Brutish bakkie a real gentleman on the road
On a recent news-gathering excursion to the Northern Cape, the editor of Sanpark Times, Petro Kotzé and I were fortunate to have the use of a Ford Ranger XLT 3.2 Auto sponsored by Nelspruit Auto to make short work of the journey to the Augrabies Falls National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
The long distances were covered with sheer driving pleasure and comfort. The power delivery of the 3,2 litre was awesome and the off-road sections at these locations, sandy and rocky at best, became a magic carpet ride, courtesy of the superb suspension and torque range of the Ranger.
For two girls, camping and doing their own braaing, driving was a breeze.
Utilising the high- and low-range features of the Ranger was a push-and-twist-the-dial affair and voila, there we go. We had many an envious eye cast our way during the trip but never once did the Ranger put a foot wrong.
We can obviously not say the same – wearing slip-ons and such? Yes, this is a thirsty monster which averaged 13liter/100km so it is best to drive with a light foot. Aah well, girls want to have fun so at times we just couldn’t help ourselves.
The size of the Ranger was intimidating, especially on the narrow roadways of the Northern Cape.
Covering the 1 200 odd kilometres between Upington and Mbombela – in a day and with the help of cruise control, was an ultimate driving experience.
It was with a heavy heart that we returned the brute to Nelspruit Auto. It did, anyway not fit into the garage. But hey, girls can and do dream of big cars, bakkies, lions, elephants and open skies. Don’t miss the next issue of Sanpark Times. Nelspruit Auto, you guys rock!
