Ford Ranger Tremor (2024) Launch Review

The Ford Ranger Tremor – an attractively packaged and offroad-ready mid-range offering in the Blue Oval’s bakkie line-up – has touched down in South Africa. We recently grabbed the chance to put the newcomer through its paces on a 4×4 trail.

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) recently added 2 derivatives to its Ranger line-up; we have already reported on Ranger Platinum, but what you see here is a much more affordable prospect.

Meet the Ranger Tremor. Just as the Ranger Wildtrak X is a Wildtrak variant aimed at 4x4ing enthusiasts, the Tremor is based on the XLT-grade bakkie, but features additional off-road-oriented enhancements.

What is a Ranger Tremor?

If local off-roading enthusiasts were wondering: “How can I get the best bang-for-buck off-road bakkie without having to breach the R1-million mark?”, well, the Ford Ranger Tremor is the Blue Oval’s answer.

Its appearance is suitably bold. Those black 17-inch alloy wheels (wrapped in 265/40 R17 Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres) grab your attention, as does the beefier grille with extra lighting. Other notable changes include the tubular sports bar, aluminium side steps, Tremor badges and wider wheel-arch mouldings.

Inside, the Tremor is equipped with the usual T6.2 Ford Ranger fare, such as a digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen powered by the Blue Oval’s SYNC 4A infotainment system. However, it also comes fitted with a rugged vinyl floor instead of carpet trim, which means you won’t struggle to scrub dirtied footwells clean. Fittingly, the seats are also trimmed in vinyl and feature Tremor badging.

The Tremor’s 154 kW 2.0-litre 4-cylinder bi-turbocharged diesel engine is mated with a 10-speed auto transmission. It directs as much as 500 Nm of torque to all wheels via a full-time 4-wheel-drive system (offering 2High, 4High, 4Low and 4Auto). When required, the diff lock can be activated electronically.

Does it have enough off-roading goodies?

If you want to traverse rough off-road terrain (at considerable speed – if you like), the 3.0T V6 double cab Raptor 4WD is ideal for the task, but let’s face it – the Raptor is priced beyond R1.2 million and even the Wildtrak X costs “more than a bar”. If you, like most of us, can only dream of owning those bakkies, then the Tremor has more than enough hardware and tech to carry it through some challenging terrain.

Apart from its all-terrain tackies, the Tremor is fitted with a steel bash plate, dual front recovery hooks, specially-developed Bilstein dampers, Trail Turn assist and Trail Cruise Control, with Rock Crawl mode added to the already comprehensive drive modes (Normal, Eco, Tow, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand). It sits 30 mm wider and 24 mm higher than a standard Ranger and its ground clearance is raised to 261 mm.

What is the Ranger Tremor like to drive?

FMCSA was eager to showcase the off-road prowess of its newcomer, so we weren’t at all surprised (or disappointed) that the launch route comprised mostly dirt roads and off-road routes. Before we get stuck into the bakkie’s 4×4 capabilities, we’d like to note that the chunky off-road tyres were remarkably quiet. It truly impressed us; in the past, all-terrain tyres have tended to drone and rumble at triple-digit speeds.

Our drive took place at the Grabouw 4×4 trail – a technically challenging course that included some tricky undulations, deep holes and sharp turns. The smart Trail Turn Assist function, which essentially locks the inside wheel to help pivot the vehicle (tighten its turning circle), easily dealt with the latter.

Impressively, during trickier sections of the course, where we would probably have felt compelled to activate 4L (4Low or low range) in some other vehicles, the Tremor made steady progress in 4High. Those Grabber AT3s and the Tremor’s additional ground clearance certainly proved their worth!

Suffice it to say, the Ford Ranger Tremor is one seriously capable vehicle in the right hands. It’s a good thing that FMCSA offers Tremor buyers a free 4×4 driving course if they buy one of these vehicles…

How much does the Ranger Tremor cost in South Africa?

Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo double cab Tremor 4WD

R977 500

The price includes Ford’s 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 4-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. As a reminder, customers can purchase service or maintenance plans valid for up to 8 years or 135 000 km. For example, a 6-year/90 000 km service plan costs an additional R23 959.10 (March 2024). There are various warranty extension options too.

