The world record for the fastest two-wheeled side wheelie in a car has been broken by Finnish stunt driver Vesa Kivimaki.
Imagine how difficult it must be to maintain control of a car that’s going full tilt down a runway on only two wheels. Finnish stunt driver, Vesa Kivimaki, managed to break the world record for the fastest two-wheeled side wheelie in August 2016, achieving an average speed of 186.269 kph in his BMW 335i Coupe. The footage of his succesful attempt has only been released now. The previous record was held by Swedish driver, Goran Eliason, who achieved 181.25 kph in 1997.
According to Kivimaki however, the feat is incredibly difficult to achieve due to rapid wear on the tyre sidewalls, which ultimately leads to tyre failure. “I have made earlier attempts to break the record for the fastest car on two wheels, but have not been successful. At some point, I realised that the key to record-breaking is to have tyres that are exceptionally durable” said Kivimaki.
To achieve the result, Kivimaki partnered with Finnish winter tyre specialist, Nokian, who specifically developed a tyre for the world record attempt. The tyres were constructed using a synthetic fibre called Aramid, which is exceptionally strong and heat-resistant and the tyres were fitted to rally-spec rims for added strength.
Kivimaki was required to do two runs within one hour on a 100-metre section of tar.
Take a look at the record-breaking two-wheel side wheelie in the video below.
The Nissan NP200 soldiers on as a rugged and dependable workhorse. For 2016, Nissan South Africa has added some bling and additional features to appeal to the lifestyle brigade. James Siddall attended its market launch in Durban.
WWJD? No, not What Would Jesus Do? As per those armbands that seemed to lose some currency some time ago when it came to pass that the late, disgraced cricket star, Hansie Cronje, apparently wore one. But rather What Would Jesus Drive? Well, the answer to that is open to theological conjecture, but I like to think that were The Carpenter of Nazareth around today he might opt for a Nissan 1400 bakkie. It's humble, hardworking, its development and production costs were probably amortised decades ago, and the load bay is perfect for fish, loaves, disciples, and what have you.
But of course, that vehicle is no more – although, there's no shortage of old and older models plying our roads, mostly at the hands of industrious-looking individuals. Today, of course, that mantle has been taken up by the Nissan NP200, and owners seem to love them. I've vox-popped several – as I do with owners and drivers of vehicles that I have tested or might be testing – including Nissan's own PR who uses one, not just as a daily driver but for road-tripping too. Now there seems to be a plethora of Carpenter-spec (and carpenter- and builder- and sparky-spec) baseline NP200's on our roads, finished in white. But if you want something a little more individual you can now opt for something called the ICE. The Nissan NP200 ICE.
It's a limited-edition version of the NP200, and I'll kindly spare you lots of potentially laboured wordplay on the word “ice.” Now, of course, limited- and special-edition models can vary from “tasteless” to “tries too hard.” They're also often based on vehicles coming close to the end – or even at the end – of their production cycle as marketing folk dream up ways to shift surplus stock. But the NP200 seems nowhere near the end of its life, and I rather liked the ICE edition. It aims to give this little worker-bee bakkie some leisure and lifestyle pretensions and it does so rather nicely. (Was anyone else strictly warned by English teachers and lecturers against the use of the word “nice” and derivatives thereof on the grounds that it's lazy and insipid?).
What's New?
My page mate, Gero Lilleike, covered the specs of this machine very recently, but to save you from having to refer to his piece, let me refresh you. Nissan – and this is less to commit the cardinal journalistic sin of regurgitating the press release and more to give you an idea of its positioning – says it's “for bakkie-lovers seeking the perfect partner for their adventurous lifestyle while allowing them to stand out from the crowd.” You can have yours in one of two colours. Starling Blue or Bright Silver metallic. I preferred the blue as it's bold and nautical.
Some of those extras include dark tinted windows, custom 15-inch alloys, a little aluminium nudge bar with brushed finish, something that's termed a “sports bar” (think roll bar) in the same finish, rubberised load bay, tonneau cover, rear step plates, and ICE decals. The last could have gone horribly wrong as is the wont of decals, which can vary from laughable to lurid, but these work rather, er, nicely. While my colleagues were busy surfing and kayaking at the Durban beach launch this week, I took one for a drive around the city's Point area. An area that has been, by and large, singularly successful in avoiding the imminent gentrification predicted since I was a teen in the Eighties.
