A performance bakkie wasn't something on the tip of everyone's tongue just a few years ago, but when Ford launched the Ranger Raptor to critical acclaim in 2019, the bar had been substantially raised for double cabs focused on driver enjoyment. Sure, there was the Volkswagen Amarok V6, but that was more of a highway bomber than a bundu-basher and not exactly a bakkie most buyers would willingly thrash off the beaten track.
Toyota and Ford have long been at each other's throats for control of the pick-up market share and the Ranger has slowly but surely crept up to the Hilux as one of the most desirable bakkies on our market, catering for many of those who prefer a lifestyle bent. There's little doubt the Ranger Raptor remained the king of its admittedly niche segment. While the automotive industry eagerly awaited the arrival of the new Ranger and Ranger Raptor Halo model, our long-term Raptor Special Edition was basking in the last rays before the arrival of its successor. However, Toyota would not go quietly just yet. Buoyed by its recent triumphs with the Gazoo Racing brand, it added a GR-badged model to the Hilux line-up just before the outgoing Raptor stepped down. We simply had to throw the Hilux GR-S in the ring with the champ for one more showdown.
Esta historia es de la edición March 2023 de CAR South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición March 2023 de CAR South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Toyota Fortuner
Considered by many as the quintessential adventure SUV, the Fortuner is about as strong a used buying proposition as you can get in this segment. We take you through the things to look out for and list two rivals for comparison.
MIND THE HURDLE
With a repaired car and a point to prove, Alex Shahini returned for Round 3 of the Toyota GR Cup at Zwartkops Raceway to achieve a career-best finish
KING OF KILLARNEY
For four decades, Denis Joubert was directly involved with the creation, development and ongoing success of Cape Town's international motorsport venue, Killarney. Having just celebrated his 90th birthday, we talk to the man whose contribution to South Africa's motor-racing heritage is priceless....
Selecting the 4WD SYSTEM for your needs
As 4WD SUVS and double cabs grow in popularity, more first-time buyers face the challenge of selecting a vehicle with a drivetrain that best meets their requirements. We explain the key differences between the all-wheel drivetrains available
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT
Kia's ever-popular budget hatch has recently received a range of exterior and interior updates - we test the entry-level variant to see if it remains a force to be reckoned with in this highly competitive segment
Super C
The fastest and most technologically advanced flagship C-Class to date, AMG's C63 S has evolved into an electrified uber-sedan. Has this mighty model forsaken some character in pursuing this status? We strapped our test equipment to the new shooting star.
Bentley's Brutes
A break in proceedings during an exclusive preview of the fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT afforded us an opportunity to sample the stately yet hair-raising Bentayga S
RUNNING UP THAT HILL
Now in its 14th year, the Simola Hillclimb continues to combine adrenaline-fuelled competition with showcasing some of the most appealing classics out there in a heady mix that keeps local petrolheads coming...
BAND OF BROTHERS
Complete with rugged bakkie-based underpinnings that encourage off-the-beaten-track venturing, largely proven powertrains that afford maximum range and towing capability, and brand names with enviable respective reputations for reliability, adventure SUVs remain the favourite of thousands of South Africans.
TWELVE OF THE BEST
Ferrari keeps things suitably old-school with its V12-engined 12Cilindri GT
