Quite possibly one of the most extreme bakkies you can buy in Mzansi, the Ford Ranger Raptor. It looks mega with its massive tyres and widened wheel arches to house those big tyres.
Not the most powerful double-cab out there, but what it lacks in power makes up for it with extreme off-road capabilities. The Ranger Raptor is wider and taller than a standard Ranger. It also uses state-of-the-art Fox suspension which gives a buttery smooth ride on the road and insane off-road prowess. Off-road is where the Ranger Raptor Shines. It has off-road programmes like Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock and famous Baja mode which and in simple terms means,” Baja mode is designed for total performance when you’re driving off-road, and things like throttle response and shift quality are sharpened to increase the sporting feel of the vehicle.”
Shove in the Ranger Raptor comes courtesy of a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine that makes 157 kW/ 500 Nm and is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It takes a while to get up to speed, but when it does, it cruises quite nicely. Ford claims 8.3 l/100 km, but we managed a best 0f 10.1 l/100km.
When it comes to the interior, the Raptor comes with heated sports seats, leather steering with a red marker, magnesium paddle shifters, and unique dials. The Raptor makes use of the Ford Sync3 and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s quite spacious and seats 5 passengers easily.
Not the most practical as it has a very small turning circle, smaller load capacity and towing, and is not the most fuel-efficient bakkie out there. It is however comfortable, a beast on gravel and quiet a unique car.
As we bid farewell to the first ever Ford Ranger Raptor, we eagerly await the arrival of the new generation Ranger Raptor that is powered by a symphonious 3.0-litre twin-turbo-petrol EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 292kW and 583Nm.
