MAHINDRA PIK UP S11 / Nothing to scoff at

Coupled to Ford’s brand new ten-speed auto, the Raptor is as eager as it needs to be when haste is required, and smooth as is necessary when cruising is desired.

Engage ‘Baja’ mode, and the Raptor’s full fury is unleashed, complete with hurried gear changes, lighter steering-feel, and a looser rear end when in rear-wheel-drive configuration.

IN THE BELLY OF THE BEAST

At R836,700 the Raptor is not a budget buy, and by no means is it just another hunk of only-good-foroff-road metal. Yet, I can’t help but feel somewhat underwhelmed by the lack of premium interior feel that the price suggests it should have.

Sure, the seats are swaddled in acres of Alcantara leather, and red contrast embroidery of the ‘Raptor’ name confirms that this is no ordinary bakkie, but the overall impression doesn’t quite reach the heights of rivals such as the Amarok, or the Mercedes-Benz X-Class.

I’ll happily forgive the Raptor this minor shortcoming, though, as its real purpose is worlds apart from those competitors. For the Raptor, it is all about sportiness, thrilling off-road capability and fun, and being the best Ranger it can be. For Ranger fans, and a good number of other buyers looking at impressing the neighbours, this should be enough of a compelling proposition to ensure the Raptor’s continued success in this market.

LAST WORD

Ford South Africa couldn’t have introduced the Raptor at a better time for the brand than they did, and almost ten months on it remains one of the most talked-about and downright exhilarating pickups around. Is it over the top? Yes. Has it changed the bakkie game in this market? You bet your bottom dollar.