Ford's Bantam half-tonner has been revised with a new "face" and a number of specification upgrades but retains the proven 1.3 and 1.6-litre RoCam engines made in Port Elizabeth.
It has a new grille with a wider and deeper mesh pattern and new headlights with transparent multi-reflector lens elements; the range-topping 1.6i XLE also gets new fog lights.
The base model 1.3i Bantam has a new rear "bumperette" and interior cloth trim; it also gets a sliding rear window.
Most of the exterior changes, however, are to the 1.3XL, i.6i XLT and 1.6iXLE variants; The 1.3i XL gets a body-colour front bumper and all three have reshaped rear step bumpers, new body side protection mouldings and new wheel arch mouldings to go with their updated 14" rims.
All variants except the entry-level 1.3i and 1.6i now also come with mud flaps, new cloth seat upholstery and door panels.
All models have power steering and bucket seats; the XLT and XLE models also have remote central locking, a four-speaker sound system, and air-conditioning (optional on other variants).
The 1.6i XLE has body-colour door handles, new removable PVC floor mats, electric windows and an immobiliser alarm system.
Leather upholstery is an option on the XLT and XLE.
Local motion
Ford quotes 55kW at 5500rpm and 110Nm at 3000rpm for the locally-made 1297cc RoCam engine, while the 1597cc version develops a claimed 70kW at 5500rpm and 137Nm at 2500rpm.
The Bantam bakkie comes with a three year/100 000km warranty; service intervals are 15 000km.
Prices
- 1.3i - R77 950
- 1.3i a/c - R83 850
- 1.3i XL - R91 050
- 1.3i XL a/c - R96 950
- 1.6i - R91 600
- 1.6i a/c - R97 300
- 1.6i XLT - R110 880
- 1.6i XLE - R127 600