Summary

With a price tag of just under R1 million (March 2024), the Ford Ranger Tremor offers reasonably good value for money for 4x4ing enthusiasts who seek a bakkie with considerable off-road capability straight from the factory. If overlanding and adventuring in the untamed wild is your idea of a good time (and it is, perhaps to more outdoorsy people than you think), then this might be the double-cab bakkie for you.

The Tremor’s biturbo engine is willing; its full-time 4-wheel-drive system (with several off-road drive modes to choose from) is laughably user-friendly (even for novices) and, thanks to its raised ride height and deeply grooved plump tyres, the bakkie will clamber over many – if not most – obstacles with ease.

For the average consumer, the normal XLT 4×4 (upon which the Tremor is based) is probably the bakkie all they would ever need, but if you desire a 4×4 double cab with extra attitude (kerb appeal), as well as the off-roading goodies to match the show, this newcomer certainly tugs at the ol’ heartstrings.

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2024 World Car Awards: all the winners revealed!

The winners in each of the 2024 World Car Awards’ 6 categories – including the recipient of the overall prize – have been announced. Drumroll, please…

The organisers of the 2024 World Car Awards have revealed the winners in each of the competition’s 6 categories, making the announcements in series at the New York International Auto Show.

As a reminder, the World Car Finals (powered by Brembo) boasts a jury of more than 100 highly experienced judges from 29 countries, including Cars.co.za’s very own Hannes Oosthuizen.

*Kia’s EV9 secured a double win (including the overall title) at the 2024 World Car Awards.*

So, to the winners. The Kia EV9 secured not only the World Electric Vehicle award but also the 2024 World Car of the Year title. For the record, this double-win takes Kia’s award total in the competition’s 20-year history to 5, including an overall victory for the Telluride back in 2020.

In the 2024 World Car of the Year category, the EV9 was chosen from an initial entry group of 38 contenders, a list that was whittled down to just 3 finalists – the BYD Seal, Volvo EX30 and, of course, the EV9 itself – about a month ago. In the World Electric Vehicle class, the EV9 triumphed over the BMW i5 and the aforementioned EX30.

What about the other categories? Well, the BMW 5 Series (including the battery-powered i5 mentioned above) beat the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the electric Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV to the title of World Luxury Car. This represents the 9th award win for the BMW Group in the competition’s 2-decade history.

Fascinatingly, though the BMW M2 coupé and the hybrid-powered BMW XM made the final 3 in the World Performance Car category, that award was instead grabbed by the electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, representing the Korean firm’s 7th award. For the record, the Ioniq 6 was a triple winner in 2023, while the Ioniq 5 pulled off the same feat a year prior (both including the overall title in the respective years).

*Volvo’s EX30 was named the World Urban Car of the year.*

Meanwhile, the World Urban Car gong went to the Volvo EX30, with the Swedish automaker’s smallest SUV seeing off fellow top-3 finalists the electric BYD Dolphin and the hybrid-powered Lexus LBX. The EX30’s victory in this segment was Volvo’s 2nd win in the competition’s history, after the XC60 took the overall title in 2018.

Finally, the Toyota Prius was handed the World Car Design of the Year trophy, beating out the Ford Bronco and Ferrari Purosangue. In this category, a design panel comprising 6 “highly respected world design experts” established the shortlist of recommendations (from an initial list of 70 vehicles) for the jurors’ final vote.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2024) Price & Specs

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class is on its way to South Africa. Here’s how much you will pay for the luxury sedan when it arrives in May 2024.

The 6th-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class will be launching locally in May 2024 and we’ve uncovered pricing for the newcomer. Positioned as an alternative to the BMW 5 Series, the new-gen E-Class features a length extension of 22 mm to further increase cabin space, with the Stuttgart-based brand claiming legroom, kneeroom and elbowroom have grown.

From launch, there will be two engines on offer with both petrol and diesel fans covered. E200 features a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 150 kW and 320 Nm, while the E220d has a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 145 kW and 440 Nm. Both models are rear-wheel driven with 9-speed automatic gearboxes.

While local specifications are yet to be confirmed, we know that the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class will be offered in either AMG Line or Avantgarde trim, and there’ll be a number of options to configure your E-Class to your heart’s delight.

How much does the new-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class cost in South Africa?

