Ranger turned true workhorse

FORD: CONVENIENCE OF DROP SIDES MAKE DIFFERENCE

- Mark Jones

We normally get to drive the luxury double cab versions of Ford's Ranger, so when we were offered a true-blue, workhorse, 2.0-litre single turbo, 6-speed manual, XL spec, Drop Side Ranger, we jumped at the opportunity.

To give the experience an authentic feel, we headed off to Michael Da Serra's, Village Lawns and Grasslands out on the East Rand to get our bakkie working by loading hay for their daily deliveries.

This is a proper working farm, and the real-world convenience of the drop sides fitted to our Ranger made a major difference to the task at hand, while the drive and feel of the bakkie impressed the staff.