When CAR embarked on W its journey as a member of Ford Motor Company South Africa's media group in the runup to the reveal of the new Ranger last year, things looked rather shaky. Still mired in the travel-related restrictions thrown up by the global pandemic, what promised to be an adventure encompassing meetings with subject-matter experts, trips to manufacturing facilities and a possible drive in a pre-production Ranger unit - had to be slightly downsized. Instead, there was a series of online calls that, while eminently enlightening, was never going to match up to the experience of getting behind the wheel of perhaps one of the most eagerly anticipated models to come our way in recent years.
That was only until FMCSA managed to secure three seats on the Asia Pacific regional drive of the new Ranger in Thailand.
To say this was a big deal is an understatement. Three South African publications (CAR being the sole magazine represented) were able to drive the new Ranger ahead of global media outlets outside the Asia Pacific region.
The series of pandemicmandated virtual meetings had transformed into an adventure that had us piloting the new Ranger on highways and twisting mountain roads and through humid jungles to find out for ourselves just how capable it is.
And Ford has managed to build on the impressive reputation of the outgoing model.
IMPROVING ON THE PROVEN
Denne historien er fra August 2022-utgaven av CAR South Africa.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 2022-utgaven av CAR South Africa.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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
