The new Ford Ranger was launched recently and features macho Single Cab, Double Cab and innovative Super Cab models. A muscular 154 kW four-litre V6 powerplant tops off the range.
The new Ford Ranger was launched recently and features macho Single Cab, Double Cab and innovative Super Cab models. A muscular 154 kW four-litre petrol engine tops off the range – although Ford Motor Company of South Africa says the V6-powered units will be only be released during November.
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, will add 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.
Petrol models:
1800 LWB (NRH) R124 050
1800 LWB XL (NRH) R126 950
2200 LWB (NRH) R132 100
2200 LWB XL (NRH) R135 000
4000 Super Cab 4×2 tba
4000 Super Cab 4×4 tba
4000 Double Cab XLE 4×2 tba
4000 Double Cab XLE 4×4 tba
4000 Double Cab XLE 4×2 Auto tba
4000 Double Cab XLE 4×4 Auto tba
Diesel Models
2500D LWB (NRH) R147 050
2500D LWB XL (NRH) R149 950
2500TD LWB Hi -Trail R176 045
2500TD LWB XL Hi -Trail R183 495
2500TD Super Cab XLT Hi -Trail R209 950
2500TD Super Cab XLT 4×4 R243 500
2500TD Double Cab XLT Hi -Trail R244 715
2500TD Double Cab XLT 4×4 R297 495
Options
Metallic Paint R660
Diff Lock R2200
Leather Seats (Double Cab) R4000
Leather Seats (Super Cab) R2000
Alloy Wheels R2010
Air Conditioner R6500
