The all-new Ford Ranger – Revolutionary Compact Pickup

The all-new, South African built Ranger is offered in three cabin configurations – Single, Super and Double Cabs – in 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains and two ride heights for the 4×2, along with an extensive list of practical features that are available in four series choices. All three cab styles are among the roomiest in the segment.
For nearly 20 years, the Ranger has been one of Ford’s most popular pick-ups across the globe. Having gone through a comprehensive global development programme, the all-new Ranger builds on its strong heritage and is now set to blaze new trails.
Ford’s Struandale engine plant in Port Elizabeth produces the 3.2 and 2.2L Duratorq TDCi engines that power the Ranger. Collaboration was crucial in developing the all-new Ranger. Everything is new – engine, gearbox, frame, suspension, steering system, brakes, chassis, exterior sheet metal, vehicle interior. The list continues with brand-new features for safety and passenger comfort and convenience.
The windscreen has been raked back for a sportier and more dynamic silhouette, while the traditional square form of the truck has been sculpted to give the vehicle a more modern and aerodynamic look. Larger headlamps, bigger mirrors and stamped-in wheel lips provide an integrated look across all series and contribute to an aggressive and sporty stance.
At 5 274mm long and 2 163 mm wide, the Ranger is bigger than the previous-generation model. It remains easily manoeuvrable on narrow city streets and during parking thanks to a responsive steering system that requires no more than 3.5 turns of the wheel lock-to-lock – one of the best in the segment.
The Ranger offers a contemporary look and feel with features and comfort normally found only in passenger cars. Bold new interior surfaces are finished with materials that will stand up to the demands of a workhorse while delivering a lasting quality appearance. Three adults can easily fit in the rear seat of the Double Cab.
The entire front suspension is brand new. A new coil-over-strut suspension allows for better tuning of the upper and lower wishbone design. The Ranger’s new rack-and-pinion steering system has been carefully tuned for low-speed manoeuvrability and responsive on-road driving.
I was fortunate to drive the Ranger’s new 3.2-litre Duratorq TDCi five-cylinder diesel Automatic model. What can I say, with a substantial 470 Nm of torque and power rating of 147 kW, this is the absolute ultimate in driving pleasure. I was also stunned by the driving position and the easy driving  in town. It almost felt as if I was driving a medium sized sedan. Turning, changing lanes and dodging taxis, could all be carried out without effort.
With a claimed combined cycle fuel consumption ranging at +- 9.2 L/100 km on the 3.2 4×4 model, I bet Novel Motor Company, should up their order bank ASAP.
The Ranger has been engineered and tested to ensure it can stand up to the toughest challenge. It can tow more, carry more, go deeper and climb higher than many competitors. In fact, the Ranger’s towing and water-wading capabilities are right at the top of the segment. The Ranger can tow up to 3350kg on selected models with diesel engines, while the 4×4 can wade through 800 millimetres of water even when fully loaded.
The Ranger also offers new passive safety technologies, with the availability of an array of airbags depending on the model. Side curtain airbags are available as standard on the 3.2 TDCi Super and XLS / XLT Double Cab styles. All-new frontal impact airbags are available for the driver and passenger, along with seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters.

The new Ranger comes with a 5 year / 90 000km Service Plan and a comprehensive 4 year/120 000km warranty with service intervals of 15 000kms. It also comes with a 5 year corrosion warranty as part of the Ford Ranger package.
The already extremely competitive bakkie segment, is becoming more and more exiting by the day.
Pricing starts at N$182,416. for the entry level 2.5. The 3.2 XLT 4×4 6AT D/Cab I tested, retails @ N$443,409.