It is all to be found in the latest Ford Ranger

“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 so 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 of marketing at Ford South Africa.

It does look good – does it not?

Visually, the Next-Generation Ranger is bold and confident, with a purposeful exterior that shares Ford’s global truck design DNA. The design features a defined new grille, and signature C-clamp headlight treatment at the front while a subtle shoulder line down the sides incorporates bolder wheel arches that give Ranger a sure-footed stance. At the back, the tail lights are designed in harmony with the signature graphics on the front.

Beneath the new bodywork is an upgraded chassis riding on a wheelbase 50mm longer and a track 50mm wider than the prior Ranger. A hydro-formed front-end structure creates more space in the engine bay for the new V6 engine. It also opens up the front of the bakkie to allow more airflow to the radiator, which helps keep running temperatures low when towing or carrying heavy loads.

New powertrain choices

“The 3.0L turbodiesel V6 delivers seemingly endless power and torque matched to exceptional refinement, which is exactly what our customers wanted,” Mashinini says.

The 3.0L V6 Diesel is exclusively offered in range-topping Wildtrak specification, and produces an impressive 184kW of power matched to a substantial 600Nm. This is optimally delivered to the road via Ford’s responsive 10-speed automatic transmission and a permanent all-wheel drive system.

The Next-Gen Ranger will also come with a choice of updated versions of the proven 2.0-litre single turbo and bi-turbo, in-line, four-cylinder diesel engines. In the Base, XL and XLT Double Cab variants, the 2.0L single turbo unit produces 125kW and 405Nm and is mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.

The 2.0L bi-turbo engine is a more sophisticated, performance variant for customers who want more power matched to good fuel economy, thanks in part to the advanced 10-speed automatic transmission, which has been further updated and refined. It is available in two XLT Double Cab derivatives and two Wildtrak Double Cab models – both with a choice of 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains.

Improved ride and handling

Engineers moved the front wheels forward by 50mm for a better approach angle and outboard for better off-road articulation, both of which improve the off-roading experience. They also shifted the rear suspension dampers outboard of the frame rails to give drivers and passengers a better ride both on- and off-road, no matter if they’re carrying heavy cargo for work, or just taking the family out for dinner.

Customers have a choice of two four-wheel drive systems – an electronic shift-on-the-fly system on the 2.0-litre models, or an advanced full-time 4×4 system with a reassuring set-and-forget mode on the range-topping Wildtrak 3.0L V6 Diesel, designed for capability when and where customers need it. Off-road recovery is made easier with prominent dual recovery hooks in the front bumper.

Customer-focused interior features

“We know our customers are looking for a smart and functional interior space that feels comfortable. So, we set about designing it with a high level of well-integrated technology, clever functional storage and visual cues so the environment feels comfortable and spacious,” Mashinini says.

The heart of the Next-Gen Ranger’s connected experience is the large touchscreen in the centre stack – 10.1-inch in the case of the Base, XL and XLT models, or a 12-inch version on the Wildtrak. It complements the fully digital instrument panel and is loaded with Ford’s latest SYNC 4A system, which comes customer-ready with its voice-activated communications, entertainment and information systems.

Additionally, there’s an embedded factory-fitted modem across the range, allowing connectivity on the go when linked with the FordPass App, so customers can stay connected to their world. FordPass enhances the ownership experience with features like remote start, vehicle status check and health alerts, digital owner’s manual and remote lock and unlock functions via your mobile device.

Many of the traditional driving mode controls have been moved from the dash and centre console to their own dedicated display on the SYNC screen. With one button press, Wildtrak owners, for instance, can go to a dedicated screen for all off-road and drive modes where they can monitor the driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch and roll angles and other controls.

The screen also is linked to a 360-degree camera on the Wildtrak models to make parking a breeze in tight urban spaces or to assist when negotiating particularly tricky terrain while out exploring. In addition, Wildtrak V6 customers can control Ranger’s new exterior zone lighting system via the touchscreen or the FordPass App, which means they don’t have to work, camp or do anything in the dark.

“You’ll find the interior plush but with the dual purpose of work and play in mind. The new short-throw e-shifter on the Wildtrak is central to the layout and is another example of where customers really guided our decision making, enhancing the technology and intuitive use for Ranger owners,” Mashinini says.

Exceptional safety

The Next-Gen Ranger incorporates an exceptional range of new and enhanced active and passive safety features. All Double Cab models are equipped with dynamic stability control incorporating ABS, 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 that are exclusive to the top-spec Wildtrak include evasive steer assist, reverse brake assist, adaptive cruise control with stop & go and lane centering, as well as active park assist 2.0.

Accessories to personalise your Ranger

Next-Gen Ranger enables customers to express their uniqueness by accessorising their vehicles with a wide range of accessories. With a growing list of over 200 factory-backed adventure, urban and commercial accessories, customers will be able to personalise their Rangers to suit their lifestyle.

Pricing starts at R486 000 and includes a four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance, and a five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever occurs first.

Customers have the option of purchasing service or maintenance plans for up to eight years or 165 000km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200 000km, while the roadside assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years.

Source: MotorPress