The interior, for one, proved likeable, benefiting from rubber mats that are “easy to clean following those sporting escapades,” says Nissan, and rightly so. Too often I drive SUVs with continent-crossing capability – and footwell carpets that display the first hint of dirt like original sin. There's also a rather aftermarket-y looking but effective enough sound system with Bluetooth and USB and stuff, air-con, two airbags, a handy 300 litres of storage space behind the seats – and wind-up windows. Yes. Things that you manually, physically crank. Like with your arm. In a sort of elliptical motion that is no doubt foreign to many people under the age of 30. I like these. There's a reassuring honesty to them. And this doesn't come from a mindset as per Marie Antoinette who used to love playing milkmaid, before retreating to the sybaritism of Versailles. Or in my case, a more luxurious test car. Wind-up windows are also just one less thing to break. This is important in a vehicle that buyers might keep for a long time – long after even the six-year/150 000km warranty is history.
Great Diesel Engine
It was the 1.5 turbodiesel version I picked for my Point tour, with 63 kW and 200 Nm on tap, with its fuel thirst pegged at 5.3 L/100 km. The 1.6-litre petrol turns in 64 kW and 128 Nm of torque with a fuel consumption figure of 8.1 L/100 km. It's a sweet, tractable little thing on the move, with its reassuringly honest workhorse roots shining through, and that briefly takes us into another silo.
Is there still a market for half-tonners (the NP200 will, in fact, carry 800kg of cargo)? Yes. At least according to my theory. You see, with ever-increasing numbers of micro-enterprises mushrooming – especially as so many people opt for or are forced to take retrenchment packages – this segment should grow, maybe even explode. The NP200 ICE is yours for R191 900 for the petrol, R204 900 for the diesel. These numbers may sound huge for someone whose notion of prices is still mentally locked in the 1980s when his mother's new Honda Ballade cost just under R10 000. In reality, those numbers aren't usurious for what you get today on the new market.
Plus it's made in Rosslyn. No, not the Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland, which in Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code was outed as the final resting place of the Holy Grail, but rather Rosslyn in Pretoria. WWJD indeed.
Nissan NP200 ICE – Price in South Africa
Nissan NP200 ICE 1.6 Petrol – R191 900
Nissan NP200 ICE 1.5 turbodiesel – R204 900
The Nissan NP200 ICE is sold with a 6-year/150 000 km warranty while a service plan is offered as an option.
Nissan e-NV200 Workspace Concept Shows Working Potential (Video)
The Nissan e-NV200 Workspace Concept aims to cater for people working on the move and it’s actually quite impressive. Let’s take a closer look…
The e-NV200 is an all-electric commercial vehicle targeted at business users as well as large families. Nissan has gone a step further and partnered with well-known design workshop, Studio Hardie, to create the world’s first all-electric, zero emissions mobile office and it’s called the e-NV200 Workspace Concept. At Cars.co.za, we love our coffee and we love our work and we think the e-NV200 is awesome!
If you are the kind of person that hates being chained to your desk on a daily basis, then the e-NV200 Workspace Concept will offer you a glimpse at a potential alternative reality. You see, flexible working routines and what is known as ‘hot-desking’, the ability to work on the move wherever and whenever you want, is on the rise and Nissan has tapped into this global trend and created the e-NV200 Workspace Concept to meet the needs of all you worker bees on the move.
Practical office space?
The Nissan e-NV200 is a fully-fledged mobile office, and it's got a coffee machine.
Simply put, the cargo area of the e-NV200 Workspace Concept has been converted into a flexible office environment. A fully operational desk folds down from one side, revealing a touchscreen computer and ample storage space for paper, notebooks, and stationery. A wireless mouse and keyboard is also offered and wireless Internet will keep you connected.
The best part of the e-NV200 Workspace Concept, if you are a coffee lover, is that a barista-grade coffee machine rises from the counter to serve your caffeine addiction while you get on with business, parked at your favourite beach. Furthermore, there are two office chairs fitted too, allowing you to hold meetings on the fly if you have to. Other cool features include a mini fridge draw, a wireless charging pad and Bluetooth speaker. You can even set the mood with smartphone-adjustable LED floor lighting.
