The New Ford Ranger has been unveiled and it packs a 3.0 Litre V6 Turbo-diesel, smart technology in a design that will set it apart from the segment competitors. Its just the thing for customers seeking Work, Play and Family life in their bakkie.
The front design will be familiar to markets that have the F150 with a C-shaped LED Daytime Lights and for the first time in the segment, there is the option of matrix LED technology for extra lighting at night. The lights are neatly integrated into the dominant grille which has a 3D effect with the Ford logo taking pride of place in the centre. The lower part of the bumper has an X design that integrates the lower air vents and fog lights on either side of the off road bumper cladding finished in silver. Chrome accents are still available on mid level models whilst higher spec models get gloss finish accents on the front grille, bumper, side and rear design features. The bumper has power dome lines that land aggression to the front for that “Move out of the fast lane” effect. The reveal models – the stylish XLT, rugged Sport and adventurer Wildtrak – reflect Ford’s global truck design DNA.
The side is immediately familiar to Ranger customers with the fender vent also showing the model designation. Side steps and roof rails are neatly integrated into the overall design. The new Ranger has a longer wheelbase with each wheel placed closer to the overhangs than before whilst the Wildtrack model getting a gloss finish roll over bar with extensions that run the length of the load bay. Ford has designed a side step near the rear bumper to allow owners to step on when loading stuff on the load bin. New wheel sizes range from new 17-inch alloys up to 20-inch machine-face multi-spoke alloys – a first for Ranger.
The rear has a prominent Ranger name running the full length of the tailgate lid with tail lights placed on the outer edges of the rear. The rear bumper has an integrated step and number plate holder whilst owners seeking accessories like tow hooks are well catered for by Ford Accessories bouquet. The load bin is the widest of any Ranger before allowing owners to fill in a full-size pallet inside whilst load partitioning allows small items to be easily secured. There are well placed tie down hooks around the load bin whilst the 12V socket makes it easy for work connections or for outdoor living. All Ford Ranger comes standard with a load bin protector with Ranger branding. The Ford Ranger also comes with 360degree lighting around the outside of the double can making easy to see at night and also lighting assistance if there is a need to change a tyre at night. Up to eight different exciting exterior colors have been introduced into the lineup, evolving the Ranger’s exterior color palette with innovative and on-trend offerings to suit customer lifestyles.
The longer wheelbase and wider cabin allows a more spacious interior dominated by the 10-inch or 12-inch Infotainment touchscreen with the latest SYNC4 technology. The large horizontal screen allows for more information to be accessible to the front occupants and its neatly integrated into the dashboard for a classy premium look. The large screen is a first of its kind in the segment and it allows for control of many interior features in one easily accessible touchscreen. Climate controls switches are retained below the screen with dials for the front passenger and driver temperature adjustment. Vertical air vents are placed on either side of the screen with chrome accents around the vents whilst grille patters like design form part of the vents design. The instrument cluster is now fully digital and allows varying view options linked to the drive and off road modes.
The cabin seas a noticeable increase in quality fit and finish with soft touch materials used around the cabin for that premium feel and look. Stowage space has been prioritised with dash top binnacles, open stowage space in front of front passenger making it easy to put smartphones within easy reach. Cup holders are placed around the cabin with pop out holders placed in front of the side vents cooling or warming drinks. There is a rotary knob near the eGear transmission, which allows the owner to choose different drive modes.
The seats are wider and more supportive with a pattern finish design. Cloth, leather options are available depending on the needs of the buyer. The door opening handles are now integrated into the door grab handles for one arm door opening.
Powering the new Ford Ranger are 4 engine global options all with Turbo spec with each market selection known closer to launch. Topping the range is a new V6 Turbodiesel 3.0-litre engine specifically deigned by Ford for the Ranger which Ford claims will have class leading power and torque figures (we estimate at +200kW and +600Nm). Lower down the range there is the tried and trusted 2.0-litre Turbodiesel motor in single or Bi-Turbo configuration. New transmission choices include an updated 10-speed auto or six-speed manual, complementing the current six-speed automatic. Petrol customers are served by a tried and tested 2.3-L EcoBoost four cylinder engine. Drive options are 4×2, 4×4 and a new electronically controlled full time 4×4. Diff lock options vary depending on model.
The suspension in the new Ranger is designed to offer a smoother and comfortable ride in a mix between unloaded comfort and laden robustness. Ford claims class leading Noise, vibration and harshness levels giving the Ranger a claimed passenger like ride comfort. For added off road capabilities, Ford engineers designed a suspension with axle articulation for car like and better off road handling.
Tech in the new Ranger is accessible through the FordPass App which enhances the ownership experience with features like remote start, vehicle status check and remote lock and unlock functions via your mobile device. Depending on markets, there will be online features designed to enhance the ownership experience. A Ranger Concierge is also available to Ranger allowing access to a Ford expert, who will be their point of contact the whole way till their need is resolved. Convenient online service appointments – Ford dealers will even pick up and deliver a customer’s Ranger for them. Or, if they prefer, replace their vehicle while it’s being serviced with another Ranger, so they can continue with their business or family life.
The next-generation Ranger will be built at Ford’s plants in Thailand and South Africa beginning in 2022, with other markets to be announced at a later date. Specific market launch details will be announced in due course