Okay, bakkie fans, listen up! The Ford Ranger Raptor is the definition of awesome. Today I am going to tell you everything about it – features, performance, and the all-important price tag. But first, a little history and evolution of the Ford Raptor so buckle up.
Why: South Africa’s Bakkie Culture
-
- South Africa has a deeply ingrained “bakkie” (pickup truck) culture, with trucks used for both work and leisure.
-
- Off-roading and adventure are popular pastimes, with South Africa’s terrain offering a perfect playground for high-performance trucks.
-
- Ford had to recognise the potential for a factory-built bakkie tailored to the demands of the South African market.
When: The Raptor Arrives in South Africa
-
- 2019: The Ranger Raptor arrived, making a big splash in the bakkie market. It was initially only available with a 2.0L bi-turbo diesel engine.
-
- 2022: Ford finally unleashes the 3.0L V6 twin-turbo EcoBoost petrol engine on South African fans, giving enthusiasts the power they craved.
-
- 2023: The NEX GEN Ford is introduced in South Africa with the iconic C-Clamp Headlights
What: Unique Challenges of the South African Market
-
- High Fuel Prices: Fuel efficiency is a significant concern for many South African buyers. The Ranger Raptor’s diesel engine option and later fuel-efficient EcoBoost alternative offered solutions.
-
- Security: Vehicle theft is a common problem in South Africa. The Raptor’s technology and potential for modifications may increase its target status.
-
- Road Conditions: While there are fantastic off-road trails, everyday driving often means contending with potholed roads and varying city conditions, pushing for a good balance in the Raptor’s suspension setup.
How: Raptor Adapts to South Africa
-
- Ford recognized these specific challenges, with the engine choices addressing fuel price concerns.
-
- Aftermarket security and performance enhancements are abundant, appealing to South African truck-loving culture and the desire to personalize these powerful bakkies.
-
- The combination of the Raptor’s handling both off-road and city settings resonated with a broad spectrum of South African buyers.
The Ford Ranger Raptor raised the bar for the performance bakkie segment in South Africa. Inspired a greater focus on off-road performance from other brands and sparked enthusiasm in the customization field. While relatively expensive, the Raptor became an aspirational vehicle for many South Africans, highlighting the unique desirability of performance trucks within the local market
Let’s start with the good stuff:
-
- Lights like a spotlight: Matrix LED headlights? The Raptor’s got ’em. Translation: these lights are insanely bright, letting you see and be seen at night.
-
- Interior fit for a king: Get comfy in those electrically adjustable, heated leather seats. “Raptor” is embroidered on them, just so you don’t forget what you’re driving. There’s a proper armrest (so important for those long trips!) and even wireless charging for your phone.
-
- Parking? Easy: This is a big vehicle, but don’t stress! Active park assist can handle parking itself, and that 360-degree view camera along with parking sensors means you’ll squeeze into those tricky spots easily.
-
- Voice Control to the rescue: “Take me to the nearest mall”, “Set the temperature to a cool 16 degrees”, or “Play my favorite amapiano track” – just tell your Raptor what you want.
-
- Jet fighter inspiration: You heard it in the brochure – the seats, actually look like they were taken from a jet fighter. The whole interior, aside from a few fancy touches, is the same luxurious one you’d find in the Everest or Wildtrak.
-
- Digital Displays Galore: See your speed and more on a fully digital display! This truck also has those big paddle shifters behind the steering wheel to give you that sporty feel.
Wait, there’s more…
The Raptor gets its thunderous roar from a 3-liter V6 twin-turbo EcoBoost engine. Not only does this beast look cool in blue, but it’s also lightning-fast!
Let’s not beat around the bush: A car like the Audi RS3 has 294 Kilowatts and 500 NM of torque. This Ranger Raptor? 292 kilowatts and 583 Newton-meters of torque. So, yeah, this is one fast and sporty bakkie. I hope you drive responsibly if you get one! It also comes packed with safety features like seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, and systems to help prevent crashes.
Okay, Back To The Truck …
If you love this bakkie, please leave a comment down below. Anyway, let’s check out those back seats. Don’t let people fool you: bakkies don’t always have massive space in the back, but you won’t feel squished back here. They’re the same sporty seats up front and you even get air vents (much needed in this heat), USB ports, and a center armrest. Of course, the real hallmark of a bakkie is the load bed. Here, just like on the Wildtrak, you’ve got fancy LED lights, a 12-volt socket, and an extra outlet too. The Raptor can tow up to 2,500kg, just sayin’.
The Numbers…
Now we shift focus to what you have to pay if you like this next gen Ford Ranger Raptor.
-
- Starting Price: R1,094,900. Ouch, I know.
- Monthly Payments: Expect around R21,840 over 6 years.
- Fuel: R2,003 at current prices will fill up the tank. You should get about 11.7 liters per 100 kilometers (but go easy on Sport mode if you want that mileage!)
- Insurance: About R3,980 a month for the premium. Ouch again.
- Total monthly cost: Around R27,623 all in.
- Service Plan: Ugh, Ford doesn’t include this anymore. Talk to your dealer and get their price for one.
Ladies and gents that’s the Ford Ranger Raptor