By: IOL Motoring Staff
The stakes are high, market domination is the prize and Ford is giving itself a little head start with its upgraded Ranger.
While Toyota's all-new Hilux only hits the scene at the beginning of next year, Ford is launching its new Ranger to the local media this week, although it's only hitting dealerships in November and Ford is remaining tight-lipped on pricing until then. The company has, however, spilled the beans on the new local line-up and practically every other detail you'd want to know.
While not new from the ground up like its arch rival from Toyota, the Ranger (which was hardly dated to begin with in all fairness) has been given a rather significant facelift - at least at the front end - and there are upgraded engines beneath the bonnet and a whole suite of new convenience and safety technologies in range-topping models.
IMPROVED ENGINES, SUSPENSION
The 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel might have the same outputs as its predecessor - 147kW and 470Nm - but it does boast a new exhaust gas recirculation system that Ford says makes it up to 18 percent more efficient.
The mid-range 2.2-litre TDCi turbo-diesel gets a performance boost, with power rising by 8kW to 118kW and torque up 10Nm to 385Nm. The base 2.2 TDCi continues to produce 88kW and 285Nm while the normally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol is also left unchanged, offering 122kW and 226Nm. The latter two engines are mated to a five-speed manual model while the high-output 2.2 and 3.2 come with six-speed manual gearboxes, with the 3.2 offering a six-speed auto option in certain models.
Other technical changes include fine-tuned suspension, aimed at improving comfort and handling, and extra sound-deadening material to make it even quieter.
4x4 versions continue to offer low-range, electronic locking rear diff, 230mm of ground clearance, 800mm water wading ability and respective approach and departure angles of 28 and 25 degrees.
REDESIGNED CABIN
Inside there's a new dashboard that goes big on horizontal lines and higher-spec models (XLT and Wildtrak) receive a new 20cm touch-screen that links you to Ford's Sync2 infotainment system. The Wildtrak takes bakkie tech to a new level with active safety features such as Lane Keeping Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, Driver Impairment Monitor and Park Assist (front and rear).
THE MODEL RANGE - IN DETAIL
Buyers are truly spoiled for choice here, with a total of 33 different derivatives on offer, spanning Single Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab body styles and numerous specification grades. The Super Cab range has been expanded from five to six models, while two new variants join the Double Cab line-up, including a 2.2 XL 4x4 and a 2.2 XLT.
BASE
This entry-level model is aimed at fleet buyers and is distinguished by its black bumpers and grille and 16-inch steel wheels and inside it hasn't inherited the new dashboard fitted to other models. Cabin luxuries are limited to a 'base level' radio, and an aircon appears in the Double Cab. That remains optional in the single cab, along with dual airbags and ABS brakes, essential features that should never be left out of any vehicle no matter what the 'business case' is.
XL
This is the lowest model that Ford considers saleable to private buyers, packing extra style in the form of painted bumpers and more in the way of comfort and safety items. These additions include aircon, remote central locking, electric windows, Bluetooth with voice control, audio controls on the steering wheel, dual airbags, ABS brakes and traction control. The XL-Plus adds some heavy duty capability, gaining 17-inch steel wheels, all-terrain tyres, running boards and a four-switch auxiliary bezel for controlling additional accessories.
XLS
Here you get a bit more style in the form of a colour-coded rear bumper, front fog lights, silver-painted mirrors and grille as well as 16-inch alloys, a tow bar and black side steps in the case of Super and Double Cab versions.
Inside you get Sync connectivity, cruise control, electric mirrors, leather steering wheel and curtain airbags (in Super and Double Cabs).
XLT
This is where things get quite flashy, with chrome trim for the grille, mirrors, handles and rear bumper and a somewhat snazzier cabin featuring leather seats, silver and chrome trim on the dashboard, dual zone climate control, a colour TFT screen in the instrument cluster as well as a 20-inch central touch-screen linked to a six-speaker audio system, Sync2 and reverse camera. The system can also be configured as a wifi hotspot.
WILDTRACK
In addition to the stand-out styling features, including titanium grille and bumper insert and 18-inch alloys, this range-topper gains a unique cargo management system, 'sports hoop' and an extra 12v power point.
Cabin features include an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, ambient lighting, a 230v power inverter and the aforementioned electronic driving aids.
FULL LINE-UP:
Single Cab
2.5 Base Chassis Cab 4x2 5MT Low Rider 4x2 (122kW)
2.5 Base 4x2 5MT Low Rider 4x2(122kW)
2.2 TDCi Base Chassis Cab 4x2 5MT (88kW)
2.2 TDCi Base 4x2 5MT (88kW)
2.2 TDCi XL 4x2 6MT (118kW)
2.2 TDCi XL 4x4 6MT (118kW)
2.2 TDCi XLS 4x2 6MT (118kW)
2.2 TDCi XL-Plus Chassis Cab 4x4 6MT (118kW)
2.2 TDCi XL-Plus 4x4 6MT (118kW)
3.2 TDCi XLS 4x2 6MT (147kW)
2.2 TDCi XLS 4x4 6MT (118kW)
3.2 TDCi XLS 4x4 6MT(147kW)
Super Cab
2.2 TDCi Base 4x2 5MT (88kW)
2.2 TDCi XL 4x2 6MT (118kW)
2.2 TDCi XL 4x4 6MT (118kW)
3.2 TDCi XLS 4x2 6MT(147kW)
3.2 TDCi XLS 4x4 6MT(147kW)
3.2 TDCi XLT 4x4 6AT (147kW)
Double Cab
2.2 TDCi Base 4x2 5MT (88kW)
2.2 TDCi XL 4x2 6MT (118kW)
2.2 TDCi XL 4x4 6MT (118kW)
2.2 TDCi XL-Plus Chassis Cab 4x4 6MT (118kW)
2.2 TDCi XL-Plus 4x4 6MT (118kW)
2.2 TDCi XLS 4x2 6MT (118kW)
2.2 TDCi XLS 4x4 6MT (118kW)
2.2 TDCi XLT 4x2 6MT (118kW)
3.2 TDCi XLT 4x2 6MT(147kW)
3.2 TDCi XLT 4x2 6AT (147kW)
3.2 TDCi XLT 4x4 6MT (147kW)
3.2 TDCi XLT 4x4 6AT (147kW)
3.2 TDCi Wildtrak 4x2 6MT (147kW)
3.2 TDCi Wildtrak 4x2 6AT (147kW)
3.2 TDCi Wildtrak 4x4 6AT (147kW)
Prices for the new Ranger will be announced in November. The current Ranger sells for between R203 900 and R558 900.