Ford Ranger a work-week warrior, weekend wanderer

Business Reporter

WITH the next-generation Ford Ranger, the carmaker went beyond simply designing a new truck. Ford sought to craft an entire Ranger lifestyle experience.

Years of expertise in trucks, combined with in-depth customer research from around the globe, fuelled the development process.

This translated into a vehicle that seamlessly integrates into your life, as a small business owner, a weekend adventurer or a busy family on the go.

Enhanced capability and performance

The Ranger’s rugged good looks are more than just skin-deep. The foundation is an upgraded chassis with a wider track and wheelbase, offering increased stability and off-road prowess.

Customer demands for additional power and torque are answered with a choice of proven 2.0-litre single-turbo and bi-turbo four-cylinder inline diesel engines, delivering both muscle and fuel efficiency.

New transmission options, including an updated 10-speed automatic and a six-speed manual, provide drivers with the control they crave.

Ride, handling and off-road prowess

Ford understands that Ranger owners demand a truck that excels in diverse situations. The engineering team focused on the fundamentals, optimising ride and handling for work, family adventures and off-road exploration. Relocation of the front wheels for a better approach angle and improved off-road articulation are just a few examples.

Redesigned rear suspension dampers enhance comfort on all terrains, whether you are hauling cargo or cruising with the family.

This next-gen Ranger truly embodies the spirit of “Built Ford Tough”, offering the legendary toughness and capability, alongside a smooth, car-like ride.

A tech-savvy and user-friendly interior

The Ranger’s cabin has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a modern and functional workspace.

Premium materials and a prominent portrait-style touchscreen housing Ford’s latest SYNC® 4 system elevate the interior experience.

This system offers voice-activated communication, entertainment and information, keeping you connected and in control.

Gone are the days of cluttered dashboards; many traditional driving mode controls have been conveniently relocated to the touchscreen.

With a single tap, you can access dedicated off-road and drive mode displays, allowing you to monitor drivetrain performance, steering angles and vehicle orientation.

The focus on user-friendliness extends beyond technology. Clever storage solutions abound, with features like a large centre console bin, spacious door pockets and an upper glovebox catering for your organisational needs. The thoughtful design even includes a wireless charging pad on the Wildtrak series.

Smarter access and a more functional cargo box

Understanding how owners access the cargo box was a key element in the redesign. A new integrated sidestep behind the rear tyres provides a stable and secure way to climb in and out.

The wider track also translates into a more functional cargo box, allowing you to fit and secure a wider variety of cargo, from building materials to full-size pallets.

Further enhancing functionality is a new, tough plastic-moulded bedliner that protects both the truck bed and your knees. Additional cargo tie-down points and durable load box caps ensure your gear stays secure during any adventure.

The innovation does not stop there. The Ranger boasts a new cargo management system with dividers for items of various sizes, along with a system of spring-loaded cleats that allow you to create custom compartments within the cargo box.

The tailgate itself transforms into a mobile workbench, complete with an integrated ruler and clamp pockets  — perfect for those on-the-go projects.

Finally, a 360-degree zone lighting system, controlled via the SYNC screen, illuminates your surroundings, ensuring better visibility during night-time loading or unloading.

A truck for all your journeys

The next-gen Ford Ranger is not just a truck; it is a testament to Ford’s commitment to understanding and exceeding customer expectations.

From the powerful engine options and enhanced off-road capability to the tech-laden and user-friendly interior, every detail is meticulously crafted to empower your life, wherever the road may take you.

This Ranger is ready to be your trusted companion, not just on your daily commute, but also on every adventure you can dream up. Ford vehicles are available in Zimbabwe through a dealership network coordinated by Ford Zimbabwe.

These dealerships are Croco Motors, which has a wide branch network in the country; and Duly’s, which is the oldest Ford dealership in the world, having handled the brand for more than 121 years and still counting.

These dealerships are both equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to service the Ford brands released to the Southern African market.

Additionally, they have been certified on numerous occasions to be compliant with the rigorous Ford standards to meet the requirements of handling the brand.