In 2019, the changed Ford Ranger was launched in the Southern Cape of South Africa. What follows is a description of the Ranger’s considerable mechanical upgrade1, and to where the Ranger is headed from 2021 to 2022.2
Some background on the Ford Ranger1
The Ford Ranger is available in 149 countries, while it is also assembled in Pretoria, South Africa. The Ford Ranger has been in South Africa for a while on sale as single, crew, and double-cab configurations. It came as a finalist in the #CarsAwards, supported by WesBank.
Ford Ranger’s upgrade1
Although minimal outward changes occurred, the most significant change occurred by installing utterly new 2-litre bi-turbo and single-turbo engines. These engines make use of a new 10-speed automatic gearbox. The suspension was also wholly altered to enhance the Ranger’s on-road handling.
What about the engines? 1
The new-spec Ford Ranger Wildtrak and the Ranger Captor version were equipped with the new 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine generating a power output of 157 kW and 500 Nm torque. The new 2.0-litre (single) turbodiesel engine produces 132 kW of power and 420 Nm of torque. Both types of engines proved to be quieter and showed less vibration compared to previous ones.
The automatic transmission1
Ford considers this 10-speed automatic transmission to be ‘smart’, meaning that it always maintains the correct gear ratio as circumstances change. In addition, the 10-speed gearbox ensures a fuel saving of up to 9% compared with the 2019 3.2-litre Wildtrak engine.
When will we see the all-new Ranger? 2
Ford will release the all-new new Ranger towards the end of 2021, whilst the bakkie set will be revealed in South Africa in 2022. Ford is quoted as saying that the next-generation Ranger will prove to be the “ideal bakkie” for all walks of life. This newcomer Ranger will be manufactured in Pretoria.
Why is the Ford ranger so popular? 2
Despite the 2020 Ranger’s life starting to fade, this bakkie is still the flagship for Ford South Africa, ensuring that it stays at 2nd position of all best-selling bakkies. In addition, special edition models have made Ford’s bakkies so sought-after.
Some recent special editions2
These are the XL Sport and Ranger Thunder, with the latter being part of the Wheels-24 long-tern garage from September 2020 to March 2021.
What Ford was launched in 2021? 2
The special edition FX4 arrived in the first quarter, while the Stormtrak and special edition Ranger Captor will be launched in September and October 2021, respectively. Some different editions may follow this before this Ranger generation ends.
Disclaimer
Car insurance’s complexity renders this article only as information. If you would like further information on car insurance, contact a registered financial service provider.
If your eyes are on the special edition FX4, make sure you purchase the correct cover. If some financial institution finances the bakkie, the law requires you to purchase comprehensive car insurance. Contact Prime South Africa, who have on offer affordable, comprehensive car insurance, which includes exceptional benefits like fixed premiums* and reduce-to-zero excess*.
