South African bakkie buyers are increasingly opting for all-wheel-drive (AWD) models instead of the more traditional two-wheel-drive (4×2) and four-wheel-drive (4×4) powertrains.
In 2023, the market share for these drivelines were as follows:
- 4×2 – 59%
- 4×4 – 46%
- AWD – 5%
While still being responsible for a small portion of aggregate purchases, there has been a marked increase in AWD bakkie registrations in recent years and as time goes by the architecture is expected to become all the more ubiquitous, said President of Ford South Africa, Neale Hill, at the recent launch of the new Ranger Platinum and Tremor.
In essence, the biggest roadblock to the wider adoption of AWD bakkies is the lack of availability thereof.
Currently, only the top-spec derivatives of the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok provide these powertrains, the most affordable of which sells for R977,500 and R1,030,100, respectively.
Be that as it may, it is anticipated that once the technology starts trickling down to more affordable models, buyers will choose AWD over 4×4 in the majority of cases.
AWD mode selector on Ford Ranger Tremor
AWD vs 4×4
Both AWD and 4×4 powertrains provide the traditional two-wheel high (2H), four-wheel high (4H), and four-wheel low (4L) drive modes that generally direct engine power to the front and rear axles in fixed ratios.
In the case of the Ranger and Amarok, what sets the AWD system apart is that it also has a four-wheel automatic (4A) setting which variably channels power to the wheels depending on the terrain and driving conditions.
On tarmac, for example, it may send 90% to the rear wheels and 10% to the front, switching to a 50/50 split without any interaction from the driver as soon as it senses it’s on a dirt road.
According to Hill, apart from the driver no longer having to consciously change between the modes, the benefits of the AWD system are two-fold.
First, it aids in practicality as the vehicle retains optimal grip in various conditions whether on the job site, a highway, or a 4×4 track, which is not always the case with a 4×2 or 4×4 configuration.
Second, it increases safety in an emergency situation.
For instance, if you have to swerve out for a vehicle that suddenly turns into your lane and two of your car’s wheels end up on the sidewalk, the enhanced traction and quick reaction provided by the AWD setup will allow you to retain better control.
Due to the added utility, Ford expects to see significant growth in market share for AWD bakkies in the near future.
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