Ford Bantam

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SlyFly

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Just wondering if anyone knows anything about the future of the Ford Bantam...

With the launch of the new Nissan NP200 the sales for the Ford Bantam has dropped to about 500 a month (used to be around 1500, ofcourse with the car market going down the tube, that effects it aswell) But the NP200 has 800 sales a month and the Utility about 1200...

So Ford is loosing market share fast... They recently launched a limited edition Montana version (Over priced and not really all that great looking)

Now does anyone know if we can expect a replacement soon, the Bantam is the oldest, ignoring the "facelift" and a limited edition normally does mean it is the end of line for a current version BUT I've also heard some rumours that the Bantam will be discontinued in 2010?

I'm an owner of 3 Bantams in a row now from 2002 onwards models and Ive got to say the latest "facelist" one has been dissapointing me a bit in build quality...
 
Too my knowledge there is a new Bantam on the way, can't remember if it will be released next year or in 2010 though :p
 
I love the Rustler/Bantam builds :(

It would be a shame if they went the Nissan route as the new Nissan is an Epic Fail :mad:
 
Well the Nissan isnt really an "epic fail" ;) Sales show that and ofcourse only the basic model has been launched and even the basic model that is priced the same as the basic Ford/Opel bakkies has a 1.6 litre engine compared to the 1.3 and 1.4 l engines...

So pricewise the Nissan is a good buy and its not THAT ugly... If the Fiat Strada had the Nissans specs I would actually buy that... I find it to be a good looking bakkie but a 1.2 l engine is a bunch of crock...

Just think if they base the new Bantam on the new Fiesta... But it will probably be based on the new Ikon, which is a bit more boxy like the Opel/Nissan
 
alf101 said:
:D
Actually they're still out there, 30 years later...
Click to expand...

If they would roll out a band new range of 120Y GX coupe's the same shape everything, just brand new. They will have a Best seller for years and years to come :)
 
I was only talking about look-wise the Strada is a nice bakkie, nothing else... But the Bantam is still a better looking bakkie... ;)

Any of you guys seen the Protons inside? I was in Canal Walk a year ago and they were on display... It still has a tape player in it? The top of the range model comes standard with a tape deck :P
 
Bantams have got to be the most useless cars/pickups on the market. Ive owned, Ive rented and Ive driven a few (old shape and new) and my opinion is only reinforced everytime I get in one.
 
SlyFly said:
Just wondering if anyone knows anything about the future of the Ford Bantam...

With the launch of the new Nissan NP200 the sales for the Ford Bantam has dropped to about 500 a month (used to be around 1500, ofcourse with the car market going down the tube, that effects it aswell) But the NP200 has 800 sales a month and the Utility about 1200...

So Ford is loosing market share fast... They recently launched a limited edition Montana version (Over priced and not really all that great looking)

Now does anyone know if we can expect a replacement soon, the Bantam is the oldest, ignoring the "facelift" and a limited edition normally does mean it is the end of line for a current version BUT I've also heard some rumours that the Bantam will be discontinued in 2010?

I'm an owner of 3 Bantams in a row now from 2002 onwards models and Ive got to say the latest "facelist" one has been dissapointing me a bit in build quality...
Click to expand...

I read on CNN that GM, chrysler and ford are in bad shape, but that fords pockets are deeper than both GM and chrysler and that both of them would go under before ford does. so i'd keep my eye on the other two ....
 
When will people realise... Ford USA is in trouble... Ford Europe & Australia is actually making profit! And we are mainly using European vehicles... so I can't see how this will really affect us...
 
Well FORD is actually considering to sell its stake in Mazda last time I heard...

Also the Ford Bantam is homebrewed for the South African and Brazilian market, like most half tonners its the only market they sell in, and quite good... Thats why they are normally based on more international cars because development cost for a unique Bantam would be to much...

Thats why over the years they have been based on the Tonic/Laser/Sting and Ikon/Fiesta's... To cut development costs...

My current Bantam (facelift) has problems with leaking (Aircon orientated) and it rust at the seems...
 
I have a 08 Bantam 1.3i with matching canopy :) Love it.
Light on fuel, cheap service, good looking compared to others, reliable.
Only thing is the 1.3i sukkels a bit on a highway over 120kph.
 
What?

Does your 1.3i have trouble over 120kph? Mine cruises easily at 140... Ofcourse I dont drive that fast with it but I know it can... I also know the top speed is 185kph (Test on a track :) )

And this is when I have the aircon off... With it on I can cruise at around 130... The engines are really amazing... ROCAM engines really loves the high revs ;)
 
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