Shortly after revealing the all-new Ranger at the recent Johannesburg International Motor Show, Ford has now officially launched the newcomer to the South African market. Featuring a completely new design and superior perceived quality, the new compact pickup is set to increase the strong hold in the market the outgoing model has enjoyed. Based on a new global pickup platform, the dashing new Ranger will be marketed in 180 international markets and is set to be the new face of “Built Ford Tough”.
Appropriately so, the new design is robust and has a premium air about it. Featuring large, neatly integrated headlights and the latest interpretation of the signature Ford pickup grille, the new Ranger looks like it means business. The rear also receives a more forceful-looking stance, with large tail lights and proud “Ranger” badging. Three body styles are available, kicking off with the Single Cab, before moving to the Super Cab and Double Cab models. Four series choices are available throughout the range, which offer styling and specification levels from the Base workhorse-style to the range-topping XLT interpretation.
Interiors have also been beefed up and boast a contemporary feel, with features and design cues normally found in passenger cars. Rear legroom and knee clearance have been improved due to the B-pillar being shifted forward and Ford claims two six-foot sized adults can comfortably sit one behind the other. A whopping 23 storage spaces are available too, including an 8.5-litre centre console cubby hole which is air conditioned. Creature comforts are also paramount and certain models are available with USB and iPod connectivity for the entertainment system, Bluetooth and voice control, with cruise control and dual-zone climate control also making an appearance.
The new Ranger, says Ford, has been developed to cater to both leisure and business users and so the new range boasts some of the roomiest interiors in its respective classes as well as an improved payload (1200kg) and class-leading towing capacity (3350kg on some diesel models). Innovative features and specification levels have also been designed with dual-users in mind, making the new Ranger attractive over a broad spectrum of buyers.
Developed in Australia, the all-new Ranger has had the advantage of having access to Ford’s global development centres and testing facilities, thus allowing the best engines, transmissions and features to be fitted. Three continents will be responsible for global production, with Africa and indeed South Africa being no exception – the Ford plant in Silverton, Pretoria will be producing the new pickup for 148 export markets around the world. In addition, the Struandale plant in Port Elizabeth will produce two engine variants for the range – quite a substantial investment for the brand in South Africa.
All-new engines are being used in the new Ranger and all offer a great balance between power and efficiency. A 2.5-litre Duratec petrol engine is the only petrol option available, and with 122kW and 226Nm on tap, it should allow for a pleasant drive while fuel economy remains acceptable (Ford claims an average of 9.8-litres/100km in a 4×2 model). The diesel front is taken care of by two brand-new engines which offer exceptional efficiency and driveability. The new 2.2-litre 4-cylinder Duratorq TDCi produces 110kW and 375Nm, while using a claimed 7.6-litres/100km in a 4×2 Ranger.
For a bit more oomph, the new 3.2-litre 5-cylinder Duratorq TDCi diesel motor offers a healthy 147kW and 470Nm, while fuel economy is claimed at 8.4-litres/100km in a 4×2 variant, with a 4×4 Ranger using an average of 9.2-litres/100km. All models are fitted with a generous 80-litre fuel tank which ensures long distances between fill-ups. Ford also proudly boasts that the new Ranger is the only vehicle in its class to feature six-speed manual or automatic transmissions on certain diesel models. Petrol versions all make use of a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Both two-and four-wheel drive options are available, with Hi-rider options for certain models, allowing for great off-road capability and robust driving dynamics. Hi-rider models are also able to wade through water to a depth of 800mm, even with a full pay load, and ground clearance is generous at 237mm, when fully loaded. Off-road capability is further enhanced by a compact front differential, an upgraded rear axle and an electronically-controlled transfer case for both automatic and manual transmission models. A knob on the centre console allows the driver to shift between two- and four-wheel drive while on the move, too. Traction control is also present and for serious off-road enthusiasts a secondary traction control system is available along with a locking rear differential, ensuring sure-footed driving in all conditions and over any terrain.
Safety has been beefed up too and the new Ranger offers ESP stability control on selected models, which integrates a host of enhanced safety systems which include hill start assistance, hill descent control, trailer sway control, adaptive load control, emergency brake assist with an emergency brake light, as well as roll-over mitigation. Front and side airbags are standard across the range, while higher-specced models benefit from curtain airbags as well. Pretensioned seat belts are standard in all models. As a result, the new Ranger is the first-ever pickup to receive five stars in the stringent Euro NCAP safety tests.
Starting at R174 000 for the entry-level 2.5 Base Single Cab petrol manual (nine single cab derivatives in total, as well as five Super Cabs are available) and topping off at R436 700 for the 3.2 XLT Double Cab 4×4 diesel automatic (nine double cabs on offer), the new Ranger offers good value for money, especially when a 5-year/90 000km service plan and a comprehensive 4-year/120 000km warranty are included as standard. A 5-year corrosion warranty is also included, along with 3 years of free roadside assistance. Off-road driver training is also thrown in.
- Brent Ellis
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