The Ford Ranger features three macho models – the Single Cab, Double Cab and innovative Super Cab.The Ford Ranger features three macho models – the Single Cab, Double Cab and innovative Super Cab. A muscular V6 engine tops off the range.
The entire Ranger series features a new front bumper and grille design, a more rounded body shape, larger integrated headlamps, updated bonnet and larger wheel arch flares. There is a double skinned loadbox and ribbed load floor and roll bars are standard on the Super and Double Cabs. There are also new alloy wheels, instrument panel, cloth trim (and optional leather seat trim), additional storage pockets and electric mirrors on the Super and Double Cabs.
The range retains its 2,5-litre diesel engines: the 2,5-litre naturally aspirated diesel engine, which develops 64 kW at 4 200 r/min and a maximum torque of 174 N.m at 2 000 r/min, and the 2,5-litre intercooled turbo diesel motor that produces 80 kW at 3 500 r/min and 257 N.m of torque at 2 000 r/min.
There is a choice of three petrol engines, starting with a 1,8-litre four-cylinder. The 1,8 produces 64 kW at 5 500 r/min and maximum torque of 135 Nm at 3 500 r/min and the 2,2-litre petrol engine develops 77 kW at 5 000 r/min and 174 Nm of torque at 3 500 r/min.
But the heart of the Ford Explorer range in the US, the four-litre V6 petrol engine, adds much more muscle to the flagships of the Ranger series. Featuring Ford’s EEC V Power control module (PCM) engine management, the V6 yields peak power of 154 kW of power at 5 250 r/min and a 323 N.m of torque at 3 000 r/min.
A five-speed automatic transmission will be an option on the four-litre Double Cab, making the Ranger only the bakkie range in South Africa to offer self-shifting models in both 4×2 and 4×4.
Single Cab Rangers are all 4×2 long wheelbase models and incorporate the 1,8 and 2,2 petrol engines as well as the 2,5 diesel and 2,5 turbodiesel engines.
The Ranger Super Cab is differentiated by its four “suicide doors” and offers buyers additional storage space behind the front seats through a Dual Rear Access System (RAS). The 2,5 TD and four-litre V6 engines are available in both 4×2 and 4×4 Super Cab configurations.
Six models are offered in Double Cab guise. The 2,5 TD and four-litre V6 powerplants are available in both the 4×2 and 4×4 Double Cabs. There is an centre armrests and cup holders added to the rear seats and a new 12V power point in the loadbox of the Super- and Double Cabs can power equipment like refrigerators.
As for safety, all models include a brand new crumple zone design and side impact beams are now standard in all doors across the range. The V6 Double Cabs, meanwhile, are equipped with driver and passenger airbags and as ABS. All Rangers are equipped with a detachable driveshaft, which releases impact energy rather than transmitting it through the rear axle and cabin area, a collapsible steering shaft and fuel tanks that are protected by the inclusion of a fuel tank guard, the manufacturer says.
All primary stress points of the Ranger’s bodyshell are reinforced accordingly. This, together with the use of thicker gauge materials, has resulted in 13 per cent greater body and frame stiffness, reinforced passenger cage structure, one-piece door stampings, overlapped ladder frame and strengthened cross bracing, a Ford spokesman said this week.
The automatic front wheel locking hubs, which are automatically engaged when shifting into four-wheel drive mode, has been carried over from the previous Ranger series.
Although the vehicle should be stationary when engaging four-wheel drive the first time, switching from four-wheel drive to two-wheel drive and back to four-wheel drive can be done when the vehicle is travelling at less than 100 km/h, a Ford spokesman said.
When intending to remain in two-wheel drive, the hubs can be automatically unlocked by pressing the Remote Free Wheel (RFW) button on the instrument panel. A differential lock is available as an option on all Ranger single cab models and is standard on all 4X2 / 4X4 Super- and Double Cabs.
