Reel in the horizon in your Ford Ranger

It was time to head out into the boonies. I chose Bethlehem and Clarens as the destination for our day trip as it’s not too far (a just over 600km round trip) and it was a chance to give our test Ranger a good run.

The first thing my daughter, Storm, asked, was is it an auto?

Nodding in the affirmative, adding that it was a 10-speed auto ... she couldn’t believe it.

Storm is a true petrolhead. While still at primary school, she knew all the car makes and models on the road. More than her male classmates. Go figure!

I suppose these things happen when brother and dad are into fast cars and bikes!

As we approached Clarens, my friend H (Heleen) let on that she had never in her 65 years been to Clarens or Golden Gate!

Needless to say, while I took pictures they went looking at the nice goodies on sale.

We then moseyed on to our friends Beth and Tony’s farm Jacobrust, 20km outside Bethlehem on the Fouriesburg road.

My late co-pilot Glyn’s ashes are on a hillside at the farm, so it was time to say hello!

Jacobrust is a lovely place.

It is situated in a valley, and there is an escarpment on the northern side, where there are caves with some bushmen art. It is a tranquil spot.

There are chalets and camping spots available, so if you are looking for something different for a getaway, look no further.

There is game on Jacobrust – springbok, donkeys, wildebeest, red hartebeest, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, blesbok and duiker! Game drives are available. Google Jacobrust and you are A for away!

Our Ranger is the new 2.0-litre single-turbo model with the 10-speed auto. Output is 132kW and 400Nm – 14kW up on the older 2.2 version.

Of course the roads to Bethlehem and Clarens are a mixture of awful and good. The Ranger’s suspension was capable and the ground clearance was handy. On smooth roads the ride was great.

I estimated the fuel consumption at 8.5l/100km-ish!

Its interior is plush and the infotainment system with navigation was simple to use.

All in all, the new Ranger is a great way to lasso the far horizon and reel it in!