The new E-Class is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km service and maintenance plan.

E-Class 200	R1 334 750
E-Class 220d	R1 430 550

Mercedes-Benz CLE (2024) Price & Specs

The stylish Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe will be launching locally in May 2024 and we’ve uncovered early specifications and pricing.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE is the new luxury coupe model from the Stuttgart-based brand. With the C-Class and E-Class falling away, the CLE is the best of both worlds. It’s bigger than the outgoing C-Class, with a 25mm longer wheelbase.

We’ll have two engines to choose from when the vehicle launches in South Africa in May 2024. Kicking off the range is the CLE 200 with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine which makes 150 kW and 320 Nm. Power goes to the rear wheels via a 9-speed automatic gearbox.

Next up is the CLE 300, which again uses 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, but with higher outputs. Here, there’s 190 kW and 400 Nm, and again the vehicle uses a 9-speed automatic gearbox.

While not all local details are immediately available, we understand the vehicle will be coming standard with the AMG Line trim, so expect a sportier visual look and AMG-specific wheels. Expect the comprehensive MBUX infotainment system as standard too.

We’re expecting the convertible model and some potent AMG and 4Matic-equipped derivatives to follow on later on this year.

How much does the new Mercedes-Benz CLE cost in South Africa?

CLE 200	R1 355 350
CLE 300	R1 430 650

The CLE is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km service and maintenance plan.

Audi RS6 Performance Video Review: The Reason You Shouldn’t Buy a Performance SUV

The Audi RS6 Avant costs over R2 million but offers supercar levels of performance in a spacious wagon design. Is this a worthy alternative to the SUV trend? Jacob Moshokoa put the RS6 Avant to the test, watch the video!

The Audi RS6 Avant is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine that offers 445 kW and 850 Nm of torque in this Performance version, which also includes the increased top speed option allowing it to reach 305 kph.

In this Audi RS6 Avant video review, Jacob Moshokoa drives one of his hero cars, comparing it with the previous generation RS6 while considering if the new model is worth the extra money. One of his favourite things about the new Audi RS6 is the sound, which Audi has configured to provide more driving delight than ever before.

Watch the latest review and let us know if you think the RS6 Performance is the best all-round car you can buy today?

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Isuzu D-Max Single Cab LS (2024) Price & Specs

Isuzu Motors SA has expanded its D-Max Single Cab range to include new, higher-spec LS variants, while also rolling out the 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine to this body style…

Isuzu Motors South Africa has effectively doubled its D-Max Single Cab line-up by launching 5 new LS derivatives. In the process, the Japanese firm’s local division has also extended the 140 kW/450 Nm 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine to this workhorse body style.

Previously, single-cab versions of the current-generation, Struandale-built D-Max bakkie were available only in base and L specification – and only with the 110 kW/350 Nm 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor. Now, however, the single-cab range includes a trio of 1.9 LS derivatives and a pair of 3.0 LS newcomers, taking the total to 10 variants.

The 1.9 LS is available in 4×2 guise paired with either a 6-speed manual or an automatic cog-swapper with the same number of gears, as well as in 4×4 form (only with the self-shifting gearbox). Both 3.0 LS derivatives come equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission, though there’s a choice of 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. Scroll down to the bottom of this article to check out full pricing.

*Here’s a look at the L version, for comparison (note the steel wheels and black front bumper).*

Isuzu Motors SA says the LS trim level provides “additional styling, comfort and convenience features”, saying these new variants are pitched at “owner-operators who spend long hours behind the wheel and are looking for something a bit more upmarket and comfortable to suit their everyday needs”.

As is the case with the extended- and double-cab models, the LS grade includes 17-inch alloy wheels (rather than steelies), along with colour-coded finishes for the front bumper, side-mirror caps and exterior door handles. The side mirrors furthermore score power adjustment, while front fog lamps are also added. Inside, the LS models gain cruise control as well as Isuzu’s 7-inch infotainment screen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).

Extended- and double-cab models score spec tweaks

*Several double-cab derivatives (including the flagship AT35) gain some extra spec.*

Elsewhere in the D-Max range, Isuzu Motors SA says it has added “several new safety, comfort and convenience features” to various extended- and double-cab models. In the case of the L grade, these body styles gain running boards as standard, while the LSE extended cab scores blacked-out B-pillars.

