaker sound system which is quite good and also has speed-sensing speaker volume adjustment which automatically increases the volume ever so slightly when going at higher speeds to compensate for the road noise. The P300 LT comes with climate control and front seat heating, these are all adjusted from physical buttons and not via the touchscreen. The front console has a USB A and USB C port as well as a wireless charging tray. there is a fair amount of storage compartments up front for cup holders with a slide tray under the arm rest for you to store keys and remotes. The back, as per most double cabs does not have the most room but it is sufficient for two adults to sit comfortably with USB charging ports and ventilation for the passengers. the biggest surprise would be the sunroof, its the first time I've ever seen a bakkie that comes with a sunroof!  The bin is sizable but I'm a bit disappointed that it didn't come with an auto roller shutter or any power outlets like most of the other bakkies on the market. 

VERDICT

Ultimately the P300 LT is still here to do the job the original P Series has been doing and that is disrupt the market. Its offerings are unique and very attractive but what will draw more people to it is the price. When GWM first introduced this model to the market, it had its skepticism on how long it would fair in terms of reliability and performance and to its credit, most of which have been sold are still going strong. So you be the judge of that, the Chinese are really coming in hard and fast, but with brands like GWM who have firmed themselves in the country, there isn't that worry about reputation or after sales services because of their wide dealer network. I think the jury on the Chinese cars could be making a decision very soon given the number of new brands and models coming into the country and the market being very open to try them out. This particular model for me is a winner and while many still might prefer their trusted Hilux or Ranger, that  saving of close to 300K is very enticing.  

SPECIFICATION

Engine	2.4L Turbo Diesel
Gear Box	9-Speed Automatic
Torque	480Nm
Power	135kW
Fuel Economy	8.0L/100km
Price	R649,900

 

Bucket Seat: Ford Ranger Platinum

The words "luxury" and "bakkie" should never be mentioned in the same sentence, a bakkie is meant to be rugged and tough, something that gets messy and have a multitude of uses but none of that includes princess treatment for its occupants. But here I am, about to tell you about a double cab bakkie that is rugged, that is built tough, can take on just about any challenge but all the while, keeping its occupants in complete luxury with premium finishes and technology galore. Which bakkie can offer this? Well the range topping Ford Ranger Platinum of course! Yes, Ford South Africa have decided to extend the Platinum name plate onto the Ranger and with it, comes all the bells and whistles that we've come accustomed to with the Everest Platinum. During my time with the bakkie, I drove into one of the more elite estates in Durban and the Ranger felt at home, hence I dubbed it "The Estate Bakkie", I think it could catch, anyway, lets get into the crux of it. 

DESIGN

While the design of the Ranger is pretty much standard over the range, each trim is characterized by the exterior features, that make a massive difference in terms of overall aesthetics. Don't believe me? Look at a base Ranger without the Matrix LED headlamps, ya, thought so. Just looking at this Ranger Platinum, gives you a feel that it is special and sets itself apart from the others, it's almost like that meme of that guy from the 1700's looking down upon you. It's so fancy that even the name of the colour palates are fancy, my test car was finished off in "Agate Black" and yes, it didn't look like an a normal black as it stood there glistening in the sun light. The Ranger Platinum has a host of shiny details that give that premium look from the outside with its main eye catcher being the Platinum grille with chrome surround, other noteworthy details are the Matrix LED headlamps, LED tail lamps, LED front fog lamps, colour coded door handles, side steps, mud flaps for both the front and rear. While we at the rear, the rear bumper is accent coloured as well. The load box or bin as we call it has a nice finish and as an added extra you could have an automated roller cover. Added to the looks department is a classy rear sports bar with sports hoop and chrome roof rails.  The Ranger Platinum sits on massive Goodyear Wrangler tyres which have 20" diamond cut alloys inside them, very attractive looking rims for an attractive looking car. Now, like the Everest, there are a number of Platinum badges around the car to make it known this is a Platinum model, if you follow me on TikTok, you can view the video on the official count on this one and see how it compares to the Everest. 

