MOTORING NEWS - Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa will be launching an even more capable Ford Ranger when production commences for the refreshed model scheduled for launch in 2019.

Following the investment of R3-billion at its local operations, the updated Ranger will be assembled at Ford's Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, with engines produced by the Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth.

"Ford's recent investment has been geared towards expanding our local production capacity and preparing for the updated Ranger, including the first Ford Ranger Raptor," said Ockert Berry, vice president of operations of Ford Middle East and Africa.

"This reaffirms Ford's long-term commitment to the region, as well as to our employees, suppliers and partners. It also acknowledges the confidence Ford has in our local operations to produce truly world-class products for domestic sales and an extensive list of export markets," Berry said. "The current generation Ford Ranger has been a phenomenal success, in South Africa and internationally, and the updated models that will be released next year will raise the bar further in the highly competitive light commercial vehicle sector."

The refreshed Ranger line-up, which will continue to be exported to over 148 markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, combines exceptional levels of technology, safety and convenience features.

Power
For 2019, the Ford Ranger will offer a greater choice of powertrains, including the new high technology bi-turbo diesel engine that will most notably make its debut on the all-new Ranger Raptor.

The new-generation diesel engine will be produced on a new line installed at the Ford Struandale engine plant in Port Elizabeth. With common-rail direct fuel injection, an integrated intake manifold and a belt-in-oil primary drive, the bi-turbo is compact, lightweight, powerful and efficient. It takes advantage of sequential turbo-charging to deliver greater responsiveness, driveability and maximum efficiency.

The sophisticated bi-turbo diesel engine is coupled to an advanced 10-speed torque-convertor automatic to bring greater drive, improved flexibility and a quieter, more comfortable drive.

With 500Nm from a low 1 750r/min, the bi-turbo delivers a greater torque spread, with the 10-speed's close ratios reducing gaps in power and acceleration to confidently conquer all types of terrain, while maintaining the Ranger's exceptional payload and 3 500kg towing capability.

Appearance
Rugged good looks define the current generation and the refreshed model for 2019 sees styling changes that further enhance the off-road stance and visual appeal. Led by a cleaner grille which features the distinctive "nostrils" and a distinctively shaped lower bumper with broader intake, it offers a more dynamic look.

There will also be a clearer distinction between models visually.

Features
Already at the forefront of its segment in terms of advanced technologies for driving, safety, convenience and entertainment, the updated Ranger will raise the stakes even further.

Ford's pre-collision assist using inter-urban autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with vehicle detection and pedestrian detection will be introduced on selected models in 2019. The system is designed to detect pedestrians as well as vehicles and to bring Ranger to a complete stop at speeds above 3,6km. This will be complemented by passive entry passive start (PEPS) keyless entry and push-button start.

The Ranger's features will also now include active park assist (APA) on the range-topping derivatives, reducing parking stress through semi-automatic parallel parking.

Loading will be made easier with the introduction of an easy lift tailgate on all pick-up models. With a new internal mechanism, the Ranger's tailgate is lighter to lift, with a 70% reduction in initial force required to raise it for closing.

For 2019, the Ranger's suspension has been upgraded across the range to reduce and better control roll, with an emphasis on improving the driving experience when fully laden and towing.

New design means changes that bring improved ride, a reduction in body roll as well as improved steering precision. Crucially, while improving the drive and refinement, the suspension changes do not impact on Ranger's exceptional towing and payload capabilities.

More details will be released closer to the launch.

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