The 24-strong model range – including the workhorse Single Cab and Rap Cab models – is scheduled to be released in early 2023.
“The previous-generation Ford Ranger was one of South Africa’s most popular and trusted vehicles for small and medium business owners, farmers, families, adventurers, commercial fleets, and many more. Our Next-Gen Ranger builds on this success with a vehicle that delivers so much more, from performance to capability, technology, safety and the entire driving and ownership experience,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa.
Produced in Silverton, Pretoria for global and local markets, the new Ranger takes on looks derived from Ford’s truck design DNA with a new grille and a C-lamp headlight treatment at the front, a strong shoulder line with bolder wheel arches and revised rear lights.
“Customers told us the Ranger needs to look tough and inspire confidence. They were resolute in what Ranger should be, both in its looks and how it makes them feel, and we are confident that it delivers on both fronts,” says Mashinini.
Beneath the new bodywork is an upgraded chassis riding on a wheelbase 50 mm longer and a track 50 mm wider than the prior Ranger.
“The 3,0-litre turbo-diesel V6 delivers seemingly endless power and torque matched to exceptional refinement, which is precisely what our customers wanted,” she Mashinini.
The V6 Diesel is exclusive to Wildtrak specification and produces 184 kW of power matched to 600 Nm of torque driving through a 10-speed automatic transmission and a permanent all-wheel drive system.
The other engine options are a choice of updated versions of the 2,0-litre Single Turbo and Bi-Turbo in-line four-cylinder diesel engines.
In the Base, XL, and XLT Double Cab variants, the 2,0-litre Single Turbo unit produces 125 kW and 405 Nm and mates to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.
The 2,0-litre Bi-Turbo engine works with a 10-speed automatic transmission gearbox. It is available in two XLT Double Cab derivatives and two Wildtrak Double Cab models – and a choice between 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains.
Engineers moved the front wheels forward by 50 mm for a better approach angle and outboard for better off-road articulation, thus improving the off-roading experience. They also shifted the rear suspension dampers outboard of the frame rails to give drivers and passengers a better ride, on and off-road.
Customers can choose between two four-wheel drive systems – an electronic shift-on-the-fly system on the 2,0-litre or a full-time 4x4 system on the V6 Diesel.
“We know our customers prefer a smart, functional, and comfortable interior space. So, we set about designing it with a high level of well-integrated technology, clever functional storage, and visual cues to make the environment feel comfortable and spacious,” Mashinini says.
The interior boasts a large touchscreen in the centre stack – 10,1-inch in the case of the Base, XL and XLT models. The Wildtrak boasts a 12-inch screen. It complements the digital instrument panel and flaunts Ford’s latest SYNC 4A system, which comes customer-ready with its voice-activated communications, entertainment, and information systems.
Additionally, there is an embedded factory-fitted modem across the range, allowing connectivity on the go when linked with the FordPass App.
The screen also links to a 310-degree camera on the Wildtrak models to make parking a breeze in tight urban spaces or assist when negotiating particularly tricky terrains.
All Double Cab models come with Dynamic Stability Control incorporating anti-lock braking, Load Adaptive Control, Roll Over Mitigation, Traction Control and Trailer Sway Control.
Standard on Ranger Wildtrak and optional on XLT are Pre-Collision Assist, Post-Collision Braking, Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage, Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Keeping System with Road Edge Detection.
Additional features exclusive to the top-spec Wildtrak include Evasive Steer Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering, and Active Park Assist 2.0.
Widening the vehicle by 50 mm means the Ranger can carry a full-size pallet in the load bed. Meanwhile, Wildtrak offers a new cargo management system with dividers to hold various-sized items – such as timber or toolboxes. Owners also can create smaller compartments to store objects, which would otherwise have to go in the cab, using a system of spring-loaded cleats, available as an option on Wildtrak and XLT models, that clip into rails bolted to each side of the cargo box.
The tailgate can also double as a mobile workbench with an integrated ruler and clamp pockets to measure, grip and cut building materials.
Pricing
Base
• 2.0L SiT Double Cab 4x2 6MT R486 000
• 2.0L SiT Double Cab 4x4 6MT R528 600
XL
• 2.0L SiT Double Cab XL 4x2 6MT R529 900
• 2.0L SiT Double Cab XL 4x2 6AT R544 400
• 2.0L SiT Double Cab XL 4x4 6MT R607 300
• 2.0L SiT Double Cab XL 4x4 6AT R621 900
XLT
• 2.0L SiT Double Cab XLT 4x2 6AT R592 700
• 2.0L SiT Double Cab XLT 4x4 6AT R669 800
• 2.0L BiT Double Cab XLT 4x2 10AT R702 300
• 2.0L BiT Double Cab XLT 4x4 10AT R782 100
Wildtrak
• 2.0L BiT Double Cab Wildtrak 4x2 10AT R778 300
• 2.0L BiT Double Cab Wildtrak 4x4 10AT R867 700
• 3.0L V6 Double Cab Wildtrak 4WD 10AT R953 500
The prices come with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 4-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and a 5-year/unlimited kilometre corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000 km or annually, whichever occurs first.
