Ford’s Next Gen Ranger is here at last. We take a look
Ford South Africa has finally launched double cab versions of its Next-Gen Ranger. Expected to be a bakkie world disruptor, the most advanced and capable Double Cab Rangers yet, are already available, with Single and Rap Cab variants to follow and build a 24-strong model range early in 2023.
Packing the choice of Ford’s improved and dependable 125 kW Single and 154 kW 2-litre Bi-Turbo diesel 4-pots, and an all-new 184 kW 600 Nm V6 turbodiesel flagship, the new Ranger is more than just a facelift. It brings load bay, suspension and chassis improvements, better functionality and better access too.
Next Gen Ranger has bold Ford global look
New Ranger is set apart by a bold and confident Ford global truck design with a defined grille, and signature C-clamp headlight treatment. A subtle shoulder line harmonises with signature taillight graphics and bolder wheel-arches to bring a surefooted stance.
A flexible, modern, and plush cabin gets digital instrumentation and Ford’s latest SYNC® 4A infotainment in 10.1-inch or 12-inch centre stack touchscreens. High-tech features include FordPass modem connectivity and a 360-degree camera on Wildtrak models.
There’s ample place to store and even wirelessly charge your phone, and for goodies and essentials of all sizes. Stash it in the large centre console bin, larger new door cards, in the hidden upper dash glovebox, or in the storage bins under and behind the rear seats.
Add ‘exceptional’ advanced safety features and new driver assistance technologies and a sharp new package too.
Proudly Built in Pretoria & PE
Next Gen Ranger is proudly produced at Ford’s Pretoria Plant. The Silverton facility benefited a R16-billion investment to modernise and be ready. A further R600-million was spent to introduce the new V6 and upgrade 4-cylinder assembly at Ford’s Struandale, Gqeberha Engine Plant.
“Our Next-Gen Ranger builds on this bakkie’s success with a vehicle that delivers so much more performance, capability, tech, safety and the entire driving experience,” Ford Marketing Manager Doreen Mashinini promises. “We designed Next-Gen Ranger to inspire owners to do more of what they love to do. “New Ranger’s features to encourage them to explore new horizons.”
Ford spared nothing in enhancing Next Gen Ranger’s load ability, which is good news for bakkie owners. Spawned on by its new twin Amarok’s predecessor’s Euro pallet swallowing load bay, Ford shifted the rear suspension dampers outboard of the frame rails.
Next Gen Ranger bak gobbles Euro Pallets
That, over a 50 mm wider track, has enabled the new Ranger’s load bay to grow 50 mm wider. It now accommodates that Euro Pallet. It also improves ride on and off-road, at any load.
Bak improvements include a tough plastic-moulded bedliner on Wildtrak. And a spray-in bedliner on the XLT that’s optional on other models. There’s also a handy integrated side-step behind the rear wheels. The tailgate even doubles as a work bench with integrated ruler and clamp pockets.
Loadbay options include extra cargo tie down points on strong steel tube rails. And durable, flexible load box caps to conceal structural accessory attachment points. Wildtrak an XLTs offer a spring-loaded cleat dividers cargo management option to hold items of any size.
More space for the V6, better cooling
Shifting the front wheels forward to achieve a 50 mm longer wheelbase also makes for more space for the new V6 engine in the hydro-formed bay. It also improves high load engine cooling efficiency and improves the approach angle for better off-road ability.
All Ranger Double Cabs get Dynamic Stability Control with ABS braking, Roll Over Mitigation and Load Adaptive, Traction and Trailer Sway Controls. Pre-Collision Assist and Braking, Blind Spot and Trailer Info, Cross Traffic Alert and Road Edge Detection Lane Keeping with are standard on Wildtrak and optional on XLT.
Wildtrak also gets Evasive Steer and Reverse Brake Assist, Stop & Go Adaptive Cruise with Lane Centring, and Park Assist 2.0.
The Next-Gen Ranger Double Cab line-up includes two 125 kW six-speed manual Base models in 4×2 or 4×4. Four 125 kW XL models include 4×2 and 4×4 variants with the option of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Four DC XLT models come in 125 or 154 kW in 10-speed automatic and 4×2 or 4×4.
184 kW 3-litre V6 turbodiesel tops Next Gen range
The flagship Wildtraks come in the 154 kW 4-pot biturbo 10-speed auto in rear or four-wheel drive. Topping the range, Ford has adapted its proven 184 kW 3-litre V6 turbodiesel for the Ranger driving a 10-speed auto with permanent all-wheel drive.
A growing and extensive range of 200 factory-backed urban, adventure and commercial New Ranger option packs include design, safety and convenience features relevant to each model series.
The latest SYNC system’s Ford Pass acta as a Ranger Service Concierge for the standard four-year/120,000 km warranty’s 15 000 km or annual services, Roadside Assistance and more. Maintenance plans can be bought up to up to eight years or 165 000 km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200,000 km.
New Ranger 4×4 buyers earn a complimentary 4×4 training course. Find out more at Ford’s Next-Gen Ranger learning hub on ford.co.za.
Can Next Gen Ranger topple the King?
Ford makes no bones that it intends finding new bakkie customers, as much as it will cosset existing owners with its new Next Gen Ranger. Clearly the Motor Company is after that number 1 slot its eternal rival has held on to for so long.
Will it succeed? Well, that only time will tell, as the monthly SA new car sales charts will ultimately decide its fate. On the face of it however, the new Next Gen Ranger is off to a mighty good Double Cab start. Especially considering its launch prices below. – Michele Lupini.
Next Gen Ford Ranger Double Cab Pricing 2.0 SiT 4x2 6MT R486K 2.0 SiT 4x4 6MT R528K 2.0 SiT XL 4x2 6MT R529K 2.0 SiT XL 4x2 6AT R544K 2.0 SiT XL 4x4 6MT R607K 2.0 SiT XL 4x4 6AT R621K 2.0 SiT XLT 4x2 6AT R592K 2.0 SiT XLT 4x4 6AT R669K 2.0 BiT XLT 4x2 10AT R702K 2.0 BiT XLT 4x4 10AT R782K 2.0 BiT Wildtrak 4x2 10AT R778K 2.0 BiT Wildtrak 4x4 10AT R867K 3.0 V6 Wildtrak 4WD 10AT R953K