Ford Ranger FX4

WHY DO South Africans love bakkies, and double-cabs specifically? They’re practical for hauling things, sure, but I suspect that’s not the main reason people buy them. I think it’s because they look good.

- 

They have a commanding posture on the road; their dimensions are pleasing to the eye – large tires, higher ground clearance, assertive front quarters… These vehicles exude ruggedness, which I imagine is a large part of the appeal, albeit sometimes a subconscious one, behind purchase decisions.

Indeed, there are many double-cab owners who have them for work – farmers, contractors – and leisure requirements is another strong influencing factor. South Africans love road trips, to go camping, and when we head off, we like to take all of the conveniences of home with us. A double-cab affords us that space, and if we need even more we can hook up a bulky trailer or caravan and tow everything plus the kitchen sink behind us. In a word, they’re versatile.

Summed up, this is why double-cabs do so well here, and why the Ranger, specifically, has been a monumental success story for Ford for so long. It also just looks so darn good.