Ford Ranger XLT offers great balance between tech and value for money

The previous generation Ford Ranger was one of South Africa’s most popular and trusted vehicles for business owners, farmers, families, and adventurers. The next generation Ranger picks up where that model left off with a range of models that offer improved performance, capability, technology, and safety.

The Ranger, which is built locally at Ford’s Pretoria plant, aims to establish new benchmarks in the extremely competitive bakkie segment.

Fresh look

The new Ford Ranger line up offers a wide variety of models but the XLT offers a great balance between specification and value for money.

Visually the new Ford Ranger is bold and confident, with a purposeful exterior that shares Ford’s global truck design DNA which includes a new grille and signature C-shaped headlights along with daytime driving lights. A subtle shoulder line connects the bolder wheel arches. At the rear, the taillights are designed incorporating signature graphics. XLT models are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels with a dark silver matt finish.

A significantly improved interior

The interior has been significantly improved compared to the previous model with premium soft touch materials and a lot of new technology including a portrait style central touchscreen that is home to Ford’s SYNC 4A connectivity and entertainment system.

This screen measures 10.1-inches on regular models such as the XLT and 12-inches on Wildtrak derivatives. An embedded factory-fitted modem facilitates connectivity on the go when linked to the Ford Pass App. The entertainment system also offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Many of the traditional driving mode controls have been moved from the dash and centre console to their own dedicated display on the SYNC screen creating a cleaner interior. Ahead of the driver is a fully digital electronic driver display cluster with various view options.

Notable convenience features on XLT models include keyless entry with stop/start button, auto-folding side mirrors, attractive leather upholstery, a multi-function steering wheel, voice control, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, front USB ports and 12V power sockets in the front of the vehicle as well as in the load bin.

Clever storage and useful features include a variety of places to store and charge your phone wirelessly as well as a large centre console bin to stash other items. The door pockets are designed to carry more and the wide dash conceals an upper glovebox while there are also storage bins under and beneath the rear seats.

Under the bonnet

The Ford Ranger XLT is fitted with an updated 2.0 litre single turbocharged, in line, four-cylinder diesel engine that offers 125kW and 405Nm and is available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Improved safety

In addition to seven airbags, the Ranger XLT features numerous new and enhanced active and passive safety features that ensures it is one of the safest double cab bakkies on the market.

Added functionality

The Ford Ranger has always been a multi role vehicle and the added functionality now means that it can work just as hard as it can play. An integrated side-step behind the rear wheels provides customers with an easier, more stable way to access the load box. Widening the vehicle by 50mm facilitated even greater load-hauling versatility as the Ranger can now carry a full-sized pallet. A spray-in bedliner on XLT models conveniently protects the load area.

Model range and pricing

There are currently a whopping 25 Ford Ranger derivatives to choose from, with pricing ranging from R486 000 for the entry level double-cab model to R953 5000 for the range topping 3.0-litre Wildtrak V6.

All models are sold as standard with a four-year/120 000km warranty and customers have the option of purchasing additional service or maintenance plans for up to eight years or 165 000km.

To find a new or used Ford Ranger to suit your needs, make sure to visit motus.cars and browse through our selection of new, as well as more than 10 000 used cars, all backed by our own dealer franchise consisting of more than 300 dealers.