PM Garage: Our opinions on two cars we’ve cruised in, swerved, braked and parked.

/ Ford Ranger 2.0 Bi Turbo Wildtrak 10AT 4×4

FORD HAS fitted its smaller (2.0 litre) cubic capacity bi-turbo diesel into the Wildtrak, which I experienced in the Everest SUV in Botswana earlier in 2019. It delivers ample oomph, along with relatively frugal fuel consumption (I averaged 9.1 L/100 km) for a large double cab. Ford claims it’ll achieve 7.8, but with general driving for our week-long test, I didn’t come too close.

The Wildtrak has always meant top-of-the-range finishes, and this model is no different. Our test unit had plush leather upholstery with orange seam work to match the burnt-orange exterior paint job, a stylised ‘sports bar’, moulded plastic inlay in the load bay, as well as all the bells and whistles in the driving aids and features department. There’s also park assist front and rear – necessary additions for a bakkie of these lofty dimensions. The central touchscreen is intuitive, and all the buttons on the steering wheel give the driver hands-on control of many of the features on the infotainment system and the adaptive cruise control. This technology is outstanding, monitoring the speed of the car in front and adjusting yours accordingly. The distance at which you follow, which might depend on the flow of traffic, can be adjusted with the flick of a switch.

The 10-speed auto gearbox is responsive and features a semiauto function, giving you more control over gear changes when you want them.

Towing capacity is a mammoth 3 500 kg for a braked trailer – high in anyone’s language.

And then, something I always look out for (and really appreciate when I encounter), is large water-bottle holders in the front doors. Why can’t all utility vehicles have this useful feature? This bakkie has them. – Mark Samuel