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FORD REFRESHES RANGER LINE-UP WITH NEW MODELS AND ECOBOOST ENGINE

Nhlanhla Sechele

The Ford Ranger has consistently featured among South Africa’s top-selling Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) since its launch three years ago, cementing its status as one of the country’s most popular bakkies. With its combination of capability, modern technology, muscular styling and everyday versatility, the Ranger has earned widespread acclaim from both customers and media. 

  • The introduction of the new Ranger Sport will slot in strategically between the popular XLT and the rugged-premium Wildtrak
  • Ranger will offer the dynamic 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine for the first time, delivering an impressive 222kW of power and 452Nm of torque
  • Ford will equip the Wildtrak Super Cab 4×4 and the Ranger Tremor Double Cab 4×4 with the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine

The new line-up will comprise 23 derivatives across Single Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab body styles, offering one of the most comprehensive bakkie portfolios in the segment. The range spans hard-working Single Cab models aimed at business and fleet customers, versatile Super Cab derivatives that balance load capability with additional practicality, and a wide selection of Double Cab models designed for both family and outdoor enthusiasts. This breadth of choice ensures that customers can select a Ranger that perfectly matches their requirements, whether prioritising affordability, capability, performance or premium comfort.

Differentiating the latest Ranger line-up are several important powertrain enhancements and a new engine option. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost petrol is a tried-and-tested engine from Ford’s global portfolio and is specifically tuned for the Ranger. This engine delivers an impressive 222kW of power and 452Nm of torque and will appeal to customers seeking athletic on-road performance and refinement. 

In addition, Ford has broadened the availability of its highly regarded 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine across selected models in the range, allowing more customers to enjoy its outstanding combination of performance, smoothness and towing capability. The line-up will see the introduction of a new Ranger Sport, further strengthening the Ranger’s position as one of the most comprehensive and versatile bakkie line-ups available in South Africa.

Alongside these changes, the 2.0-litre Single-Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine receives an important upgrade that incorporates a new timing chain designed to enhance durability, simplify maintenance and provide long-term performance. The drivetrain updates are complemented by the standardisation of Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission across all automatic models, ensuring smoother shifting and optimised torque delivery.

“Ranger remains the benchmark for practicality, capability, and refinement. We are delivering more performance and better technology to more customers,” says Sunil Sewmohan, Director of Product Marketing, Ford South Africa. “Whether it’s used as a workhorse, a family vehicle, for leisure activities or for tackling challenging off-road terrain, the Ranger is one of the most capable and versatile vehicles in its class. With these updates we have focused on building on Ranger’s trusted reputation for exceptional performance, efficiency, technology and safety, while raising the bar further in key areas such as capability, choice and excitement.”

New Ranger Sport delivers new dynamics

One of the most notable additions to the updated line-up is the introduction of the new Ranger Sport, which will slot strategically between the popular XLT and the rugged-premium Wildtrak models. 

Designed for customers seeking a dual-purpose and feature-packed Ranger, the Ranger Sport will be available in Super Cab and Double Cab configurations, offering customers a choice of powertrains depending on their preferences and intended use. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine will be offered in 4×2 specification, while customers who require maximum capability can opt for the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine paired with a 4×4 drivetrain. Both variants will be equipped with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and responsive performance.

Updates for Wildtrak and Tremor

Further enhancements are introduced across the popular Wildtrak range, which continues to serve as one of the flagship models in the Ranger portfolio. The Wildtrak Double Cab 4×2 will transition to the new 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, delivering strong performance and a refined driving experience for customers who primarily operate their vehicles on-road.

For customers requiring greater towing capacity and off-road capability, the Wildtrak Double Cab 4×4 retains the acclaimed 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, producing 184kW and 600Nm of torque. This engine has become widely admired for its effortless power delivery, smooth operation and exceptional towing performance.

Responding directly to customer demand for even greater capability, Ford will equip both the Wildtrak Super Cab 4×4 and the Ranger Tremor Double Cab 4×4 with the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, replacing the outgoing 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel. This change significantly enhances the performance potential of these highly capable models, particularly for customers who regularly tow loads up to 3,500kg or venture off the beaten track. 