The e-NV200 Workspace Concept also features a panoramic roof, attractive oak flooring with a pull-out deck and a foldable bike, just in case you need one.
“We specialize in creating amazing space in unexpected places, but we’re never done anything in an electric vehicle before. We believe the future of technology is a return to quality craftsmanship, so we’ve also looked to hone an environment that professionals will really enjoy working in, with all the comfort and connectivity of a modern office, with a few surprising touches” said Designer, Will Hardie.
The video below explains the vision for the Nissan e-NV200.
Stunning Classic Bimmers at BMW 100 Festival [Video]
This year, BMW is celebrating 100 years of building cars, and to mark the occasion, the company virtually took over its hometown of Munich, Germany, to set up a sprawling festival which was completely open to the public.
The anchor point of the festival was the BMW Welt, a stunning building which forms the heart of the company's headquarters. The BMW Museum was an integral part of the display, not to mention the futuristic Vision Next 100 Concept, and the day was capped off by a large-scale concert and fireworks display in Munich's dramatic Olympic Park stadium.
But for Cars.co.za's Ciro De Siena, who travelled to Munich to take part in the festivities, the highlight was a morning's wander around the meet up of the BMW Club Internationale. Over 1000 cars were present, representing BMW's rich history and in chatting with some of the owners and enthusiasts, Ciro discovered the real heart of the brand.
Follow Ciro around the BMW 100 Festival in this video and let us know which was your favourite BMW in the comments.
The highly-anticipated Mercedes-Benz X-Class Concept bakkie has been revealed to the world and, as expected, the luxury double-cab has polarised opinions. Here’s a closer look at what some of our users have to say about the new X-Class.
Mercedes-Benz, a brand synonymous with luxury, style, elegance and performance will be entering the hotly-contested bakkie market in South Africa with its new X-Class, which is expected to arrive in early 2018. Granted, the production version is yet to be revealed, but the X-Class Concept has sparked interesting public debate and in a thriving bakkie market such as South Africa, the opinions regarding the X-Class are widespread.
The local market is currently dominated by the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, two vehicles that have exceptionally loyal support as well as a long history on local soil. Mercedes-Benz’s partnership with the Renault-Nissan Alliance has made the X-Class more cost-effective from a production point of view and will enable the Stuttgart-based brand to effectively "storm" the bakkie market with a new product. Irrespective of what your opinion is regarding the design of the X-Class, Benz has brand snobbery on its side and many buyers will be attracted to, and willing to pay for, the large pointed star on the nose of their X-Class bakkie.
Will the Mercedes-Benz X-Class dominate the South African bakkie market in coming years? That’s up for debate, but one thing is certain, the X-Class will most definitely shake-up the local bakkie segment when it finally arrives in Mzansi. Take a look at some of our user opinions on Twitter and Facebook and be sure to share your opinion on the X-Class with us by following us on Twitter and Facebooknow.
Nissan South Africa has introduced the limited edition NP200 ICE half-tonne bakkie in South Africa. Here is what the NP200 ICE has to offer…
The Nissan NP200 ICE limited edition bakkie is now available in South Africa. The NP200 ICE is produced at Nissan’s Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, Gauteng and is available in limited numbers from Nissan dealerships across South Africa.
Design details
The NP200 ICE is offered in two metallic colours, Starling Blue and Bright Silver and comes fitted with unique aluminium features. These include an aluminium nudge bar with a brushed finish and a brushed aluminium sports bar. The NP200 ICE rides on custom-designed 15-inch alloy wheels and features ICE decals over the rear wheel arches and tailgate.
The Nissan NP200 ICE offers unique styling details and attractive pricing.
The luggage bay is rubberised and comes equipped with 16 anchor points to secure whatever you might be transporting. The NP200 ICE has a payload of 800 kg and the load bay has a length of 1.8 metres and a depth of 0.5 metres. A motorcross or mountain bike stand is available as an option. A tonneau cover is fitted as standard as well as rear step plates. The windows also feature dark tinted safety film, offering protection from potential smash-and-grab situations. Daytime running lights are also fitted as standard.
On the inside, the NP200 ICE features eco combination leather upholstery and rubber carpets. An entertainment system offers Bluetooth functionality and a USB port for charging and connecting your devices.
