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The latest Blue Oval pickup to hit showrooms isn't the much-awaited new F-Series, but rather South Africa's decidedly smaller Bantam. Known as "bakkies" to natives, the Bantam has been a popular load-lugger there since 1983, but remains largely unknown outside of its native continent.

On the drivetrain front, the latest Bantam is offered with a range of three engines: two petrol and one diesel. On the gasoline front, 1.3L and 1.6L RoCam petrol engines use Bosch fuel-injection to net 55kW (74hp) and 70kW (94hp), respectively. The derv unit, dubbed the 1.8L Enduro, nets a paltry 44.2kW (59hp), though a more respectable 105.6Nm (78 lb-ft torque). Blame the fact that direct-injection was deemed too costly to warrant inclusion for the relatively asthmatic figures. Regardless of engine choice, power is routed through a 5-speed manual (the same unit is shared by the current Fiesta and Ikon elsewhere). Out back, payload rating is 630kg, quite a bit more than the competing Opel Corsa, Nissan 1400, and the long-soldiering VW Caddi (based on the first-generation Rabbit!).

Accoutrements are minimal by U.S. market levels, but decidedly generous by South African bakkie standards. Even base-spec Bantams include tinted glass, bedside steps, tie-hooks, antenna, mud flaps, door pockets, inertia-reel seat belts, tachometer, and CHMSL. Options-list boxes include air-con, sliding rear window, color-matched bed caps, dual airbags, power windows and mirrors, rear step bumper, a cd/radio unit, and even leather-wrapped controls. Reflecting South Africa's higher theft concerns, all models (XL, XLT, and XLE) are blessed with a steering-column lock, locking fuel-filler door, shielded door locks, and a variant of the PATS immobilizer.