Good, better, best – Part 4
There’s some stiff competition in the diesel 4X4 double-cab arena. We compare the VW Amarok and Ford Ranger
Read Part 1 of the double-cab shoot-out here
Read Part 2 of the double-cab shoot-out here
Read Part 3 of the double-cab shoot-out here
Ford Ranger: it’s big
At 5 274 mm long and 1 8500 mm wide and carrying a 3,2-litre engine, the Ranger a big, powerful car. You simply can’t ignore its bold, robust look and it’s spacious inside, though still not quite as much in the back as the Hilux.
The Ford Ranger is a big car
There isn’t much to distinguish the difference between the Ranger and the Mazda BT-50 in terms of technical specs and some say the distinctions are purely cosmetic. Which isn’t hard to figure out since they come from the same stable. Under the hood and beneath the styling, both show off a six-speed, automatic transmission complete with rear diff-lock, low-range capabilities, downhill assist and traction control.
A CAR journo directs the driver down the steep descent - it's hard to see over the big bonnet
The automatic gearbox and 3,2-litre engine makes the Ranger a pleasure to drive and 4X4ing is a breeze with the simple switch of a button. It tackled all the challenges with only the side steps getting in the way on some obstacles. The car is very long though (I struggled to see over the bonnet when tipping over steep descents even though the seat was adjusted to its maximum height) and Hannes Grobler (SA off-road and rally champ) noticed the towbar knocking the ground on bigger bumps. The size also makes it difficult to manoeuvre, especially when navigating between trees and small bends off road, but the designers had mercy and fitted reverse-park sensors.
Ford Ranger
The Ranger has two 12-volt power outlets and a lockable cubby big enough to safely stow a laptop, which is great if you’re on the road and worried about your valuables. It also has a hefty tow rating of 3 350 kilograms as well as an electronic stability programme with built-in trailer-sway control.
The Ford Ranger
There’s no compromise on safety and it’s a good family travel car. It’s also the first bakkie of its kind to get the top Euro New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP – the crash-test and safety authority) safety rating for its comprehensive safety features, including seven airbags. Hannes G. agreed, saying ‘with all that torque and its good looks, it would definitely be on my shopping list’.
VW Amarok: no low range gears?!
Once home, I found myself driving behind a Ranger with a bumper sticker square in front of me. It read: ‘Things that come in 2l: juice, milk and the Amarok’. I had a good chuckle at the one-liner, but found myself on the Amarok’s side. Yes, it has only a two-litre engine and is without low-range gears, but it’s a good-looking vehicle that performed incredibly well. It can certainly hold its own against the rest of the troop.
The VW Amarok has an eight-speed gearbox, and no low range gears
The Amarok is big and at 1 954 mm even wider than the Ranger. It’s kitted out with an eight-speed, automatic gearbox that impressed all the drivers and it has a spacious, very comfortable cabin with great suspension, distinctly noticeable after testing the Hilux, which is a much harder ride in comparison.
VW Amarok
The Amarok has no transfer case, but the spread of gears allows a good crawl. That coupled with effective downhill assist, traction control and a rear diff-lock makes it an off-road prince. Plus, it’s so easy to drive. You can be the ultimate 4×4 driver without much effort while sitting in extreme comfort surrounded by plenty of buttons to play with (the radio, cruise control and climate control will keep you very busy). It also has two options for adjusting the steering wheel (rake and reach), which the CAR team really liked.
The CAR team was pleasantly surprised by the Amarok's performance
This is a great travel car in terms of undeniable comfort (the dual-zone climate control worked really well). CAR editor Hannes Oosthuizen really liked the improvements made to the Amarok and saw it as a great leisure option. ‘I was really surprised by the Amarok – nobody expected the eight-speed gearbox to work so well off-road, but it was excellent. It has neatly addressed the tricky clutch issue of the manual Amarok, and further expanded the vehicle’s leisure capabilities.’
The Amarok was also judged the best tow vehicle earlier this year by a panel that included CAR journalists and representatives from Leisure Wheels, so there’s no problem hitching up a caravan or off-road camping trailer to take on your next holiday.
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