In terms of safety, 2 airbags and ABS are included as standard.
Engine power
Petrol and diesel engines are available to buyers. The 1.6-litre petrol derivative develops 64 kW and 128 Nm of torque with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 8.1 L/100 km.
The diesel-powered NP200 ICE makes use of a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine with 63 kW and 200 Nm of torque and is more fuel efficient with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.3 L/100 km. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard for both derivatives.
Nissan NP200 ICE – Price in South Africa (February 2017)
The E63 and E63 S will be officially launched in November 2016 in Portugal, but Mercedes-AMG has taken the opportunity to reveal a few of the juicy details about its ballistic premium sedan flagship.
The Mercedes-AMG E63 sits at the pinnacle of luxury performance in a production-series sedan. It’s built to deliver mind-blowing performance with top level comfort and prestige. Benz has made some changes with this all-new E63, however: like the fact it’s only available in 4Matic all-wheel-drive guise.
New engine
Out with the old 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 and in with the new 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo. Despite the reduction in capacity, power is up as the standard E63 heaves out 420 kW and 750 Nm of torque. If you want more power, then the E63 S is available with 450 kW and 850 Nm. In standard form, the E63 will hit 100 kph from standstill in a (claimed) 3.5 seconds with the E63 S managing the sprint in 3.4 seconds. Both cars are governed to 250 kph but with the AMG driver’s package added it will top out at 300 kph. If you’re just pottering around town, Eco mode allows for cylinder deactivation where one bank of the V8 is shut down in order to save a bit of fuel.
Drift mode
Drift Mode has been added to the numerous modes and is standard in the E63 S model. It allows for specific torque distribution to the rear wheels that will allow a driver to slide the sedan around like a hoon when road conditions permit. It also turns the E63 into a purely rear-wheel-drive car. Shifting is done by a software updated AMG 9-speed dual-clutch gearbox that’s able to double-clutch and perform multiple fast downshifts.
Suspension upgrades
Understandably for an AMG model, the E63 has undergone some chassis tweaks in order to make it a proper performance car. The air suspension has been specially tuned with newly designed parts added. The E63 has a mechanical limited-slip differential at the back, whereas the E63 S gets an electronically-controlled rear diff.
Track Pace App
The AMG Track Pace App has been added to the Comand system and allows customers can use it to analyse and improve their track driving style and to share this with other AMG drivers via Facebook, Vimeo, YouTube or the AMG Private Lounge. This app for Apple iPhones is connected to the onboard race app in the head unit via wifi or Bluetooth.
Cars.co.za will be attending the launch of the Mercedes-AMG E63 at the end of November. Keep a look out for a first drive soon after.
Update: Facelifted Volkswagen Golf May Offer Fewer Derivatives
The facelifted Volkswagen Golf will be revealed in November with a host of improvements to keep the model ahead of the game.
Volkswagen’s iconic Golf, now in its seventh generation, is going under the knife and the facelifted model will undergo several changes to ensure its ongoing relevance and popularity. The hotly contested C-segment hatchback market has seen several high-profile introduction in recent years, in the shape of the Peugeot 308, Opel Astra and new Renault Megane.
Although exact details are yet to be revealed, reports suggest that the Golf will gain minor exterior changes in the form of revised bumpers, headlights and taillights and a possible tweak to the grille.
Inside, interior materials are likely to be revised and it has reportedly been confirmed that the Golf will gain a larger, first-in-class, 9.5-inch infotainment display that will feature gesture control. You can also expect a largely “buttonless” cabin and the instrument cluster will likely be replaced with a smaller 8-inch screen.
New hybrid derivative, uprated powerplants
In terms of powertrains, reports are also suggesting that the Golf will offer a 48V mild-hybrid system that will include a 1.0-litre turbo and supercharged 3.0-cylinder petrol engine along with a starter motor/generator and energy recovery system. Existing engine options will in all likelihood be revised to offer more power and improved fuel economy.
Reports are also filtering in that Volkswagen will be reducing the number of Golf derivatives on offer in an effort to cut costs and the Golf cabriolet may be relegated from the range, but this is yet to be confirmed. Volkswagen may even decide to reduce the number of powertrain options to place more emphasis on its hybrid offering. Reports suggest that we may see two new 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engines, as well as a smaller 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine join the range, but that is just speculation for now.
