The Ford Ranger (T6) Thread

ADVENTURE DRIVE: Ford’s capable new Ranger FX4 hits the Wild Coast

The FX4, like its siblings is an extremely capable 4x4 with diff lock for those very hard to get places and I have no doubt it will be well received by potential buyers looking for something a little different.

And do yourself a favour, if you own a Ranger, drive to the Wild Coast, engage the transfer case and get to understand why it’s called such.

PRICING

2.0 Single Turbo FX4 10AT 4x2 R618 900

2.0 Single Turbo FX4 10AT 4x4 R687 900

All Ranger models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty and a six year/90 000km service plan.

 
Ford SA reveals new (300 kW!) V6-powered Ranger racing bakkie

Ford South Africa has revealed the V6-powered Ranger racing bakkie that will compete in the premier production vehicle category of the South African Cross Country Series.

Set to be run by the Ford Castrol Cross Country Team, the FIA-class vehicle was purpose-designed and built by Neil Woolridge Motorsport. The Ranger will be the first vehicle in its class competing locally under the FIA’s latest international cross country regulations for turbocharged petrol engines.

Power comes from the Blue Oval brand’s twin-turbo 3,5-litre V6 petrol unit (replacing the previous 5,0-litre V8), here tuned to meet the FIA regulations for the class. That means the six-cylinder EcoBoost mill makes a peak power figure of 300 kW, with maximum torque rated at “around 600 N.m”.

The Ranger racer boasts exposed carbon-fibre bodywork, high-performance dual BOS dampers and fully independent suspension (the previous version had a solid rear axle). A new SADEV six-speed sequential gearbox has also been fitted, weighing in some 10 kg lighter than the previous unit.


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Ford Ranger 2.2TDCi double cab 4x4 XL Sport auto (2021) Review

Fast Facts:

Model tested: Ford Ranger 2.2TDCi double cab 4x4 XL Sport auto
Price: R559 500 (March 2021)
Engine: 2.2-litre turbodiesel 4-cylinder
Power/Torque: 118 kW/385 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 8.2 L/100 km (claimed)

Price and after-sales service

The XL Sport Pack is priced at R16 500, the optional 8-inch infotainment system costs R6 080 and the dealer-fitted side steps command an extra R5 050. All in, our 4x4 auto test unit was priced at R559 500. The Ford Ranger is sold with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 6-year/90 000 km warranty, 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty, and 3-year/unlimited km roadside assistance.

Verdict

Given the difficult financial climate, we applaud Ford for offering prospective buyers a cost-effective way to upgrade the versatile Ranger XL. Despite its basic underpinnings, there's something refreshing about an honest and uncomplicated vehicle that is fit for purpose. The Sport pack gives the bakkie a welcome image boost, but our favourite part of this kit has to be the wheels. Not only do they look the part, but those thick-walled off-road tyres should soak up the horrendous swathe of potholes littered on our roads. Price-wise, the XL Sport significantly undercuts its flashier XLT and Wildtrak siblings and while more expensive Rangers offer newer powertrains, more refinement and extra creature comforts, the XL Sport offers 75% of that experience at a pocket-friendlier price. That's a win in our books.

You could always look to the demo and pre-owned market too, where significant savings are to be had. The recently revised Toyota Hilux Raider and all-new GWM P-Series are the Ranger XL Sport's key rivals. The former offers legendary reliability and the after-sales backing of a 3-time #CarsAwards Brand of the Year winner, while the GWM is keenly priced and well specified, but still an unknown quantity on the local market. Suffice to say, it's a huge credit to the Blue Oval that the Ranger remains a frontrunner given that the current generation of the bakkie has been on our market for almost a decade.


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DRIVEN: Ford Ranger 2,0 BiT Thunder 4×4 10AT

The Ford Ranger Thunder’s blend of value for money, balanced road manners and well-executed cosmetic package sees it narrowly shouldering past many rivals in terms of desirability. It’s one of those products with a hard-to-emulate balance of talents that culminates in a crushingly capable overall package with a broad appeal.

Price: R811 800

0-100 km/h: 10,22 seconds (tested)

Power: 157 kW @ 3 750 r/min

Torque: 500 N.m @ 1 500 r/min

CAR fuel index: 9,36 L/100 km

CO2: 215 g/km


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Ford Ranger gains new Stormtrak and Wolftrak limited editions

Bespoke styling for pair of limited-run Ranger variants, arriving in UK dealerships in the autumn

The Ford Ranger will gain limited-edition Stormtrak and Wolftrak variants in October, each aimed at customers seeking additional style and off-road performance respectively.

Based on the existing Ranger Wildtrak edition, the Stormtrak will be powered by Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, generating 210bhp and 369lb ft. Selectable four-wheel drive is standard, and the pick-up will be capable of carrying payloads of up to a tonne with a maximum towing capacity of 3500kg.

The ‘Rapid Red’ paint will be unique to the Stormtrak, as will the red grille. LED headlights and added underbody protection are included, as is a black rear bumper and sports hoop.


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Ford Ranger Stormtrak and Wolftrak revealed as limited-edition twins!

Ford has introduced two new limited-edition Ranger derivatives – the Stormtrak and Wolftrak – to its double-cab bakkie line-up in Europe.

