Ford’s next made in SA Ranger has broken cover. It gets a V6 too
Ford has put over a century of light commercial knowledge and a huge dose of customer input into it’s all-new Ranger revealed this morning. Set to tackle over 180 markets around the world with a significant number of those bakkies coming out of Ford’s Silverton, Pretoria plant, the newcomer will also be available with a turbodiesel V6 for the first time
V6 Turbodiesel a Ranger First
Revealed in stylish XLT, rugged Sport and adventurer Wildtrak, the new Ranger rides on a 50 mm longer wheelbase 50mm and 50mm wider track with more space in the engine bay for the new V6 engine and to future-proof the Ranger for other propulsion technologies. Biggest news is that 3-litre turbodiesel V6. No further data was available, but the 3-litre Powerstroke V6 produces 186 kW and 600 Nm in the Ford F150. Tantalising.
The release confirms the 132 kW 420 Nm 2 litre single and 150 kW 500 Nm biturbo diesels. A 210 kW 415 Nm 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol four pot will also be available. As it already is as the sole Ranger engine in the US. Whether that makes it to SA remains to be seen, but local models may well include the older 88 kW 235 Nm workhorse and 118 kW 385 Nm turbo 2.2 4-cylinder and 147 kW 470 Nm 3.2 turbo diesel 5-pots in price friendlier guises.
“This truck has always been a trusted partner to small business owners, farmers, families, adventurers, commercial fleets and so many more,” Ford boss Jim Farley explained. “Sold in more than 180 markets around the world, this new Ranger is our moment to deliver. “Not just a product our customers will love, but an always-on experience that will help us build strong and lasting relationships with them. “This is the midsize truck people will want to own and experience.”
Bold, Purposeful Look, High Tech Cabin
Boasting a bold and purposeful look and a sleek, high-tech cabin. The significantly facelifted version of the outgoing bakkie benefits an upgraded chassis. Reworked suspension is said to ensure excellent ride and handling. Whether riding alone, with passengers, fully loaded with cargo or towing. New Ranger’s range durable petrol and diesel powertrains will turn its 10-speed transmission in either rear wheel drive or 4×4 in single, cab and a half and double cabs.
Packing all-new 10.1 or giant 12-inch touchscreen center stack voice-activated SYNC4 infotainment. Ranger also has latest FordPass connectivity, a 360-degree camera and it will accept software updates via an embedded modem. Ranger also gets a new short-throw e-shifter, clever storage and other useful owner features. A 50mm wider load box packs in a wider variety of cargo, including a full-size pallet. That Amarok influence coming through there…
A wide variety of new Ranger accessories will be available from launch. The new SA-built Ford Ranger arrives on local roads early in the new year…
