Ford dealt Toyota a black eye when it launched the Ranger in 2011. However, while the Blue Oval’s archrival prepares to launch an all-new Hilux early next year, further improvements have been introduced to the Ranger lineup, which now comprises 33 models.
As expected with a facelift, the Ranger’s appearance has been updated by the fitment of a more muscular bonnet that sits above a bolder grille, which is finished in satin silver in the case of the XLS, as opposed to the chrome of the XLT versions. One big change, technically speaking, is the switch to electrically assisted power steering. This is often greeted with a degree of scepticism, but in the Ranger’s case the upgrade seems to have been well executed… We experienced no adverse behaviour or artificial feel during our on-road and mountain climbing excursions. The reason for the change is fuel efficiency and there is apparently a significant improvement in consumption.
A new facia layout has been introduced, but the XLS still uses a small central info screen unlike the upmarket touchscreen on XLT. This middle-of-the-range model is powered by the popular 2,2-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel mated with a six-speed manual gearbox. Power has been enhanced from 110 kW to 118 kW with 385 N.m of torque. We found this was quite adequate for most work, but bear in mind it’s best to make allowances for mild turbolag when executing pullaways. The gear lever has a short and precise throw while the ride quality is good (as one would expect from a Ford).
To accommodate the off-roading community, the Ranger have 230 mm of ground clearance and a wading depth of 800 mm. Shift from 2H to 4H and 4L are actuated through a rotary dial and 16-inch alloy wheels suit this model well for looks and comfort. Higher specified models have 17- or 18-inch wheels while the lower specification uses cheaper steel wheels. A rear differential lock is fitted to 4×4 models.
The Ranger has payload capacity of 1 tonne and can tow a braked mass of 3,5 tonnes. In keeping up with the Joneses ESP, hill ascent and descent assist, traction control and trailer sway assist are fitted. Six airbags and cruise control are standard, but in the case of the latter the adaptive variety is found only in top specification models.
The seat upholstery in the 2,2 TDCi double cab XLS 4×4 is cloth and in some ways it allows for more comfort than the higher specced models’ harder leather upholstery.
Ford Sync 1 gives you a 4,2-inch colour TFT screen. This does include Bluetooth and one USB port. All models come with a four-year/120 000 km warranty and a five-year/100 000 km service plan. Service intervals are now 20 000 km for petrol and diesel models. Fuel consumption is listed as 7,4 L/100 km, so expect a real-life figure of 8,9 L/100 km.