Extended- and double-cab versions of the LSE also win partial-leather seats, including 8-way power adjustment for the driver and front passenger, as well as a far-side airbag (previously reserved for the top-spec V-Cross variants). Meanwhile, a remote engine start feature has been rolled out to LSE, V-Cross and AT35 models.

How much do the new Isuzu D-Max Single Cab LS models cost?

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 single cab 6MT – R442 800

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 single cab L 6MT – R461 900

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 single cab L 6AT – R479 900

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 single cab LS 6MT – R516 500

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 single cab LS 6AT – R538 400

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 single cab L 4×4 6MT – R568 500

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 single cab L 4×4 6AT – R586 500

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 single cab LS 6AT – R590 800

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 single cab LS 4×4 6AT – R618 800

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 single cab LS 4×4 6AT – R665 400

All derivatives ship standard with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty (with roadside assistance) and a 5-year/unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty, as well as a 5-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).

Does car insurance cover items stored in your car?

When you spend a lot of time in your car (as many of us do) it often becomes a storage place for several of your valuable items. That is why it’s important to know whether your car insurance policy covers the contents of your vehicle – or not.

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Generally speaking, it depends on what type of insurance policy you have. Third-party, fire, and theft insurance will not cover personal belongings, but some comprehensive car insurance policies do. In this short guide, brought to you by Budget Insurance, we cover all there is you need to know about contents cover for personal belongings stored in your car.

Why is contents insurance important?

When you take out car insurance, making sure that the vehicle’s contents are covered may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But, if you add up the value of the things you carry with you every day, we bet you’d be surprised by the total.

Most people carry a lot of portable and wearable technology, including laptops, expensive smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and in-car entertainment.

Other popular accessories such as jewellery, sunglasses, handbags, purses, wallets, and shopping are also worth covering. For parents of young children, car seats and prams are just some of the necessities that they store in their vehicles.

Professionals may carry a range of things from tools to equipment, to musical instruments and even sports gear. For hobbyists, golf bags, bicycles, and surfboards will also most likely be transported in, or on top of, your car.

All these personal possessions add up to thousands of rands and would be difficult to replace if lost or stolen – unless you have insurance in place.

When considering that theft of personal belongings is a daily occurrence, it becomes clear that getting portable possessions insurance is an important protection against what could be a severe financial loss.

What is portable possessions insurance?

Imagine if you dropped your engagement ring without realising it while washing your hands in a public bathroom, or while on your way to a presentation, your laptop was taken in a smash-and-grab?

These are belongings that are not only worth a lot of money, but may also hold sentimental value. With portable belongings insurance, the possessions you take out of the home are covered from theft, accidental loss, or damage, thus allowing you to replace your valuable items if they are lost.

If your car is stolen, comprehensive car insurance will cover the parts that are permanently affixed to your car – like built-in radios – but it will not cover portable belongings that you take with you.

Additional portable possessions insurance is essential if you are always on the move with valuable items. You can cover the loss of valuables anywhere outside the home with portable possessions insurance.

Does portable possessions insurance cover everything?

With Budget Insurance, portable possessions insurance will give you general cover against the loss or damage of your valuables up to a certain limit.

Clothing and the personal items belonging to you and your family members are all covered by this insurance, which is offered to you when you take out a home contents insurance policy. To clarify, if you want to take out portable possessions insurance, you need to have either home contents insurance, car or motorcycle cover.

Aside from general contents cover, more specific protection for expensive items is offered if they are worth more than the amount stated on your policy.

This extra cover includes protection for:

Laptops: Portable computers have become a necessary component of our working lives, particularly since COVID-19 changed the working landscape into hybrid models where we divide our time between working at the office and home. Losing a laptop can set us back considerably – and that is why personal possessions insurance can protect us from a range of risks.
Smartphones: Not only do we store a lot of personal information on our smartphones, but they are costly to buy in the first place. The loss of a smartphone can cause severe disruption and financial hardship in our lives. Personal possessions insurance can provide specific cover for the loss of a smartphone.
Jewellery and watches: Why own beautiful pieces of jewellery and watches if you are too scared to wear them in public for fear of having them stolen? Get insurance and wear them with confidence.
Cameras: Specialised camera insurance cover will repair or replace your camera if it is damaged, stolen or lost.

