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“The previous generation Ford Ranger was one of South Africa’s most popular and trusted vehicles for small and medium business owners, farmers, families, adventurers, commercial fleets and many others. Our Next-Gen Ranger will build on this success with a vehicle that delivers more, from performance to capability, technology, safety and the entire driving and ownership experience,” said Doreen Mashinini, general marketing manager at Ford South Africa.
It looks great – doesn’t it?
Visually, the Next-Generation Ranger is bold and confident, with a purposeful exterior that shares Ford’s global truck design DNA. The design features a defined new grille, and signature C-clamp headlight treatment up front while a subtle shoulder line on the sides incorporates bolder wheel arches that give the Ranger a sure footing. At the back, the tail lights are designed in line with the signature graphics at the front.
Underneath the new bodywork is an upgraded chassis that rides on a wheelbase that’s 50mm longer and a track that’s 50mm wider than the previous Ranger. A hydro-formed front-end structure creates more space in the engine bay for the new V6 engine. It also opens up the front of the bakkie to allow more airflow to the radiator, which helps keep temperatures down when towing or carrying heavy loads.
New powertrain options
“The 3.0L turbodiesel V6 delivers seemingly endless power and torque matched with exceptional refinement, which is exactly what our customers want,” said Mashinini.
The 3.0L V6 Diesel is offered exclusively in the range-topping Wildtrak specification, and produces an impressive 184kW of power matched with a huge 600Nm. It’s well served on the road by Ford’s responsive 10-speed automatic transmission and a permanent all-wheel drive system.
The Next-Gen Ranger will also have a choice of updated versions of the proven 2.0-litre single turbo and bi-turbo, in-line, four-cylinder diesel engines. In the Base, XL and XLT Double Cab variants, the 2.0L single turbo unit produces 125kW and 405Nm and is mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.
The 2.0L bi-turbo engine is a more sophisticated and performance variant for customers who want more power matched with excellent fuel economy, thanks in part to the advanced 10-speed automatic transmission, which further -updated and refined. It is available in two XLT Double Cab derivatives and two Wildtrak Double Cab models – both with a choice of 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain.
Improved ride and handling
Engineers moved the front wheels 50mm for a better approach angle and outboard for better off-road articulation, both of which improve the off-roading experience. They also moved the rear suspension dampers outboard of the frame rails to give drivers and passengers a better ride on- and off-road, whether carrying a heavy load for work, or just taking the family out for dinner.
Customers have a choice of two four-wheel drive systems – an electronic shift-on-the-fly system on 2.0-liter models, or an advanced full-time 4×4 system with reassuring set-and -forget mode on the range-topping Wildtrak 3.0L V6 Diesel, designed for capability when and where customers need it. Off-road recovery is made easier with the prominent dual recovery hooks on the front bumper.
Customer-focused interior features
“We know that our customers are looking for a smart and functional interior space that feels comfortable. So, we set about designing it with a high level of well-integrated technology, smart storage of performance and visual cues so that the environment is comfortable and spacious,” said Mashinini.
The heart of the Next-Gen Ranger’s connected experience is the large touchscreen in the center stack – 10.1-inch in the case of Base, XL and XLT models, or a 12-inch version in the Wildtrak. It complements the fully digital instrument panel and is loaded with Ford’s latest SYNC 4A system, ready for the customer with its voice-activated communications, entertainment and information systems.
Additionally, there is an embedded factory-fitted modem across the range, enabling connectivity on the go when linked to the FordPass App, so customers can stay connected to their world. FordPass enhances the ownership experience with features like remote start, vehicle status check and health alerts, digital owner’s manual and remote lock and unlock functions through your mobile devices.
Many of the traditional driving mode controls have been moved from the dash and center console to their own dedicated display on the SYNC screen. At the touch of a button, Wildtrak owners, for example, can go to a dedicated screen for all off-road and drive modes where they can monitor driveline, steering angle, pitch and roll angles vehicle and other controls.
The screen is also linked to a 360-degree camera on Wildtrak models to make parking easier in tight urban spaces or to help when negotiating particularly tricky terrain while exploring. In addition, Wildtrak V6 customers can control Ranger’s new exterior zone lighting system via the touchscreen or FordPass App, meaning they don’t have to work, camp or do anything in the dark.
“You’ll find the interior plush but with the dual purpose of work and play in mind. The new short-throw e-shifter on the Wildtrak is central to the layout and another example of where customers really guided our decision-making, enhancing technology and intuitive use for Ranger owners,” said Mashinini.
Exceptional safety
The Next-Gen Ranger includes an exceptional array of new and improved active and passive safety features. All Double Cab models are equipped with dynamic stability control that includes ABS, load adaptive control, roll over mitigation, traction control and trailer sway control.
Standard on the Ranger Wildtrak and optional on the XLT are pre-collision assist, post-collision braking, blind spot information system with trailer coverage, cross traffic alert and lane keeping system with road edge detection. Additional features exclusive to the top-spec Wildtrak include evasive steer assist, reverse brake assist, adaptive cruise control with stop & go and lane centering, as well as active park assist 2.0.
Accessories to personalize your Ranger
The Next-Gen Ranger allows customers to express their uniqueness by accessorizing their vehicles with a wide range of accessories. With a growing list of over 200 factory-backed adventure, urban and commercial accessories, customers can personalize their Rangers to fit their lifestyle.
Pricing starts at R486 000 and includes a four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited roadside assistance, and a five-year/unlimited corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever comes first.
Customers have the option to purchase service or maintenance plans for up to eight years or 165 000km. The warranty can be extended by up to seven years or 200 000km, while the roadside assistance can be extended by a further one or two years.
Source: MotorPress
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