Showing those Cape Town mountains a thing or two

size, it really does stand proud, particularly in Cape Town parking garages which seem to have been built to minimum specifications with two-seaters in mind.

Also, to me at least, it’s the most aesthetically pleasing double cab on the market, with just enough chrome in all the right places without it being intrusive, and curves and lines more suited to passenger cars.

Inside the styling reflects the outside with an upmarket feel that would not seem out of place in some luxury sedans.

Best of all, the 2.2 has been fitted with a six-speed select shift automatic gearbox, which may not be the smoothest in stop-start traffic but once you’re up to speed (not always easy in Cape Town) it works well and there’s even a sport mode.

Talking of Cape Town driving... traffic is hellish to be sure but for some reason known apparently only to secret CA number plate club members, it’s okay to drive the stereotypical way we Gautengers rag them about.

Three lane highways don’t have a fast lane, only a Cape Town speed lane, passing on the left is okay it seems, while they totter along, never mind the time of day or night even with a big GP double cab closing in.

Indicators are often there only for roadworthy tests and traffic circle etiquette amounts to a little league scrum on a Saturday morning.

We get it, it’s pretty, the mountain is your GPS and the sea is inviting but put a bit of weight on your right foot and get on with it.

However, on a glorious early sunny morning up the N7 West Coast road with the cruise control set, the Ranger glides along effortlessly while the cooler in the centre console compartment chills your water and soft drinks and you then wonder whether the 3.2 motor is really necessary. I suppose horses for courses, though.

Road noise is minimal even over some rough patches and steering is light and very responsive even when driving on some loose twospoor sand tracks.

Unfortunately for the Western Cape there was no rain while I was there so there was no need for the automatic windscreen wiper but the rear view camera and park assist came in very handy in those small parking spaces.

You also get dual electronic automatic climate control, powerfolding exterior mirrors and full leather trim.

On the tech side there are dual colour 4.2 inch TFT screens in the instrument cluster and an eight inch touch screen with access to voice control, multi media, bluetooth, and reverse camera.

Sound is not too shabby either with six speakers, an SD card slot, aux input and two USB ports to connect media players.

If you’re looking for a double cab and don’t have any intention to use or need low range, this has to be a serious consideration.