Set to rival the likes of the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma and the previous generation Nissan Navara sold as the Frontier, the Ranger rides on the same T6 platform as the global equivalent, Everest and the forthcoming Bronco, but sports a US specific front facia derived from the F-series and Edge, while the rear taillights are also different.
Inside, very little has changed with the sole difference being the tweaked gear lever connected to the same 10-speed automatic gearbox that features in the Ranger Raptor, which had been co-developed with General Motors.
As previously indicated, Ford will only offer the Ranger with a single engine, a 2.3-litre EcoBoost whose outputs are still unknown, but could produce the same 206kW/420Nm as the unit in the Explorer or 210kW/414Nm made by the Lincoln MKC.
Surprisingly, Ford has opted to introduce the Ranger only in Super and SuperCrew Cab configurations, with the former in entry-level XL spec starting the range off at $25 395 (R366 719), and getting items such as 16-inch steel wheels, a static 3.5-inch infotainment display, electric windows, a four-speaker sound system, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Forward Collision Warning.
Starting at $29 035 (R419 282), the XLT swaps the 16-inch steelies for 17-inch alloys and further gains a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster display, a colour infotainment system with 4G LTE and SYNC 3, a six-speaker sound system, keyless entry, Blind Spot Assist, 360-degree surround view camera, Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic High Beam Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
At the top end, the Lariat kicks-off at $33 305 (R477 045) and comes with body coloured door handles, two-tone 18-inch alloys, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SYNC 3, dual-zone climate control, push-button start and eight-way electrically adjustable heated front seats.
Based on the configurator released on the Blue Oval’s website, noteworthy options includes a Chrome Appearance Package for $795 (R11 480), machined 18-inch alloys for $895 (R12 924), the same price as the Sport Appearance Package, black running boards at $635 (R9 169), a spray-on bin-liner for $495 (R7 148) and a $1 795 (R25 920) interior option that adds a B&O Play sound system, rain sense wipers, adaptive cruise control and satellite navigation.
Buyers wanting more space will have to fork out between $2 175-$2 200 (R31 408-R31 769) for the SuperCrew Cab, while those planning on taking their Rangers off-road will have to part with $4 000-$4 160 (R57 762-R59 206) for the four-wheel system with low range, in addition to the $1 295 (R18 700) FX4 Appearance Package.
At launch, the Ranger will be offered in a choice of six colours; Oxford White, Shadow Black, Ingot Silver, Saber, Magnetic and Blue Lighting, as well as two options, Hot Pepper Red at $395 (R5 704) and White Platinum at $595 (R8 592).
Sales of the Ranger in the United State are expected to commence next year, with local buyers set to receive the updated global model in early 2019.
IMAGES from Ford via motor1.com
