Ford has finally taken the wraps of an updated version of its Ranger, albeit in North American specification. And the US-spec bakkie’s fresh styling likely previews updates that are expected to roll out to South Africa in 2019.
While SA-spec bakkies come from the Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria – where Ford will also assemble the new Ranger Raptor from 2019 – this US-spec model will be built in Michigan, as the nameplate returns to North America after an absence of about seven years.
It features a powertrain developed specifically for the North American market in the form of a version of Ford’s 2,3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission (that’s right, the US doesn’t get a diesel). No word yet on outputs or performance figures, although it should be noted that this turbocharged engine makes 233 kW and 430 N.m in the Mustang.
In terms of styling updates, note the Ranger logo stamped onto the tailgate, the fresh alloy wheel design, the so-called “power domes” on the bonnet, the redesigned headlamps and the latest interpretation of the Ford family’s front grille.
The US market will furthermore gain the option of an FX4 off-road package that includes off-road-tuned shocks, all-terrain tyres, a frame-mounted heavy-gauge steel front bash-plate, frame-mounted skid plates and FX4 badging, along with a “terrain management system” featuring four distinct drive modes.
Ford recently announced the investment of an additional R3-billion to expand its production capacity in South Africa.
