There’s a certain way we expect a bakkie to be and it's not an urban warrior of any kind.
We want them to tower above traffic, tackle tall dunes and hop over huge rocks on a farm just outside Timbuktu. And something like a Ranger Raptor does all that an much more.
But now Ford is presenting something different with the Ranger MS-RT, which was recently revealed in the UK. Lowered and widened, this “street truck” of sorts was inspired by the racing bakkies that compete in Asia.
It rolls on 21-inch diamond cut alloy wheels - the largest ever fitted to a production Ranger. Shod with low profile 275/45 R21 tyres they fit snugly into flared wheel arches that extend the overall width of the bakkie by 82mm at both axles.
A bakkie like this deserves a unique chassis set-up, and to that end the Ranger MS-RT comes with retuned suspension at both ends, including firmer shocks up front. But it seems that Ford opted not to trade the rear leaf springs for a coil set-up that might have suited such a vehicle a bit better, albeit adding to the cost and complexity.
On the upside, the performance truck does retain its one-tonne load lugging ability as a result, while the braked towing capacity remains at 3,500kg.
The Ford Ranger MS-RT is powered by Ford’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, which is tuned to 177kW and 600Nm in European markets. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and new e4WD full-time four-wheel drive system.
Apart from the wider and lower stance, a glut of unique design details distinguish the MS-RT from regular Ford Rangers, including a honeycomb grille and integrated splitter upfront, sculpted side skirts and a unique rear bumper that incorporates a diffuser.
Buyers will get to choose from a range of exterior colours, including Conquer Grey, and all renditions boast Agate Black painted mirror caps and door handles.
It’s quite unique on the inside too, thanks to race-style bucket seats, upholstered in non-animal eco-leather and suede with distinctive blue stitching. The MS-RT also gains a sculpted sports steering wheel with a blue 12 o-clock marker and MR-RT branded inlay.
“If Ranger Raptor is the ultimate off-road truck, then the Ranger MS-RT is the ultimate street truck,” said Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro Europe.
“It’s a departure from what we usually see in this segment in Europe, but with more car-like driving dynamics and the towing and carrying capacity unchanged, we believe it will offer a compelling new option for pick-up customers.”
Unfortunately Ford South Africa says it currently has no plans to offer this model in South Africa.