Ford Bantam for Sale
The Ford Bantam is a South African produced Ford bakkie and a well-known vehicle on the South African roads. The first generation was launched in 1983, a light utility vehicle using the Ford Escort Mk III as basis. Between 1988 and mid 1990’s the vehicle was badged and known as the Mazda Rustler.
In 1990 the second generation was launched, also branded as Mazda Rustler and based on the Mazda 323 with the less costly 1,6litre straight-four engine, resulting in a mechanically simpler engine with less maintenance and more torque.
The third generation was released in 2002 once again using the Ford Brand retaining the Bantam loading bay and suspension. Engine configurations manufactured and still on the road are the 1,3litre 8 valve, 1,6litre 8 valve petrol engines and the1,8 liter diesel engine. The 2006 model received a slight design update with the front design and the interior and the diesel engine was discontinued. The 2009 model was treated to a facelift again with a new bonnet, headlight and bumper design as well as an updated taillight. Interior upgrades included a redesigned instrument panel and the trim and finishes of the interior with added colour. The 1,4litre DV4 diesel engine was also introduced.
The Ford Bantam line was discontinued in 2011 but it remains one of the familiar and reliable compact commercial workhorses on the road. Manufactured with the half-tonner commercial market in mind, the Bantam is not luxurious or extremely comfortable, but is reliable and hardy. The Ford Bantam’s competition is the Nissan 1400 (now the Nissan NP200) and the Corsa half-tonners.
The Bantam has a functional interior, with fabric and hard plastics. The cabin is however the smallest in the class, belying the age of the available generations. Some younger models are available with air conditioning and electric windows but that is the extent of the bells and whistles. Driving the Bantam is also another demonstration of how far the half-tonner class has come. It has a slightly heavy steering mechanism but the feedback is excellent and because the Bantam has a slightly smaller body than its rivals it is nippier and city-driving friendly, especially in the younger 2009-2011 models. The loading box can take up to 650 kilograms
The small engine of the Ford Bantam combined with the a small body offers about 50kilowat power at 4000 revs per minute and 160N.m of torque, providing 0 – 100 km in around 16 seconds. Depending on the model and condition, the fuel economy is excellent and can achieve 16km per liter. The Bantam remains slightly dated compared with its rivals and there are rumours of a new Bantam to be launched by the manufacturer in the near future.
If you ever need a second hand or pre-owned Ford Bantam, just contact the seller and get yourself a new set of wheels from Surf4Cars