eBusiness Weekly
Kudzanai Sharara, recently in Cape Town, South Africa
This week, I had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor and it was, as expected, an exhilarating experience.
This was on a ride and drive experience for journalists, from nine different countries, at the invitation of Ford Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa in Western Cape, South Africa.
The event allowed participants to test out the capabilities of three vehicles, the Ford Ranger, the Raptor and the Everest on a variety of terrains, from scenic coastal roads to rugged mountain trails.
I was particularly impressed with the versatility of the Raptor, a high-performance pickup truck that is built to dominate any terrain, and we put it to the test on a variety of roads and trails of more than 800 kilometres, in total, in Western Cape and surrounding areas.
The truck was a blast to drive, and it handled everything we threw at it with ease. The Raptor is a true monster, and it was exhilarating to experience its power and handling on the more challenging terrain.
I was particularly impressed with the truck’s power, off-road capability, and technology. The Ranger Raptor is a truly unique vehicle that is sure to appeal to a wide range of drivers.
If you are looking for a high-performance pickup truck that can handle anything you throw at it, then the Ford Ranger Raptor is a great option. It is a powerful, capable, and comfortable truck that is sure to turn heads wherever you go.
Power and performance
The Ranger Raptor is powered by a new twin-turbo 3,0-litre EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 292 kW (392 horsepower) and 583 Nm of torque.
Ford Ranger Raptor interior
This engine provides incredible power and acceleration, and it makes the Ranger Raptor feel like a true performance vehicle. The Ranger Raptor is also equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and quickly.
Off-road capability
The Ranger Raptor is not just about power and performance; it is also about capability. The truck is equipped with a number of features that make it ideal for off-road driving, including a high-performance suspension system, FOX 2,5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers, and a permanent four-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case.
We took the Ranger Raptor on an off-road trail which was quite challenging, but the truck handled everything we threw at it with ease, giving me the confidence that it can go places that I would not dare to go in another vehicle.
On-road comfort
While the Ranger Raptor is a beast off-road, it is also surprisingly comfortable on the road. The suspension system does a great job of soaking up bumps and holes, and the interior is quiet and refined.
The Ranger Raptor is also equipped with a number of driver-assistance features, such as lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring, which make it a safe and enjoyable vehicle to drive on the road.
Technology
The Ranger Raptor is packed with technology, including a fully digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The infotainment system is easy to use and includes a variety of features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The sound system is also excellent, and it provides a great listening experience.
Design
The Ranger Raptor has a bold and aggressive design that matches its capabilities. The truck is wider than the standard Ranger, and it has flared wheel arches, a unique grille, and LED headlights and taillights.
The interior of the Ranger Raptor is also stylish and comfortable, with features like jet fighter-inspired sports seats and Code Orange accents.
Overall impression
The Ford Ranger Raptor is an impressive truck that offers a unique blend of power, performance, capability and comfort. It is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a vehicle that can handle anything they throw at it, whether on-road or off-road.