“Customers love the bold style and tough capability of our Ranger pick-up, so we’ve developed the new Stormtrak and Wolftrak limited-edition models to offer even more of both,” said Hans Schep, Ford of Europe’s general manager of commercial vehicles. Based on the Ranger Wildtrak, the Ranger Stormtrak is powered by Ford’s 2,0-litre twin-turbocharged four-pot which, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, produces 157 kW and 500 N.m of torque (the latter on tap from a lowly 1 500 r/min).


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Now you can have a Raptor-style grille on your Ranger as an official accessory

Ford Ranger owners have been fitting Raptor-style ‘block letter’ grilles to their bakkies since the beginning of time, along with much other regalia, but now Ford is offering its own official version through its dealer network along with a handful of other accessories.

The new block-letter grille is now available on all XL, XLS and XLT derivatives at a price of R4312. It takes just 30 minutes to install at a Ford dealer and it’s something to seriously consider given that some of the non-official aftermarket grilles have been known to cause cooling issues.

Ford is also offering something called the ‘Faraday Pouch’, which is an anti-scan wallet that’s available for models equipped with keyless start functionality.

In some instances, criminals have been stealing vehicles with keyless start by using signal extenders that can be effective at distances of up to 100 metres. The Faraday Pouch aims to prevent this kind of criminal attack, and it costs just R260 at Ford dealers.

Furthermore, Ford has upgraded the roller shutter option that’s available on the Wildtrack models, by offering a powered functionality at no extra cost, although owners can still opt for the previous manual version.


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Ford Ranger now available with Raptor-style grille

It’s a common sight on the roads; a Ford Ranger, that’s not actually a Raptor, parading around with a Raptor-style grille from an aftermarket outlet. Of course, it’s usually accompanied by the obligatory stickers and other associated paraphernalia.

Although Ford South Africa certainly appreciates the enthusiasm shown here, these aftermarket ‘block letter’ grilles have been a point of consternation. The company has previously warned about the dangers of fitting them, due to concerns about how they could affect cooling performance.

But now Ford is taking an “if you can’t beat them, join them” approach by offering a Raptor-inspired grille as an official accessory through its dealer network. Ford assures us that unlike some of the imitation grilles out there, its “genuine” accessory will not compromise the vehicle’s capability in any way.

According to Ford, the grille takes around 30 minutes to install at a Ford dealer and the unit is priced at R4 312, excluding labour.

At the same time Ford is also upgrading the roller shutter that’s available on the Wildtrak models. This load bin accessory is now available in power-operated form, at a price of R20 090, although the manual shutter will still be offered as an alternative for those who prefer doing things the old fashioned way.

Another new accessory on Ford’s radar is one that aims to address a potential security vulnerability of models fitted with keyless start. The so-called Faraday Pouch is an anti-scan wallet designed to thwart criminals using signal extenders, which are known to be effective at distances of up to 100 metres. The Faraday Pouch is priced at R260.


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Ford Ranger Accessories for 2021

Ford South Africa has responded to customer requests and announces a range of Ranger accessories that are available across its dealership network.

Ford Ranger Accessories in SA

- For the Ranger XL, XLS and XLT owners, you can finally buy a factory-approved Raptor style grille. It's been designed to not affect the car's performance and cooling and won't compromise your warranty. Installation takes 30 minutes at your nearest dealership.

- Security is a big issue in South Africa and Ford has upgraded its manual roller shutter to a powered unit at no additional cost. This is exclusive to the Ranger Wildtrak and allows a customer to electronically open or close the protective shutter over the loadbox and provides a convenient method to securely stow cargo out of sight. The manual roller shutter will remain an alternative option. Above the roller shutter is a rail and accessory attachment slot for extra leisure gear like bike racks, kayaks and camping equipment. If your vehicle has the manual roller shutter, you can upgrade at no cost. Both the electric and manual roller shutter cost the same, so customers can choose.

- For Ranger customers who have keyless access and functionality, Ford has introduced the Faraday pouch to prevent keyless car theft. In many instances, criminals have found a way to steal vehicles fitted with keyless start by using signal extenders which can be effective up to distances of 100 metres. The Faraday Pouch is able to prevent this type of criminal attack. With the vehicle’s key placed inside the Faraday Pouch, the layers of metallic lining prevent these external signals from having any effect on the key. It is recommended that the key be placed inside this slim and lightweight pouch as soon as you get out the vehicle and the doors are locked.

How much do Ford Ranger accessories cost?

The new Ford Ranger accessories are priced as follows:

Ford Raptor-style grille R4 312 including VAT, excludes labour

Ford Power Roller Shutter R20 090 including VAT

Ford Faraday key pouch R260 including VAT

 
Top 12 Best Buys: Ford Ranger gets the double-cab bakkie title

Now that the winners of our annual Top 12 Best Buys awards have been revealed (grab a copy of the April 2021 issue of CAR magazine for the full article), we can take a look at the individual categories.

A big factor in CAR’s Best Buys awards is the legacy vote. If a vehicle has won nine times before – as is the case with the Ford Ranger – it’s going to need something exemplary to knock it off its pedestal.

So far, none of the Ranger’s competitors have been able to come up with the goods to pull it off. A Ranger Thunder formed part of our long-term fleet for the last six months and proved an indispensable and comfortable family car, as well as a rugged load-lugger.


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