Isuzu and Ford have always been among South Africa’s favourite brands, especially for hardworking folk whose vehicles must serve them consistently for both private and commercial use. On our Performance Shootout, we got the opportunity to fully experience the Isuzu Mu-X and the Ford Ranger Raptor outside of their regular long-term test-fleet duties.
These vehicles have proved themselves worthy of being the supportive muscle behind the shootout team. They were filled to the hilt with camera equipment, refreshments, sunblock, tyre pressure gauges, pens, notepads, ice, first-aid kits, walkie-talkie charging stations, spare batteries and boxes full of CAR-branded apparel. Under focused helmsmanship, they kept up with the performance cars along the route, depositing the video and photography crew at their designated locations. Thanks to this pair of reliable performers, we managed to capture every moment of the road trip.
The Isuzu MU-X – a tall beast with predictable road manners for a ladder-frame chassis 4×4 SUV – proved to be practical throughout our trip with the rear seats folded into the floor. The cabin has a luxurious feel thanks to a Nappa leather steering wheel and plush seats. After spending approximately 32 hours behind the wheel over the course of four days, the supple ride and long-legged highway cruising ability were appreciated. The upgraded infotainment system, now with Android Auto, made the journey even more enjoyable.
The Ford Ranger Raptor boasted an equal amount of practicality, but its ample load area meant it served a slightly different purpose. Rather than carrying snacks, drinks and testing equipment, it was used as the main tracking vehicle for the camera crew. It provided a tall vantage point to capture some of the incredible images and held our tools, banner flags and the gazebo as well as the driver and four passengers. Those in the rear were tasked with charging a host of devices including a laptop. It provided tons of space and just the right amount of pace to keep up with the motley crew of performance cars that charged ahead.
With ample ground clearance, rich torque delivery, automatic transmissions and large fuel tanks, these support vehicles proved as consistent out there under extraordinary circumstances as buyers will demand them in the daily hustle of urban traffic.