What’s not covered?

While many personal items are secured by Budget Insurance‘s portable insurance policies, there are some situations that will not be covered.

For instance, if there is a loss of or damage to any precious metal, stone, jewellery, or watches that are valued higher than the amount stated in your policy, a valuation certificate needs to be provided for them. When not being worn, these items also need to be stored in a SABS-approved wall or floor-mounted safe.

Items that are damaged due to general wear and tear will also not be covered. Neither will belongings that are solely used for business, trade, or professional purposes. So, if your laptop is used solely for business, it will not be covered by personal possessions insurance.

If valuables are stolen from the boot or load bay of your car, there must be clear signs of a break-in, such as damage from forced entry in order to claim.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice.

Get a quote now

If you want to learn more about car insurance or review your car insurance requirements with the help of experts, Budget Insurance‘s team is always ready to assist. Contact them on 086 1600 120 or leave your details and they’ll call you back at no expense to you! You can also request an online quote.

Ford Ranger Platinum (2024) Launch Review

The Ford Ranger Platinum will soon be in local showrooms – we drove the new top-end derivative of the Blue Oval’s bakkie at its local launch event in the Overberg.

The 3.0TD V6 double cab Platinum 4WD is said to be the most sophisticated and luxurious Ford Ranger ever. Could you say it’s the flagship? If you apply family-car standards to this apex leisure double cab, then yes, it’s “top of the range” because it has the longest list of standard features. Finish and klaar.

Strictly speaking, the 3.0T V6 double cab Raptor 4WD is slightly pricier than the Platinum, but bear in mind that the Raptor, which won its category in the 2023/24 #CarsAwards, has bespoke off-road racing suspension, bold looks and a howling twin-turbopetrol V6; it’s aimed at a very specific type of buyer.

What is a Ranger Platinum?

Some will argue the 3.0TD V6 double cab Wildtrak 4WD, with its iconic nameplate, muscular turbodiesel V6 and generous specification, is probably “all the double-cab bakkie you’ll ever need” – and they have a point. However, in a new-vehicle market where so many buyers forego luxury sedans, ‘wagons and even medium SUVs to embrace the double-cab life, the Platinum offers a tantalisingly high level of spec.

Visually, the Platinum is distinguished from its lesser siblings with a bold chrome-finished grille, distinct Platinum branding on the flanks and rear, as well as 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-season rubber. There’s colour coding on the front bumper, side mirrors and door handles for that extra premium feel.

And if the myriad comfort and convenience features don’t lure customers in completely, the Ford Ranger Platinum, with its fixed sports hoop and shiny side rails, additionally damped tailgate, cargo management system and roof rails, sure looks the part. Sadly, an electrically operated roller shutter remains optional.

As far as tech is concerned, the Platinum is 1 of only 2 Ranger derivatives (the other being the Raptor) to feature Matrix LED headlamps; they are said to offer 30% more light on high beam, can swivel at low speeds (for better cornering visibility) and automatically prevent other road users from being blinded.

Inside, the Ford Ranger Platinum features quilted leather seats with contrast stitching; the front seats have heating and ventilation functions, as well as 10-way electric adjustment for the driver. Apart from a heated steering wheel, which will be a boon in the upcoming months(!), the newcomer is trimmed with Black Maple- (on the dashboard and doors) and aluminium inserts; there’s even an additional glovebox.

Tech-wise, the Platinum gets the Raptor’s large (12.4-inch) LCD digital instrument cluster, which can display a variety of themes, as well as Pro Trailer back-up assist, a 10-speaker B&O audio system, wireless charging, wireless Android Auto/Apple Carplay, a 400W inverter and 2 USB points for each row.

Suffice it to say the full array of safety features available in the T6.2 Ranger is present and correct here. Over and above extra airbags (taking the total to 9), the Platinum comes equipped with features such as adaptive cruise control, emergency autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist and autonomous parking.

Performance and Powertrain

The Ranger Platinum is powered by a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 engine that produces 184 kW/600 Nm and is mated with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. It has an electronically controlled permanent 4-wheel-drive system that allows drivers to toggle between 4A, 4High, 4Low and 2High (RWD only).

