Test Drive the 2023 SA Car of the Year FORD RANGER

In a ground-breaking achievement, the Ranger has become the first bakkie (pick-up) to secure an overall win in the prestigious South African Car of the Year competition. Ford further asserted itself in the awards by taking second place overall with Everest.

The Ford Ranger's triumph marks a historic moment as no other bakkie has ever managed to beat all finalists to the top spot since the competition began in 1986. Fortuitously, this award coincides with Ford South Africa’s 100th anniversary locally, during which time it has established itself as an automotive leader that has shaped and modernised the local automotive landscape.

In addition to the overall win, the Ford Ranger, renowned for its toughness, versatility, and capability, stood out amongst its competitors to also win the popular Double Cab category. The locally manufactured Ranger, which is also exported to more than 100 markets around the world, impressed the judging panel with its cutting-edge technology and safety features, powerful engines, and unrivalled driving experience.

For great deals on the new 2023 SA Car of the Year Ford Ranger, visit any of the Hatfield Motor Group Ford Dealers.
The Hatfield Motor Group has been rated number one in service and they maintain that rating by offering the best deals, service and customer experience.

Offering impressive performance and unmatched style, the Ford cars for sale from the Hatfield Motor Group are always absolutely impressive. From the Ford Ranger to the Ford Everest to the Ford EcoSport, they offer the full selection of Ford vehicles to choose from.
No matter what Ford car you choose, they are confident that you will experience an unparalleled driving experience on every single journey.

Don’t just take our word for it, go and visit your nearest Hatfield Motor Group Ford Dealer and experience true customer service like never before.

Address: Cnr Witkoppen & Douglas Roads, Fourways, 2191

Address: Cnr New & 16th Roads, Randjespark, Midrand, 1685

More about The New Ford Ranger Wildtrak:

The latest Ford Ranger not only features a new design but new engines and technology. As mentioned, I was handed the keys to the top-spec Wildtrak and under the bonnet was one of those new engines. A V6 turbo-diesel, but more on that a bit later. Let me run you through my thoughts on the design and the interior before we get into the power and the overall driving experience.


One of the most exciting aspects of the 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak is its design. It features a bold and aggressive exterior that is sure to turn heads on the road. The front grille is larger and more pronounced than previous Ranger models, giving the bakkie a commanding presence on the road. The most noticeable design element is undoubtedly the C-Clamp LED day-time running lights which can be seen from a mile away. Drive this bakkie down the road and you can see previous Ranger owners gaze upon you with sheer jealousy.


Viewed from the side and you will notice a subtle shoulder line down the sides incorporates bolder wheel-arches that give the Ranger muscular stance. At the rear, the tail lights are designed in harmony with the signature graphics on the front. There is also Ranger lettering pressed into the tailgate. The design is not overly complicated, it is in fact handsome, modern and appealing, especially to current Ranger owners who will inevitably wait by the bakkie in the parking lot until you return so they can ask a bunch of questions and take photos.


Their jaws really drop once you open the driver's door, as mine did. Visually, this new interior is in a different league to what I have been exposed to in the bakkie segment. In fact the jump from the previous interior to this in terms of visual aspect is incomparable. As one would expect there is a rather large touchscreen which takes up the center of the facia. It has been mounted vertically and measures an incredible 12-inches. Then you have a digital instrument cluster which adds a further modern element to the cabin.


What I like is that the dashboard is very rectangular in design, flat surfaces add a sense of space to the cabin and the new steering wheel is equally as visually appealing. Most of the vehicle's functions are controlled via the screen which makes use of Ford’s latest SYNC 4A System. Expect wireless Apple CarPlay and a wireless charging tray below the screen and the climate control panel. I was also pleased to find some Bang & Olufsen sound which is great.


The center console houses the new gear-selector and a large rotary dial for the 4x4 system. The dial also allows you to select different terrain options. What peaked my interest here was the 4A option. This is joined by the conventional 2H, 4H and 4L but 4A seems to adjust between 2H and 4H automatically. This was put to the test during some torrential rain. You can feel the system working, there’s even a neat graphic on the screen which shows when the front axle is active. Anyways, I also liked the rear air vents and the overall tactile feel of the interior is noteworthy.


The Wildtrak is packed with features that would see this article turn into a novel. I haven't even touched on the safety elements but it has it all. Pre-Collision Assist, Post-Collision Braking, Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage, Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Keeping System and much more are all standard.


Here’s the bottom line. This new Ranger Wildtrak is not just miles ahead of the model that it replaces, it seems to be in a different league than the competition. Sure, I had the V6 Wildtrak with all the toys and gadgets but still, from a design perspective, on-road comfort and off-road ability this new Ranger has definitely given the rest a ‘Houston we have a problem’ moment, if not, they are not paying attention.

Credit: Justin Jacobs