Ford expands next-gen Ranger line-up

Set to hit showroom floors in the month of March, here is everything there is to know about the Blue Oval additions to the Ford Ranger line-up.

Launched in December last year, Ford states that the next-generation double cab model has been a roaring success and will hope that their new additions will continue to bolster the popular nameplate. “The next-generation Ford Ranger double cab models have been exceptionally well-received thanks to the bold styling, outstanding comfort and refinement, exceptional safety and superb performance,” says Doreen Mashinini, the general manager for marketing at Ford South Africa.

The newest addition to wear the Ranger badge boasts increased dimensions, with the upgraded chassis boasting a wheelbase 50mm longer than before. The track has also been lengthened by the same number which makes the cargo bay able to fit a standard European pallet between the arches. The loadbox length on the single cab measures in at 2 305mm while the payload capacity ranges between 964-1 186kg depending on model.

Interior

Inside, the newest Ranger models have been equipped with an nine-inch customisable digital instrument cluster. Adjacent to that is Ford’s SYNC® 4A connectivity and entertainment system measuring at 10.1-inches on the XL and XLT and 12-inches on the Wildtrak. This includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as USB-A and USB-C ports on all models. A wireless charger is standard on the Wildtrak and optional on XLT models.

On the Wildtrak, a dedicated off-road screen displays 4×4 information such as driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch and roll angles. The same screen is also linked to a 360-degree camera on the model while a rotary dial activates a total of six drive modes, including the additional mud & ruts and sand settings. Ranger XLT models are equipped with push-button selectable drive modes comprising normal, eco, tow/haul and slippery.

All models are equipped as standard with Dynamic Stability Control incorporating ABS, Load Adaptive Control, Roll Over Mitigation, Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist and Trailer Sway Control. The 4×4 models also gain Hill Descent Control, with cruise control standard on XLT models and optional on XL. The Wildtrak goes one step further and includes adaptive cruise control with stop & go and lane centrering, evasive steer assist, reverse brake assist and tyre pressure monitoring system. Also standard on the Wildtrak (optional on XLT as part of the upgrade packs) are lane keeping system with road edge detection, blind spot monitor with trailer coverage, cross traffic alert, post-collision braking and pre-collision assist (with dynamic brake support, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection).

Available powertrains

Similar to the double cab line-up, the newest additions to the Blue Oval stables will include the two-litre single turbo and bi-turbo inline-four diesel engines. The former is found in the XL and has outputs of 125kW and 405Nm and can be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox or an automatic with the same number of cogs. Buyers can also specify a choice of 4×2 or electronic shift-on-the-fly 4×4 systems. The XLT includes the same engine paired solely to the automatic.

Further up the list is the two-litre bi-turbo engine which is exclusive to the super cab 4×4 models in a choice of XLT and Wildtrak trim levels. A significant bump in power measures in at 154kW and 500Nm and is delivered to the wheels courtesy of a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Model range

The XL series features 16-inch alloy wheels in Sparkle Silver fitted with locking wheel nuts, along with a body-colour front bumper and black rear bumper. A towbar is optional, while Ford’s innovative lift assistance for the tailgate greatly improves ease of use. Power adjustable mirrors are fitted along with cloth seats, full carpets, all-weather rubber mats for the driver and passenger, and a 12-volt socket in the centre console bin.

Customers have the option of choosing from five XL upgrade packs which provides increased cosmetic and functional enhancements including chrome trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rear-view camera with park distance sensors, cruise control and 17-inch rims with either all-terrain or all-season tyres, and a specially developed off-road pack with steel underbody protection for the front, engine and transfer case, a plastic fuel tank guard and 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with all-terrain tyres.

The XLT boasts the C-clamp LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, front grille with a chrome centre bar, and body-colour treatment for the mirrors, door handles and rear bumper. A spray-in bed liner with integrated 12V power socket adds further practicality to the load compartment. The XLT is also equipped with side steps and a towbar as standard.

Six upgrade packs are also available on the XLT series. A styling pack is available with black treatment for the front grille, mirrors and door handles, the addition of a black sports bar, painted accent colours for the front and rear bumpers and fog lamp bezels. A choice of 17 and 18-inch alloy sport wheels are available, along with the off-road underbody protection kit which is packaged with 17 or 18-inch rims and all-terrain tyres. The interior upgrades comprise dual-zone climate control, wireless charging pad, embedded navigation for the SYNC® 4A system, partial leather seats and auxiliary accessory switches mounted in the roof. Safety upgrades available include the Collision Mitigation System (with Pre-Collision Assist, Dynamic Brake Support, Forward Collision Warning and Automated Emergency Braking), Post-Impact Braking, Lane Keep Assist (with Lane-Keeping and Road Departure warning) and automatic high-beam headlight activation.

The Wildtrak Super Cab is distinguished from the rest of the range with its mesh grille finished in signature Boulder Grey, which is also used for the mirrors, front bumper and rear bumper. The Ranger’s innovative load box side step is standard, along with roof rails, rear sports hoop, aluminium load box tie-down rails, LED front fog lamps and exterior mirrors with puddle lamps. Standard 18-inch alloy rims are fitted with all-season tyres, but customers can opt for all-terrain 18-inch tyres or 20-inch alloy rims with all-season tyres.

Read the original story on CAR Magazine.