What is the Ford Ranger Platinum like to drive?

The Ranger Platinum is unashamedly a luxury double-cab; whereas the Blue Oval sought to demonstrate the breadth of its bakkie’s off-road capability (and capacity to exceed an average user’s expectations) on previous media launch events, the launch route for the Platinum consisted mostly of tarred roads.

On the well-maintained roads in and around Grabouw and Pringle Bay, the Ranger didn’t feel markedly different to drive compared with its Wildtrak sibling, but that’s not meant as a criticism, because the current-gen Ranger has set a high benchmark as the finest-riding double-cab bakkie on the market.

As it happened, our concerns about some of that stellar ride quality (by double-cab bakkie standards) being eroded due to the fitment of large (20-inch) alloys and lower-profile (255/55) tyres to the Ranger Platinum were quickly allayed. Admittedly, the bakkie’s shiny rims and “skinny” tyres are not best suited for undertaking intensive 4×4 adventures, but that’s why Ford offers the off-road-oriented Wildtrak X.

Even though the newcomer’s on-road refinement is ultimately limited by its bakkie underpinnings (a body-on-frame architecture and leaf-sprung rear suspension), the Ford exhibited a level of ride quality on the national highway that was oh-so-close to that of a monocoque SUV – impressive stuff indeed.

Another thing we noticed was the road noise, or rather, the lack thereof. Whereas chunkier off-road tyres tend to generate an unpleasant rumble on coarse tarmac, this new wheel/tyre combo is far more hushed.

Unsurprisingly, the Platinum’s steering setup is much the same as in the Wildtrak (light and reasonably sharp), but the powertrain remains the biggest highlight of this package. The (also locally produced) turbodiesel V6 isn’t particularly free-revving, but its torque delivery is prompt and generous.

With peak torque (600 Nm) available from just 1 750 rpm, in-gear acceleration is plentiful and while the 10-speed auto ‘box shifts pleasantly smoothly, it does tend to hesitate in stop-start driving conditions.

How much does the Ranger Platinum cost in South Africa?

Ford Ranger 3.0TD V6 double cab Platinum 4WD

R1 119 000

Included in this price is Ford’s 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 4-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. As a reminder, customers can purchase service or maintenance plans of up to 8 years or 135 000 km. For example, a 6-year/90 000 km service plan costs an additional R23 959.10 (March 2024). There are various warranty extension options too

Summary

With the introduction of the Platinum derivative, the already diverse Ford Ranger portfolio now caters for affluent urban-based buyers who want a bakkie that’s more upmarket than the Wildtrak (and may also be tempted by the bakkie’s Amarok cousin). Mid-range XLT derivatives may appeal to those who seek a moderately well-equipped double-cab, but at the summit of the Silverton-based brand’s bakkie line-up sits the Platinum: a comprehensively specced lifestyle bakkie with a highly desirable upmarket image.

Granted, the newcomer eschews a small degree of its off-road skillset (because of its handsome 20-inch wheels shod with 255/55 tyres), but we reckon its target market won’t be too concerned with that. Right now, the 3.0TD V6 double cab Platinum 4WD is South Africa’s most luxurious double-cab bakkie.

Want to purchase a new or used Ford Ranger? Browse vehicles for sale

Next-gen Nissan Navara teased (with powertrain hints)

A shadowy teaser image showing the next-generation Nissan Navara has appeared, with the Japanese firm also hinting at the new bakkie’s range of powertrain options…

The shadowy teaser image above represents our first official glimpse at the next-generation Nissan Navara, which looks set to eventually be offered with a range of powertrain options (depending on the market, of course).

The upcoming bakkie – which is expected to share much with the new Mitsubishi Triton thanks to the global Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance – appeared in a video clip played during the presentation of the Japanese firm’s latest business plan.

Nissan says the latter plan includes the “use of strategic partnerships to increase global unit sales and improve profitability”. In fact, the company intends to launch as many as 30 new models over the next 3 years, of which 16 will be electrified and 14 will be internal-combustion engine (ICE) models. This approach will allow Nissan to “meet the diversified customer needs in markets where the pace of electrification differs”, it says.