As for definitive details on the facelifted Volkswagen Golf, you will have to wait until November for the official reveal. A local VWSA spokesperson has confirmed that the Volkswagen Golf will be launched in South Africa in the second quarter of 2017.
Mini has revealed its redesigned Countryman and it will be shown at the upcoming Los Angeles Motor Show in November 2016. Take a look at the details…
The Mini Countryman has been in need of a refresh for some time now and Mini has now revealed details of the new Countryman ahead of its reveal at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November. The new Countryman range will comprise of two new petrol turbo variants, as well as a plug-in hybrid version. The new Countryman will also offer all-wheel drive, should you so desire.
“The new Mini Countryman is not only the largest Mini we’ve ever built, but it’s also the most technologically advanced and most versatile MINI of our product line up. The addition of the plug-in hybrid option is a major milestone for the brand and we look forward to bringing this exciting new vehicle into one of the top performing market segments,” said Thomas Felbermair, Vice President Mini of the Americas.
Engine line-up
The Countryman is now powered by more powerful and efficient petrol engines with the option of a plug-in hybrid.
Two new turbopetrol engines will power the new Countryman. A 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo engine produces 99 kW and 219 Nm of torque, which represents a 42% increase in torque compared with its predecessor. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard (6-speed automatic optional) and, as was previously the case, the new Countryman can also be had in all-wheel drive configuration, in which case 8-speed automatic transmission will be offered.
The second petrol option is the more powerful 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine with 140 kW and 280 Nm of torque, while the all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid version will be powered by the same 99 kW/219 Nm three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine, coupled with a 65 kW/165 Nm synchronous hybrid electric motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Total output for the plug-in hybrid is 165 kW and 385 Nm of torque and will have an electric range of 39 km. The engine will power the front wheels while the electric motor will power the rear wheels. Charging the battery will take 3 hours and 15 minutes using a 240V outlet. This derivative will be the first hybrid model in the Mini stable and it will be called the Cooper S E Countryman.
Interior features
The larger dimensions of the Countryman has resulted in an increase in space for passengers and luggage. Mini says the boot has grown by 30% compared with the outgoing model and comes with an adjustable boot floor. The sliding rear seats are split in a 40:20:40 configuration and the Oxford-based manufacturer claims there is now more front and rear legroom and headroom as well as increased shoulder room.
The new Countryman's interior now offers more space and as always, can be customised to your taste.
Some of the standard features on the new Countryman include: a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, 6.5-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth capability, rear-view camera, rear park distance control, automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and 17-inch alloy wheels. Heated seats will be offered as standard on all-wheel drive models.
Buyers can also customise their Countryman with a range of options such the Technology Package that offers an 8.8-inch touchscreen navigation system, wireless charging and the innovative Mini Find Mate function.
Find Mate consists of two tags with a Bluetooth wireless tracking function that can be attached to frequently used objects and travel items such as bags, cases, key rings and rucksacks. It can detect the presence or absence of any such objects connected to the system and tracking is done not only on the Mini's interface, but also on a smartphone. Providing there is a Bluetooth connection with the tag, an acoustic signal can be activated in the car or on the smartphone to help locate the object. If the tag is outside the Bluetooth range, the driver can be guided to the place at which a connection was last detected.
The new Mini Countryman is expected to arrive in South Africa later in 2017. We will keep you updated as more details regarding local specification and pricing becomes available.
We get behind the 'wheel of the best-selling bakkie in the United States, the Ford F-150. While it's unlikely to reach South Africa due to left-hand-drive-only production, it still represents the world's pinnacle pick-up.
Our recent trip to the United States focused mostly on the scope and scale of Ford's autonomous technology, but a visit to Ford’s Dearborn Development Centre allowed us to experience some of its other products, including the F-150 bakkie. We also had a go in the sportiest Ford Fusion V6 and a left-hand drive Ford Focus RS, but, of those products, the F-150 bakkie holds the most interest for our bakkie-mad market.
The Ford F-150 range is satisfyingly diverse and the vehicle is available in an assortment of styles and trims. The Blue Oval offers the F150 with 3 types of cab (regular single, super cab and SuperCrew double cab), which can be combined with 3 loadbox configurations – 5.5 foot, 6.5 foot and 8 foot (that's 1.7 metres, 2.0 metres and 2.4 metres). Then there are 5 engines to choose from with a choice of either 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains and 6- or 10-speed automatic transmissions.
