There is absolutely no doubt that the Ford Ranger has a strong following in South Africa. Let’s not forget that the Ranger outsold the Toyota Hilux in November 2014, the first time the Hilux has been kicked off it throne in decades.
The last Ford Ranger is a facelift over the current bakkie. At the front the design updates are quite noticeable, while the vehicle has also gained a number of new technologies.
These new features include the Sync 2 infotainment system, lane keeping aid, and adaptive cruise control, to name a few. Another addition is the driver impairment monitor. This system uses the bakkie’s forward-facing camera and sensors to detect whether the driver is getting drowsy. Apart from the electronic stability programme, the Ranger also offers adaptive load control. This feature adapts the electronic stability programme when a load is detected.
Engines
The engine range is unchanged with the availability of the 2,2- and 3,2-litre turbodiesel derivatives. The 3,2-litre unit still develops 147 kW and 470 N.m, while the 2,2-litre now develops 118 kW and 385 N.m, up from 110 kW and 375 N.m. For the most frugal derivative in the range, the 2,2-litre unit is also offered as a 96 kW alternative, which Ford claims an improvement of up to 22% compared to the outgoing 88 kW derivative. The only petrol derivative is the 2,5-litre unit rated at 122 kW and 225 N.m.
Just to recap, Ford claims an 800 mm wading depth, 230 mm ground clearance, 28-degree approach and 25-degre departure angles.
The new Ranger will be launched locally in the fourth quarter of 2015.