Ford Ranger SuperCab breaks important bakkie record
Stepping up as we have through our Auto Tests of the Made in South Africa Ford Ranger range over the past few weeks, we come to the middle of the range rap cab, as some like to call it, in biturbo Wildtrak configuration. When the New Ranger was launched our first test of a biturbo Ranger proved quite significant. It was the fastest four-pot diesel bakkie we’d ever run.
So we were also keen to see if this stubbier cab-and-a-half would match that record mark, which still stood. An important one, considering two-litre turbodiesel bakkies are the most popular vehicle type in the market, and that the Bakkie, and now Auto Test 0-100 has always been an important marker alongside toting and towing capacity, and the like.
Would this one match that 8.81 second zero to 100 km/h mark, or was it, as it has been occasionally over the years, just another bakkie maker turning up the boost because we’d crow on about a new record? Well, lo and behold, this one was even quicker.
Meet Auto’s new diesel bakkie test king
Maybe it’s its slightly lighter mass made the difference, but meet the quickest four-pot turbodiesel bakkie we’ve ever tested. And yes, its once again a Ford Ranger. The new mark, by the by, is 8,61 seconds to one hundred, a couple of tenths clear of the double-cab XLT we ran last time. But that’s of course just a small part if it.
It is however certainly worth noting that four cylinder turbodiesels have come a long, long way in the 30 years that we’ve been testing them. Back then it was an honour to get into the eleven second bracket. And it took fifteen years to finally break ten.
So that pretty well clears up that this bakkie is quick for what it is. Moving on then, it certainly doesn’t begin or end on the drag strip for a bakkie. Ranger certainly looks the part and rides well too. In fact it’s among the better bakkies out there to drive. The cab is harmonious with the chassis, which is also in fine tune with the suspension. Stiff, yet not harsh, Fordhas Ranger’s chassis well sorted. It feels safe, planted and satisfying to drive.
Ranger SuperCab: all the spec and VAT free too
Best of all, perhaps, is the fact that single and super cab bakkies like this, are VAT free for business use cases. To save you a further 15% in South Africa. And then Ford reckons this Super Cab Wildtrak stands completely alone in this segment when it comes to tech and capability. With which we must concur.
It packs an abundance of new technology. Being a Wildtrak, this Ford SYNC 4A infotainment steps up to a larger and crisper full 12 inch portrait touchscreen. It wirelessly accommodates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wireless charging, high-definition 360-degree cameras as well as a much improved audio system.
Add multiple drive modes and towing luxuries, auto high beam, fully adaptive cruise control, roll over mitigation, active park assist, trailer inclusive BLIS with cross traffic alert, shift on the fly 4×4, FordPass Connect with remote start, trailer light check, and way, way more. Happily, the adaptive lane keep assist is easy to turn off if you don’t want the interference.
SuperCab Infotainment easy to use. Or is it?
The infotainment is simple to navigate, it’s not too overwhelming, and there are almost enough knobs and buttons too. When you are parked, that is. It does become a bit more of a challenge to operate on the move, however.
This latest Ranger XLT brings a host of vital load bay improvements, better functionality, and better access too. Loadability is another Ranger plus. It swallows a Euro pallet, the tailgate doubles as a work bench and those sidesteps behind the rear wheels make the bak easy to access. And it will carry all but a tonne and tow three and a half tonnes braked.
Ranger of course looks the part, too. Aggro C-headlights and a mock F150 grille stand it apart. That subtle shoulder line helps break some bolder aspects. Like the wheel arches and sharp taillights each side of that Ranger embossed tailgate. Our ruby red bakkie really looked the part, complimented by smart grey wheels and trim.
SuperCab stars on, and off the road
The real Ford Ranger advantage is that it’s a splendid bakkie to drive. Smooth, sophisticated, and pleasing, being comfortable and very quiet too. Well-damped and positive on the road, it runs off the tar with aplomb too. It brings SUV and carlike culture to the bakkie world. And that’s more than well borne out by this particular pick-up’s record tendencies.
Untouchable on the road, Ford’s done a marvellous job on matching this latest 154 kW 500 Nm Eastern Cape-built biturbo to a fine chassis and around a tech-packed cabin in Pretoria, to keep any driver beyond happy. Add Ford’s backup, warranty and add-ons up to 200,000 km, and the Ranger Wildtrak Super Cab becomes a most compelling option.
So if you don’t need the rear doors and seat of a double cab, and a single cab is too small and nowhere near sophisticated enough, then this fine bakkie has to be a no-brainer. Sure, it has its niggles, but the rest of it is beyond compelling enough to overlook all that in an instant.
Then it’s a record breaker on the drag strip too. And you’d never believe how important that is. Even if its just a bakkie after all! – Michele Lupini
Images & testing: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo
SuperCab Wildtrak 4x4
Engine: 154 kW 500 Nm 2-litre bi-turbodiesel I4
Drive: 10-speed automatic 4x4
Load Capacity: 995 kg
Max Braked Trailer 3,500 kg
TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 3.84sec
0-100 km/h: 8.61 sec
0-120 km/h: 12.38 sec
0-160 km/h: 23.82sec
400m: 16.2 sec @ 137 km/h
80-120 km/h: 6.50 sec
120-160 km/h: 11.23 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 190 km/h
Fuel: 7.5 l/100 km
CO2: 195 g/km
Range: 1050 km
Warranty/Service: 4y 120K/ up to 8y 200K km
LIST PRICE: R841K
How does it shape up?
Check Auto's Test Records now!