But back to the upcoming new Navara. Though Nissan didn’t mention the bakkie by name, it confirmed that a “next-gen 1-tonne pickup” formed a part of its global plans, adding that the powertrain options for this model would include both EV and PHEV (that is, electric and plug-in hybrid options).

*Squint and you might just be able to make out the new Navara’s rear lighting signature (far left).*

These electrified powertrains (which we suspect won’t be available from launch, instead arriving further down the line) are seemingly in addition to whatever ICE options – either from Nissan itself or indeed Mitsubishi’s latest 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, as used in the new Triton – end up being offered. Whatever the case, don’t expect Nissan to drop a V6 into the new version of its bakkie.

Interestingly, the 1-tonne bakkie isn’t mentioned in Nissan’s specific plans for Africa. Instead, the Japanese firm only says it will launch 2 “all-new SUVs” and expand its “A-segment ICE vehicle” offering on our continent.

The bakkie has, however, been confirmed for the Oceania region, where it will launch in the company’s 2026 fiscal year (which closes at the end of March 2026). Australian publication Drive, meanwhile, claims a full reveal will take place before the end of 2024, with sales starting in that country at some point in 2025.

As a reminder, the long-in-the-tooth D23-generation Nissan Navara is currently manufactured at the automaker’s factory in Rosslyn (as well as in markets such as Thailand and South America). Production of the NP200 half-tonner, meanwhile, is scheduled to end at the same South African facility this month, prompting a “restructuring” of the local business (since a replacement model has seemingly not been found).

In February 2024, the Nissan Navara placed 6th on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies. In 2023, the Rosslyn-built model likewise finished just outside of the top 5, with 4 596 units (a year-on-year decline of 24.2%) registered around Mzansi during the year.

Ford Ranger Platinum (2024) Price & Specs

The flagship Ford Ranger Platinum will be arriving in South African showrooms shortly. Here’s pricing and specification for the range-topping double-cab bakkie.

The Ford Ranger Platinum is being touted by the Blue oval as the most sophisticated and luxurious Ranger ever. As a reminder, the Ranger was the most popular double-cab bakkie sold in South Africa in 2023.

Visually, the Ford Ranger Platinum has a unique grille with mesh and silk chrome finish, and a bold Platinum badge on the bonnet and lower sections of the doors. There are 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-season rubber and there are colour-coded bumpers, mirror caps and door handles for additional appeal.

The vehicle features a fixed sports hoop and side rails as standard, and the tailgate gains additional damping which makes it easier to use. The cargo management system has been fitted, making securing goods simple. If you want the powered roller shutter, that will be an added-cost option.

Platinum Features

In terms of features, the Ford Ranger Platinum has Matrix LED headlights which offer cornering capability. Inside, the vehicle features unique seats with quilted and perforated leather and Platinum badging on the seats and floors. These seats offer heating and cooling function, and have 10-way power adjustability. There’s also a heated steering wheel for the driver.

The Ranger Platinum features the 12.4-inch LDC digital dashboard (the same as the one found in the Raptor), 12-inch centre touchscreen display with SYNC 4A infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, 360-degree camera system, and a premium B&O sound system with 10 speakers.

When it comes to the safety suite, the Ford Ranger Platinum introduces far side airbags on top of the driver’s knee bag, dual front, side and curtain airbags. The safety tech comprises adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering, Active Park Assist with autonomous parallel and perpendicular parking, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and seven drive modes (Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand and Rock Crawl) to name but a few of the stand-out features.

Powertrain

Powering the Ranger Platinum is the 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine which makes 184 kW and 600 Nm. There’s a 10-speed automatic transmission and the vehicle offers a permanent four-wheel drive system. There’s also a low-range transfer case and the ability to switch to a rear-wheel drive configuration.

How much does the Ford Ranger Platinum cost in South Africa?

There’ll be five colour options for the Platinum model; Iconic Silver, Frozen White, Carbonized Grey, Lucid Red and Agate Black, and the vehicle will be arriving in local Ford dealerships at the end of the first quarter of 2024.

Ranger Platinum Double Cab 3.0L V6 4WD 10AT R1 119 000

The price includes a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 4-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and 5-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever occurs first. Customers can purchase a service or maintenance plans up to 8 years or 135 000km. The warranty can be extended up to 7 years or 200 000km, while the roadside assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years.

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