New Ford Ranger charges ahead

This is a segment that was owned by Toyota’s Hilux for many years. But in more recent times it has been Ford’s Ranger that has been spoiling their party by claiming the number one spot on a few occasions. Ranger has shown 34 percent year on year growth over the past few years, and in fact is in fact the country’s number one selling double cab lifestyle leisure option. Let me put this into perspective before the Toyota people take me off their Christmas card list.

The Hilux fights back and comprehensively cleans up in the workhorse single cab segment, while the two manufacturers trade even blows in the Supercab mixed lifestyle / workhorse segment. And now with the new Ford Ranger that is set to establish new benchmarks in the LCV segment with an uncompromised blend of robust capability, craftsmanship and advanced technology, it would seem they will continue to be the thorn in Hilux’s side regardless of how slice and dice the sales figures.

Starting with styling, the new Ford Ranger is simply the best looking of the lot at the moment for me. A bakkie must look tough and this the Ranger does thanks to a new trapezoidal grille, which connects seamlessly with the projector headlamps thus accentuating the Ranger’s width and strong stance.

The new Ford ranger Wildtrak. Picture: Supplied

There is a massive 33 model derivatives to choose from as well as a five different spec levels along with the choice of auto or manual transmissions and diesel or petrol engines to satisfy the demand of just about any buyer.

The engines available for this update are the mighty 3.2-litre DuratorqTDCi five-cylinder diesel engine that tops the range, and has earned an impressive reputation for its segment-defining levels of performance. Upgrades include a new exhaust gas recirculation system that helps improve fuel efficiency by up to 18 percent it is claimed, while still producing 147kW of power and 470Nm of torque.

Similarly the revised 2.2-litre four-cylinder DuratorqTDCi benefits from a raft of upgrades in the interests of performance, refinement and efficiency. The peak outputs of the high-power derivative climb from 110kW on the previous model, to 118kW while torque is boosted by 10Nm to an impressive 385Nm. An economical mid-power 2.2 DuratorqTDCi engine is also available in certain models, producing 88kW and 285Nm.

The new Ford ranger Wildtrak. Picture: Supplied

The new Ranger is also available with Ford’s dependable 2.5-litre Duratec petrol engine, providing 122kW of power and 226Nm of torque. We got to drive both high powered diesels on launch and both do a great job of covering distance with ease. I just can’t help but think that Ford is missing a trick by not offering an auto with the 2.2 diesel instead of just on the 3.2 unit.

Handling on the Ranger has been improved and revised thanks to the Ford engineers that have fine-tuned the suspension of the new version for additional comfort and even better handling. The seriously impressive driving experience is further enhanced by an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, which provides precise steering with a natural and confident feel. With EPAS, steering is light and manageable for low-speed manoeuvring, such as parking, and precise at higher speeds.

The level of assistance varies based on speed, steering wheel angle, cornering forces and acceleration or deceleration. Furthermore, by eliminating the power steering pump used in a traditional power-steering system, EPAS also results in a quieter vehicle and improves fuel efficiency by about three percent it is claimed. Engineers went even further in the quest for a car like drive and fitted the new Ranger with advanced sound-deadening materials and improved insulation for one of the quietest and most comfortable cabin interiors in its class.

We were give the obligatory off-road drive in the Ranger and the exceptional 800mm water wading depth along with 230mm of ground clearance, 28-degree approach angle and 25-degree departure angle, meant we could go where we please with absolute ease and confidence. A robust electronically controlled transfer case allows drivers in 4×4 models to shift on the fly from 4×2 to 4×4 high via a knob on the centre console. For low-speed torque or additional downhill control, drivers can also engage low-range 4×4 gearing, while an electronic locking rear differential helps to improve traction in difficult conditions.

The new Ford ranger Wildtrak. Picture: Supplied

These off-road strengths are matched to a towing capability of up to 3 500kg and impressive payload capacity to provide you a bakkie that not only looks touch but actually is. But most bakkies are tough to be honest, it is the under the skin changes that move this Ranger above the competition. There is an array of driver assist technologies. The entire new Ranger line-up features an impressive level of standard equipment, including Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and ABS on all but the Base model (ABS is an option).

The ESP system integrates Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, Adaptive Load Control and Trailer Sway Control, while ABS includes Emergency Brake Assistance and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. In addition, the top-specification new Ranger Wildtrak redefines the LCV segment like I said with a wide range of first-in-class driver aids including Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Driver Impairment Monitor, as well as Front and Rear Park Assist.

Moving inside, the updated exterior has been combined with a stylish new interior that creates an even more comfortable, contemporary and car-like environment for the driver and passengers. Behind the steering wheel, a new dual-TFT instrument cluster provides drivers with information about the vehicle, as well as entertainment and cellphone features at a glance.

A host of cutting-edge technologies are also available on the new Ford Ranger to help drivers stay connected and in control. SYNC2, the latest generation of Ford’s in-car connectivity system, gives drivers smarter and safer ways to stay connected and is standard on the new Ranger XLT and Wildtrak.

The new Ford ranger Wildtrak. Picture: Supplied

Using natural voice commands, like “temperature 20 degrees”, “play AC/DC” or “call John”, the driver can control the car’s climate controls, entertainment system and phone functions more easily than ever before. An eight-inch touchscreen places more controls at the driver’s fingertips, with colour-coded corners for easy menu navigation.

For extra convenience, the new Ranger features a 240-volt power socket that can be used to power a laptop computer or mobile device anywhere, from a work site to a family road trip. By now I am sure you are wondering what the new Ranger costs? Well I can’t tell you because for some or other reason Ford SA would not part with this information at launch and say that they will be known at the end of the month when the vehicles hit the dealers.

So as soon as we know the pricing, we will let you know. Either way I am happy to state that this is the best all round factory standard bakkie I have yet to drive. All models are sold with a four-year / 120 000km comprehensive warranty, five-year / 100 000km service plan (excluding Base derivatives), three-year / unlimited km roadside assistance and five-year / unlimited km corrosion warranty.

The new Ford ranger Wildtrak. Picture: Supplied

Service intervals are every 20 000km on both petrol and diesel derivatives. All 4×4 vehicles sold include a free 4×4 training course.