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Ranger Raptor, Hilux GR Sport... Epic bakkies launched in SA so far this year

In the second of this two-part series, we look at more awesome bakkies launched in SA this year.

2019 has been a pretty good year in terms of new bakkies as consumers were treated to no less than eight models introduced locally.

In this article, the second of our two-part series on bakkies launched in South Africa in 2019, we'll cover double-cabs from three of SA's favourite automakers.

Ford Ranger Raptor - May 2019

Perhaps the most anticipated bakkie of 2019, the Ford Ranger Raptor finally made its long-awaited arrival.

Doing away with the big V8 engine found in the American-based Raptors, the locally-built Ranger Raptor sports a bi-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 157kW and 500Nm. The big news is, of course, Ford's new 10-speed automatic gearbox doing transfer duties.

READ: Triton, Ranger, Navara - new bakkies launched in 2019

The Ranger Raptor's entirety has been built around Ford's goal to make the bakkie great off-road.

In achieving it they improved the suspension, raised the ground clearance, beefed up the tyres, and fitted the bakkie with front seats suited to high-impact landings.

One of the driving modes featured on the bakkie is Baja mode. Named after the Baja Rally, this mode ensures that the Ranger Raptor gets its tail out quite easily.

Priced at R803 300, the Ford Ranger Raptor is not cheap and is it the most expensive Ranger you can buy but you have the advantage of owning one of the most sought-after bakkies in SA. 

WATCH: Ford Ranger Raptor - Worth the hype?

bakkie,isuzu arctic at35,ford ranger raptor,toyota

                                Image: Charlen Raymond

Isuzu Arctic AT35 - June 2019

The Isuzu Arctic AT35 is hardcore version of the Isuzu D-Max and features plenty of mechanical upgrades over the standard range.

The new model unfortunately does not include upgrades to the powertrain and Isuzu still uses its trusted turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine (130kW/380Nm) and six-speed automatic gearbox.

The upgrades do come in the form of improved suspension and bigger tyres suited to off-road driving. Ground clearance has also been increased to 268mm for tackling more arduous conditions.

At R785 000, the Arctic AT35 carries a R157 100 premium over the previous range-topper in the D-Max range, but given that Isuzu South Africa will only build 50 Arctics per year, buyers are really buying into something unique and exclusive.

Interesting bit: Isuzu SA is the only global market to obtain permission from Arctic Trucks to build the AT35.

READ: Isuzu Arctic AT 35 - The toughest D-Max bakkie yet in SA

bakkie,isuzu arctic at35,ford ranger raptor,toyota

                                Image: Charlen Raymond

Toyota Hilux GR Sport - July 2019

Launched in tandem with the Hilux Legend 50 (see below), the Toyota Hilux GR Sport is an acknowledgement of Toyota SA's success in motorsport.

Only 600 of these units have been produced and all 600 are accounted for.

According to Toyota they've upgraded the front suspension for improved off-road prowess but rear suspension has been left untouched not to alter the bakkie's payload/carrying capacity.

On the engine and gearbox front, Toyota retains the existing 2.8-litre engine and six-speed automatic. The turbocharged diesel motor still produces 130kW and 450Nm.

The interior sees mild and subtle clues as to the bakkie's position in the Hilux range, and a couple of decals have been splashed onto the GR Sport, too.

Price: R707 400

READ: New Hilux GR Sport in SA - Limited-edition model sports 'Spirit of Gazoo Racing' in a bakkie

bakkie,isuzu arctic at35,ford ranger raptor,toyota

                                Image: Charlen Raymond

Toyota Hilux Legend 50 - July 2019

The Toyota Hilux first hit the market 1968 but South Africa had to wait another year for the bakkie to arrive locally. That is why, in 2019, we're celebrating 50 legendary years of the Hilux in SA with the arrival of the Hilux Legend 50.

Launched in epic fashion with the GR Sport, the Toyota Hilux Legend 50 builds on the tradition of Legend bakkies that have been launched every five years since 2004.

The Legend 50 features only cosmetic changes and "Legend 50" badging but the rest of the bakkie is stock standard like the rest of the range.

The Legend 50 treatment has been added to both the 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre diesel engines, as well as the 4.0-litre V6. With regard to the diesel models, the Legend 50 treatment has been given to single, Xtra, and double-cab derivatives.

Legend 50 pricing ranges from R472 000 to R712 100.

READ: For the love of bakkies - We drive Toyota's new Hilux Legend 50 and GR Sport

toyota hilux legend

                                Image: MotorPress

                                
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