2022 Ford Bantam Significantly Refreshed

The upcoming 2022 Ford Bantam is another brand’s model that will gain significant upgrades. This pickup truck is very popular in South Africa. The approaching bakkie (pickup) is coming to the markets later this year and it will wear the Volkswagen DNA. As you know, it is Ford’s new global alliance with Volkswagen. New mid-size Ford Ranger and VW Amarok will share a lot of things.

Both models will ride on the compact A0 architecture. New Bantam model will most likely deploy the same platform. The original Bantam was based on the MkIII Escort but now this is a completely different model. Without further ado, here’s what we know about a new model.

2022 Bantam Specs

New platform could deliver a new engine as well. Because of that, it is hard to predict which engine will power the upcoming 2022 Ford Bantam. Some reports are suggesting a 1.5-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. This unit is capable of producing 180 horsepower. New Bantam will share a lot of components with Ford Courier.

Thanks to that, a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 250 horsepower is likely an optional engine. This is not confirmed yet, however, the stories are coming from reliable sources. An eight-speed automatic transmission will be available. Bantam will be a front-wheel-drive pickup, while AWD setup will be optional.

Exterior and Interior

As we said, the new Ford Ranger will be closer to the Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck. Because of that, the new 2022 Ford Bantam could also borrow a thing or two from the Ford-Volkswagen alliance. Bantam will arrive with the right-hand drive setup. This is very difficult to predict. Reportedly, the new Bantam will borrow some things from the new VW Saveiro and VW Tarok.

This small pickup will also gain a more rugged appearance. Ford Courier will apparently have the biggest impact on the future Bantam model. The interior will mostly remain. Of course, some things will have to change, but we don’t expect significant upgrades. Blue Oval will deliver a new infotainment system and some new and optional driver-assistance features.

Bantam Could Be Replaced?

Newest reports are suggesting the end of the Bantam pickup. However, the 2022 Ford Bantam will surely happen. Reportedly, the plan is to replace Bantam with a new unibody pickup. New model will be based on the Focus or Fiesta models. This is the same thing that you can read about new Ford Courier that will be sold in Mexico and Brazil.

Courier makes perfect sense as Ford wants to rival segment leaders such as Fiat Strada and Chevy Montana. As for the Bantam, South Africa only offers one true rival and it is Nissan NP200. Bantam could be replaced in the future, but the 2022MY is happening for sure.

2022 Ford Bantam Release Date

The all-new 2022 Ford Bantam is about to arrive with serious refreshments. Because of that, the price will surely jump, but we can’t confirm this, as this is just a prediction. New Bantam bakkie will hit the dealerships by the end of 2021.