The Ranger is a top-seller for Ford, and in the absence of smaller vehicles, it will be the mainstay for dealer profitability. The new Ford Ranger range kicks off with the launch of the double cab models now, followed by the single cab next year.

The Ranger is produced at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, which benefitted from a R15.8-billion investment. A further R600-million was invested in Ford’s Struandale Engine Plant in Gqeberha to introduce the new 3.0L V6 Diesel engine and upgrade the current assembly line for the 2.0L Single Turbo and 2.0L Bi-Turbo engines. It is also exported from South Africa to markets across the globe.

Wat’s is new?

Basically everything, even existing engines are reworked and updated. Visually, it has a purposeful exterior that shares Ford’s global truck design DNA. It includes a new grille and signature C-clamp headlights at the front while a subtle shoulder line down the sides incorporates bolder wheel arches.

Inside, the car-like cabin steps up, using premium soft-touch materials and a prominent portrait-style centre touchscreen (10.1-inch or a 12-inch) with Ford’s signature SYNC® 4A connectivity and entertainment system. There is also a vast array of high-tech features, including 360-degree camera and safety features like Evasive Steer Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centring, Active Park Assist on specific models.

The big news is the range of powertrains used in the new Ranger. The choices include a 125 kW (405 Nm) 2.0L Single Turbo (six speed auto or manual) and 154 kW (500 Nm) 2.0L Bi-Turbo (six speed manual or auto), along with the addition of Ford’s powerful 184 kW (600 Nm) V6 turbodiesel engine in range-topping Wildtrak with a ten-speed automatic gearbox.

Beneath the new bodywork is an upgraded chassis riding on a wheelbase 50 mm longer and a track 50 mm wider than the previous Ranger.

Prices (December 2022):

Base: 2.0L SiT Double Cab 4x2 6MT (R486 000) and 2.0L SiT Double Cab 4x4 6MT (R528 600).

XL: 2.0L SiT Double Cab XL 4x2 6MT (R529 900), 2.0L SiT Double Cab XL 4x2 6AT (R544 400),

2.0L SiT Double Cab XL 4x4 6MT (R607 300) and 2.0L SiT Double Cab XL 4x4 6AT (R621 900).

XLT: 2.0L SiT Double Cab XLT 4x2 6AT (R592 700), 2.0L SiT Double Cab XLT 4x4 6AT (R669 800), 2.0L BiT Double Cab XLT 4x2 10AT (R702 300) and 2.0L BiT Double Cab XLT 4x4 10AT (R782 100).

Wildtrak: 2.0L BiT Double Cab Wildtrak 4x2 10AT (R778 300) and 2.0L BiT Double Cab Wildtrak 4x4 10AT (R867 700) and 3.0L V6 Double Cab Wildtrak 4WD 10AT (R953 500).