No, the variations don’t stop there. Then you reach the trim levels. XL, XLT and the exotically named Lariat, Raptor, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited are your choices. For the record, the vehicle we drove was the Lariat. It sits in the middle of the range and featured some excellent comfort features such as heated and ventilated leather seats, blind-spot monitoring, satnav, and a 110V air-conditioning outlet. Nods to utility include spotlights built into the side mirrors and Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which makes reversing with a trailer as easy as turning a tiny knob on the dashboard.
Purposefully squared-off design
Can you get more American than a big pickup truck? Even though the F150 is the smallest bakkie in its commercial lineup, seeing one in the metal is likely to make you do a double-take. It’s massive: according to Ford's specifications, up to 5.8 metres long and at least 2,5 metres wide (with standard mirrors). In other words, it makes a Ranger look like a Ford Bantam by comparison. That front grille is splashed with chrome and from a head-on point of view, it’s bold and intimidating. As it should be.
You want the…. V6!
You’d expect a big and powerful V8 petrol engine under the hood of the Ford F-150, but we’re in 2016 and the culture of downsizing has spread across the Atlantic and infected the big truck market. You can purchase a 5.0-litre V8 for your F-150, but that motor is antiquated in comparison to the engine you really want. For this generation of Ford F-150, there’s a 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbocharged petrol motor which trounces its V8 counterpart both in terms of power and torque. 279 kW and 637 Nm sounds more like the outputs from a high-performance Mustang, but this is a double-cab bakkie.
The vehicle we drove came with the new 10-speed automatic transmission. As a publication which has tested several vehicles over the years, we were initially sceptical about the number of ratios. Some vehicles feature 8-speed gearboxes and there are now 9-speed transmissions too. These vehicles with their excessive number of ratios have proven acceptable, but surely 10 is too many? Ten gears may sound ridiculous, but somehow it works. The reason behind this number is simple: fuel efficiency. An interesting note is that this 10-speed unit will find its way into the next-generation Ford Mustang.
Driving the F-150
We were restricted to a few laps around the Dearborn Development Centre in Michigan, but the experience was enough to give us a fair indication of how the F-150 is like to drive. The first section of the route was through a tight and testing little gymkhana course to demonstrate handling in a confined route and it was here where the sheer size of the F-150 became blatantly apparent.
Once we'd finished the handling course, it was time to hit the high-speed oval and the Ecoboost engine was called into action to deliver all it could muster. There’s no lack of shove and the quick-shifting 10-speed transmission changes gears smoothly with a meaty soundtrack accompanying it. It’s no dual-clutch unit, but the shifts are seamless. The downside of this transmission is that if you need to do an emergency overtake, the gearbox will have to change down a few gears to put the engine in the sweet spot. It’s not that big an issue and the motor has plenty of outright grunt to move it along.
What really impressed us how well the F-150 rides. It really soaks up the bumps and unlike many of the bakkies on the local market, which have leaf-sprung rear suspensions, the Ford doesn’t bounce around when unladen. That big and solid-looking body effortlessly translates into a big and solid ride. It’s sizeable and capable, and certainly a desirable product that ticks both boxes of lifestyle and workhorse with ease.
Ford F-150 in South Africa: Yes/No/Maybe?
The F150 product manager from Ford USA gave us a firm "No", when asked about production for right-hand drive markets. If circumstances were to change, maybe there’d be a case for it as (almost 10-year-old) F250s still demand near R300 000 prices. However, just converting the dollar price of the Ford F-150 double-cab Lariot is R550 000 and we would estimate the starting price for the vehicle (including duties and taxes) would be near R800 000. Wow.
What if the Ranger Wildtrack isn’t enough to satisfy our desire for big American trucks? Even with the striking Raptor kit on a Wildtrak, it’s no F-150. So essentially, there’s nothing we can do to get the Ford F150 in South Africa… or is there?
There are many companies in South Africa which claim to be able to import a Ford F-150 (and other American products) and convert them to right-hand drive. The dream of owning a big American Ford truck in South Africa can come true, but be warned, it’s not going to be a cheap exercise.
