Ever remember playing and collecting top-trump cards where you had to outwit your friends by picking specific figures that would outperform your friend's card? Well, it looks like the motor industry has to take that to heart and quite literally pushing the boundaries, figures and overall performance of their production vehicles.
This applies to pickups and bakkies as well, although South Africa is not completely fixated by power numbers in their double cab, if we follow global trends, consumers might be forced to participate in this real-life version of top-trumps.
With the introduction of the Ford Raptor and some of the performance upgrades, it looks like other manufacturers have followed suit, more noticeably VW with their 165kW Amarok Ultimate V6 and the 190kW Mercedes-Benz X-Class X350d that will compete directly with the new Ford Raptor (coming to SA) with its 157kW turbo diesel.
With the current list of vehicles listed above on their way to SA shores, there has been an increase in demand with regard to modification to current vehicles. Steve’s Auto Clinic is one of SA’s largest installers of the Unichip performance upgrades, and fitting one of the upgraded systems with a Dastek Power wiring loom, does not only allow the driver to change the driving characteristics and fuel consumption but it also increases the power output of a Ford Ranger 3.2 TDCi from 147kW and 470Nm to 170kW and 570Nm. Being a turbo diesel the noticeable figure is the 100Nm of extra torque.
As with most modifications, there is often a loss in factory warranty, so this upgrade would need to be considered by the owner, but if you were looking to increase the performance of your bakkie without buying a brand new one, this might be the best option available.
Also worth a look: the Ford Transit Custom and the Ford Escort Mk1 RS Returns as 800kg Track Weapon.
FAQ
Q: What does a Unichip performance upgrade cost for a Ford Ranger in South Africa?
A Unichip performance upgrade with Dastek Power wiring loom for a Ford Ranger 3.2 TDCi typically costs between R15,000 and R25,000 depending on the installer, with Steve's Auto Clinic being one of the most experienced installers in SA.
Q: Will modifying my bakkie with a performance chip void my warranty?
Yes, most performance modifications including Unichip upgrades will void your factory warranty, so you need to weigh the 23kW power gain and 100Nm torque increase against losing your manufacturer's coverage.
Q: Which performance bakkie offers the best value for money in South Africa?
The VW Amarok Ultimate V6 with 165kW offers excellent bang for buck compared to the Mercedes X350d at 190kW which costs significantly more, while the Ford Raptor at 157kW sits in the middle of the performance pack.
Q: How much power can you get from a modified Ford Ranger 3.2?
A properly tuned Ford Ranger 3.2 TDCi can jump from the standard 147kW and 470Nm to an impressive 170kW and 570Nm with a Unichip upgrade, giving you that extra 100Nm of torque that makes all the difference.
Q: Is it better to buy a performance bakkie or modify an existing one?
If you already own a decent bakkie like a Ranger 3.2, spending R20,000 on modifications beats dropping R800,000 plus on a new performance bakkie, but if you're buying from scratch, the factory performance models offer better resale value and warranty peace of mind.
Should You Buy It?
The best approach depends on your budget and risk tolerance. If you've got deep pockets and want the full package with warranty backing, go for the VW Amarok Ultimate V6 at around R750,000 for solid performance without breaking the bank completely. The Mercedes X350d pushes past R900,000 but delivers serious bragging rights with 190kW. However, if you're sitting with a decent Ford Ranger 3.2 already, spending R20,000 on a Unichip upgrade gives you 170kW and proper torque for a fraction of the cost. Just remember you're kissing that warranty goodbye, but gaining serious street cred and overtaking power that'll make your mates jealous at the next braai.
