Ford Ranger Named South African Car of the Year

Following months of deliberation, with 35 vehicles on the shortlist for contention, the Ford Ranger has been named the South African Car of the Year (COTY) by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists. You may be asking if a bakkie could technically be considered a “car”. Well, it doesn’t really matter because this incredible vehicle deserves this award all the same.

The Car of the Year competition has been running for 37 years and this is the first time that a leisure double cab 4×4 bakkie has been crowned the victor. The chairperson of the 2023 COTY Competition, Mabuyane Mabuza, noted that this achievement was made possible thanks to the motoring industry’s commitment to creating amazing double cabs.

Mabuza stated: “Over the past decade, the popularity of SUVs and Double Cabs has skyrocketed at the expense of sedans. Double cab bakkies have become a common choice for everyday commuting, family adventures and various work applications, providing a popular solution for South Africans’ mobility demands.”

The Ford Ranger is a phenomenal vehicle for a number of reasons. Not only is it a beast on every terrain but it also has enough room to fit your kids and their annoying friends as you reluctantly take them to rugby practice. The Hatfield Motor Group team looks forward to discussing all these oddly specific benefits and more, whenever you are ready.

As a matter of interest, here is the full shortlist of cars that were considered for the Car of the Year award: