Johannesburg – Ford is preparing a significant overhaul of the Ranger bakkie range that will affect future XLT models sold locally, as the brand moves away from the two point zero litre bi turbo diesel engine and introduces a petrol powered alternative.
The changes come as the current Ford Ranger XLT two point zero litre single turbo double cab undergoes long term testing at The Citizen Motoring in South Africa, a model widely regarded by motoring editors as the balance point in the Ranger line up for value and everyday usability.
At present, the Ranger XLT is offered with two engine and gearbox options. Buyers can choose a two point zero litre single turbo diesel producing one hundred and twenty five kilowatts and four hundred and five Newton metres, paired with a six speed automatic gearbox. The second option is a more powerful two point zero litre bi turbo diesel delivering one hundred and fifty four kilowatts and five hundred Newton metres, matched to a ten speed automatic transmission.
That arrangement is set to change within the next few months as Ford reshuffles engines and gearboxes across the Ranger range. The biggest shift is the return of a petrol engine, with the two point three litre EcoBoost unit producing two hundred and twenty two kilowatts and four hundred and fifty two Newton metres. This engine previously featured in the Ford Mustang and will now replace the bi turbo diesel, which is being removed from the range.
All XLT models will remain available in Super Cab and double cab body styles but will now rely solely on the two point zero litre single turbo diesel. Ford has confirmed that this engine will receive a new timing chain aimed at improving long term durability.
Transmission options are also being simplified. The six speed automatic gearbox currently offered on some XLT models will no longer be available. All XLT derivatives will be fitted with a ten speed automatic transmission, with buyers still able to choose between two wheel drive and four wheel drive configurations.
At entry level, the base Ranger model is being dropped, with the XL becoming the starting point for private buyers and business operators. The updated XL will use the same engine package as the XLT but will introduce a six speed manual four wheel drive option that will not be offered on the XLT.
Further up the range, the Wildtrak X will no longer be sold as a standalone model. It will instead be offered as an option pack on the Wildtrak double cab four wheel drive, which now receives the three point zero litre V6 turbodiesel engine producing one hundred and eighty four kilowatts and six hundred Newton metres. The Ranger Platinum continues largely unchanged and remains powered by the same V6 turbodiesel.
Ford is also introducing a new Sport series positioned between the XLT and Wildtrak. The Sport models will be available in Super Cab and double cab versions, with a choice of the two point three litre EcoBoost petrol engine in two wheel drive form or the three point zero litre V6 turbodiesel in four wheel drive. All Sport derivatives will be equipped with the ten speed automatic gearbox.
The Wildtrak double cab also changes, with the two wheel drive version switching to the EcoBoost petrol engine while the four wheel drive retains the V6 turbodiesel. Ford will also fit the three point zero litre V6 turbodiesel to the Super Cab Wildtrak four wheel drive and the Ranger Tremor double cab four wheel drive, replacing the outgoing bi turbo diesel. The Ranger Raptor remains unchanged, continuing with the three point zero litre twin turbo V6 petrol engine producing two hundred and ninety two kilowatts.
Ford South Africa director of product marketing Sunil Sewmohan said the updated range responds to changing customer needs, whether the Ranger is used for work, family duties, leisure or off road driving.
Pricing for the revised range will be confirmed closer to launch. The current Ford Ranger XLT Four Wheel Drive, 2.0-litre single turbo, double cab, retails at R767,000 in South Africa, including a six-year or 90,000 km service plan, a four-year or 120,000 km warranty, roadside assistance, and corrosion cover.
Customers interested in viewing or test driving the Ford Ranger or other Ford products can do so at Autofin Ford in Mbabane, the brand’s flagship dealership.
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