Wildtrak X package

The Wildtrak X will no longer be offered as a stand-alone derivative, but this package allows   customers to choose the level of off-road intensity that fits their lifestyle. This is unique to the Wildtrak series and is custom-engineered to complement the Wildtrak’s premium features and performance. This approach provides customers with greater flexibility while also ensuring that the Wildtrak benefits from the additional performance offered by the V6 turbodiesel engine.

XLT continues to deliver strong value

Ranger XLT remains a key model in the Ranger line-up and is particularly well suited to both fleet customers and leisure buyers who require a balance of capability, technology and value. The updated XLT range will continue to be available in Super Cab and Double Cab body styles, providing versatility for both business and personal use.

All XLT derivatives will be powered by the upgraded 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, producing 125kW and 405Nm, now paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission. Customers will also be able to select either 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains, ensuring the Ranger can meet a wide variety of operational requirements.

Ranger XL focuses on business customers

In response to evolving market needs, Ford has streamlined the entry-level Ranger offering with the Ranger XL series becoming the primary choice for customers prioritising affordability, efficiency and low operating costs.

The updated Ranger XL will feature the same upgraded 2.0-litre Single Turbo diesel engine as the XLT. Single Cab customers will be able to choose between two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive configurations paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed manual will also be available.

The XL Super Cab will be offered exclusively with the automatic transmission, available in 4×2 or 4×4 configurations. Double Cab buyers, meanwhile, will be able to select between manual and automatic gearboxes, along with the choice of two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, ensuring the Ranger XL remains a flexible and practical solution for business operators.

Premium and performance flagships remain

At the top of the range, the ultra-luxurious Ranger Platinum continues to be powered by the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine. Ranger Platinum offers exceptional levels of comfort, refinement and advanced technology, making it one of the most premium bakkies available in the segment. Selected specification and feature enhancements across the broader Ranger range will also provide additional value, improved connectivity, greater practicality and enhanced safety.

The Ranger Raptor continues to occupy a class of its own within the Ranger portfolio. Engineered for high-performance off-road driving, the Raptor features a race-developed suspension system and is powered by a formidable 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine delivering 292kW and 583Nm. This combination ensures the Raptor remains one of the most capable and exhilarating performance bakkies available in South Africa.

Ford Family Promise

The Ford Family Promise ensures that customers are treated like family, benefitting from Ford’s national dealer network across South Africa, along with flexible finance through Ford Credit and comprehensive insurance. As with all new Ford vehicles, the Ranger comes with a six-year/90 000km Ford Optional Service Plan, four-year/120 000km Ford warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty.

Customers have the option of purchasing Ford Protect Service or Maintenance Plan upgrades up to eight years or 165 000km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200 000km, while the Roadside Assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years. T&Cs apply.

To optimise customer convenience when it comes to scheduled maintenance, Ford owners have access to online service bookings, 60-minute Express Service, free vehicle pick-up and delivery as well as mobile servicing in selected areas.

Recommended Retail Price (includes VAT):

   Ranger 
 
Single Cab
XL 2.0L SiT 10AT 4X2R590 000
XL 2.0L SiT 6MT 4X4R635 200
XL 2.0L SiT 10AT 4X4R666 000
Super Cab
XL 2.0L SiT 10AT 4X2R599 500
XL 2.0L SiT 10AT 4X4R675 000
XLT 2.0L SiT 10AT 4X2R655 000
XLT 2.0L SiT 10AT 4X4R731 000
Sport 2.3L 10AT 4X2R735 000
Sport 3.0L V6 10AT 4WDR825 000
Wildtrak 3.0L V6 4WDR865 000
Double Cab
XL 2.0L SiT 6MT 4X2R621 000
XL 2.0L SiT 10AT 4X2R651 500
XL 2.0L SiT 6MT 4X4R704 000
XL 2.0L SiT 10AT 4X4R735 000
XLT 2.0L SiT 10AT 4X2R699 500
XLT 2.0L SiT 10AT 4X4R788 500
Sport 2.3L 10AT 4X2R839 600
Wildtrak 2.3L10AT 4X2R899 000
Sport 3.0L V6 10AT 4WDR995 000
Tremor 3.0L V6 10AT 4WDR1 039 000
Wildtrak 3.0L V6 10AT 4WDR1 070 000
Platinum 3.0L V6 4WDR1 179 500
Raptor 3.0L V6 TwinR1 299 000

 SOURCED FROOM THEE SNEAKPREVIEW WEBSITE.

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