Dust off your overalls and whip out your Code 10 licences - Ford’s towering F250 has just been launched, and its sheer size, in-your-face styling and a powerful 4,2-litre V6 turbodiesel make it advisable for lesser road users to stay out of this beast’s way...

Dust off your overalls and whip out your Code 10 licences - Ford’s towering F250 has just been launched, and its sheer size, in-your-face styling and a powerful 4,2-litre V6 turbodiesel make it advisable for lesser road users to stay out of this beast’s way...

Available in three models as a 4x4 and 4x2 single cab and a 4x4 double cab, the range shares an in-line six-cylinder 4,2-litre intercooled turbodiesel mated with a five-speed manual transmission. The powerplant produces peak power of 132 kW at 3 800 r/min and a blasting 500 N.m of torque at just 2 000 r/min.

Arguably the biggest pickup on the market, this giant also has the largest towing capacity (2 500 kg) in its class and offers luxury in a spacious, car-like setting. And since the GVM is more than 3 500 kg (3 992 kg to be precise), local drivers need to be in possession of a C1 or Code 10 licence before sliding behind the wheel of one of these.

Built in Brazil, several adjustments have been made to the truck to ensure it is able to withstand the harsh South African conditions. After a lengthy evaluation, air filters, door seals and engine fixtures were tweaked to comply with local conditions.

Handling is top-notch – the pickup’s suspension system has been specifically adapted to the local terrain. The 4x2s have twin “I” beams with coil springs up front, while the 4x4 has a mono beam with leaf springs. All three models have leaf springs at the rear and are equipped with limited slip differential.

The 4x4 models offer an electronic-shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system with low range and the rigid steel frame reduces rattles and shuddering on rough roads.

For safety purposes, the F250 comes with brake discs at the front and drums at the rear complemented by ABS all round for added security.

On the inside, the bakkie comes with a host of features to provide passenger-car comfort in a big truck. Vehicles come standard with air-conditioning, dual front airbags, power steering, electric mirrors, adjustable steering and a six CD shuttle.

Sadly, only double cabs come with added electric windows and power steering, and a lidded centre console replaces the single cab’s centre seat/storage bin. The chrome radiator grille and 16-inch alloys differentiate exterior styling on the double cab 4x4, while the workhorse-type single cabs receive a grey grille and front bumpers.

The F250’s service intervals are set at 10 000 km. It comes with a three-year/100 000 km warranty and free roadside assistance for three years.

Prices:

F250 4.2 TDI 4x2 single cab R319 950

F250 4.2 TDI 4x4 single cab R369 950

F250 4.2 TDI 4x4 double cab R414 950

Original article from Car