PERFORMANCE

Powering the Ranger Platinum is the same V6 turbocharged 3.0L V6 diesel engine that I had in the Everest Wildtrak earlier this year. While the performance figures are the same, with it delivering 184kW and 600Nm of torque, the output does feel a bit more composed in the Platinum, not sure if it has anything to do with the suspension of the comfy seats. It has the same 10-speed automatic gearbox with e-shifter and rear wheel driven with optional 4WD and low-range for rough terrain. On the road feel, its a lot more sturdy than other Rangers I've driven, doesn't feel bouncy when doing high speeds and overall a very smooth ride. It is a nice looking car with nice features so I didn't really want to take it off-road and get it dirty but hey, I am doing a test on it so I treated it to some light gravel venturing in the cane fields and boy did it eat it up like a charm. That V6 just comes alive when you hand it a challenge, the driving modes are easily selectable from the jog shuttle control behind the gear selector, where you can choose one of seven, yes it has seven driving modes, namely Normal, Eco, Tow, Slippery, Mud, Sand and Rock Crawl. Then there is the off-road controls which you can control the diff lock, traction and select your high and low gears as well as engaging four wheel drive. Most off these though are pre-programmed into the driving modes, so if for example you're doing rock crawl, the 4-wheel low range would be engaged along with it, so even as a novice you could easily navigate most obstacles that come your way with the car. Ford claim a 10.1L per 100km fuel consumption with the Ranger Platinum, but with me having just 7 days with it, and a V6 in front of me, it's safe to say I didn't really achieve that figure. 

COMFORT

It's not like the Ranger Platinum doesn't shine in other departments but this is where it shines the most, on the interior. I mean, quilted leather seats with heating and ventilated, along with steering wheel heating, in a bakkie? Come on man! It almost feels as if you're stepping into one of those off-roaders form the UK that's name is very close to Ranger. Choice of materials used in the cabin are very premium, even the fake dark wood trim on the dash looks believable and not like a cheap plastic knock off. There's ambient lighting to illuminate the cabin at night, though I don't know if you can choose the colour on this as I couldn't find any settings on the SYNC menu. The digital cluster is different from the other Rangers as it features the 12.4-inch screen which only the Ranger Raptor has. This screen is fully configurable via controls from the multi-function steering wheel which are easy to use even when driving. Focal point in the cabin is the 12-inch iPad style multi-function touch screen infotainment center. The UI from FORD SYNCE 4 is pretty neat with the ability to give you option to display your mobile apps wirelessly but still have native controls present for easy access to the vehicles data when needed. There is even controls for your climate control on the screen should you wish to use that instead of the analog controls located below it. It is dual zone climate control with vents in the second row for the rear passengers, the front seats are electronically adjustable and the Matrix LED head lights are adaptive. There is a wireless charging pad as well as USB Type C ports for charging devices. There are 12V power points in the center storage and back with the bin featuring one as well as a 3-pin Euro plug. The auxiliary switch bank is located just behind the sunglasses case on the roof and can accommodate up to 6 additions. The sound system is a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen system which provides the perfect quality for any type of music. 

TECH & SAFETY

With a car like this, safety is a paramount with the Ranger Platinum having dual front, front side, curtain, driver far side and driver and passenger knee airbags. For the road it comes with dynamic stability control which incorporates ABS, load adaptive control which assesses the weight of the load to manage the roll over mitigation, if you're towing something, it has trailer sway control to make sure whatever you're towing stays in line with the vehicle, by the way the maximum towing capacity of the Ranger Platinum is 3500kgs. The Ranger Platinum comes with 360 camera views with 4 cameras that project multiple views to assist you with everything, there is even an additional camera port should whatever you're towing have a camera too. Key driving aids include adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane assist and evasive steer assist to avoid collisions. It even has post collision braking which stops the car after impact should the drive be unconscious at the wheel. A handy feature for a big car like this is active park assist 2.0 which is fully autonomous and can parallel and alley dock your car with perfection making use of the PDC's. There's loads more which you can read about in the brochure but I think I covered the important ones. 

VERDICT

I know I joked about the Ranger having 20 odd derivatives in my Ford Puma review, but with it being made locally, it really was an opportunity for Ford South Africa to showcase what they can do and make it known there is a Ranger for everybody, even if you're living on a fancy high-end estate and just want to look cool for your neighbors. The Ranger Platinum has a steep price tag but if you really go through what you're getting, you will soon find there is no other brand that can offer you all of this in a bakkie, apart from it's twin that is made in the same factory as this but it does come at a higher cost. The trend in motoring is a weird one as we see the shift from sedans and hatches to crossovers, SUV's and bakkies. I was never really an advocate for bakkies being a family type vehicle simply because they were big, didn't offer the same level of comfort and were a hassle to park. I also felt that most people who bought them, rarely used them for the purpose they were made for but clearly my thinking was short sighted as sales still continued to rise and demand for something like this became more relevant. I'm glad that Ford has heeded their call as this is a masterful example of what can be made. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	3.0L Turbocharged V6 Diesel
Gear Box	10-speed automatic
Torque	600Nm
Power	184kW
Fuel Consumption	10.1L per 100km
Price	R1,120,100*

*base price

 

 

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*