2024 Ford Ranger 2.0 Bi-Turbo XLT DC 4X4 10AT

Ford Ranger 2,0 Bi-turbo XLT — With Ford South Africa planning to introduce the next batch of special-edition derivatives, the XLT is destined to remain the best-selling Ranger double cab in our market. How does this altogether less shouty model fare?

It’s indicative of South Africans’ inherent sense of adventure and love for the outdoors – as well as the modern desire to sit taller, with a more commanding stance in all traffic situations (potholes included) – that the introduction of the new Ford Ranger in late 2022 was the most highly anticipated new vehicle launch in South Africa of that year.

On the back of noteworthy market-share gains made by the previous-generation (T6) Ranger and following significant investment in both Ford Motor Company South Africa’s Silverton assembly line and its Struandale engine plant, the new Ranger has been mandated to lead the Blue Oval’s charge against its competition in markets around the globe. Its underpinnings also happen to carry the hopes of the second-generation VW Amarok, which is currently assembled alongside the Ranger as part of a broader cross-brand collaboration.

A 50 mm-longer wheelbase and 50 mm-wider front- and rear track widths (measured against the outgoing T6-gen Ranger) allow for improved off-road prowess, but also accommodate a revised suspension layout, including the placement of the vehicle’s rear dampers outboard of the leaf springs. This setup is claimed to offer greater compliance, particularly when the load box is unladen.

Designed to closely mimic its American F-Series siblings, the new Ranger offers decisively more curb appeal than the model it replaces. On derivatives above Base and XL, namely the XLT, Wildtrak and, obviously, Raptor, this presence is emphasised by striking-looking C-shaped LED daytime running lights up front.

The XLT can be ordered with one of six upgrade packages, starting with a painted grille and the addition of a roll hoop enhancing its larger-than-before load bay (R8 020), thereby steadily increasing in cost to inch this mid-spec model closer to its Wildtrak sibling.

The second pack includes 17-inch wheels (16-inch is standard fitment) and several interior- and safety enhancements. The clever integrated rear step that offers easier access to the load bay is a R1 200 option on XLT models, and the Blue Lightning paint finish on this test unit costs a further R1 400.

Highlights of the new Ranger’s cabin include improved materials quality all around, as well as ergonomics aimed at making this double-cab feel more upmarket than ever. For the most part, Ford has achieved this goal.

The standard cloth-covered front seating in XLT still offers exceptional comfort with a good range of manual adjustments for the driver, while the rear seats are as accommodating as a doublecab bakkie’s packaging allows. It’s disappointing that rear passenger air vents are only included in one of the more comprehensive optional bundles.

A favourite feature is the large, portrait-style infotainment display fitted to both the Ford and its Amarok cousin. Though “only” 10,1 inches in size in XLT spec, there’s no denying its inclusion – together with a broad menu of functionality – is a boon interms of potential modern double-cab ownership. We would, however, like to see a software update improve the system’s responsiveness at some point.

Unlike in the Wildtrak and Raptor, XLT 4x4 models do not feature the new 4A all-wheel drive mode. Instead, the driver can shift between 2H and 4H on the fly as the conditions dictate, or even into 4L.

The XLT is also equipped with a more traditional-looking tall transmission lever, as opposed to the stubbier (and somewhat clumsier) item found in the more expensive derivatives.

Designed to accommodate the V6 power plants found elsewhere in the range, the new Ranger XLT is available with a choice of 2,0- litre single turbodiesel and 2,0 Bi-turbodiesel engine options introduced in the previous model. Offering 154 kW (down from 157 kW) and 500 N.m, the Biturbodiesel unit is fitted with a 10-speed automatic transmission that’s been re-engineered to less frantically hunt for optimal ratios than before.

On our test strip, the Ranger XLT 4x4 2,0 Bi-turbo achieved a best 0–100 km/h sprint time of 8,71 seconds. By comparison, the previous-generation Wildtrak 4x4 with the same powertrain that we tested in July 2019, attained a best time of 10,01 seconds. Smoother shifts aside, some of this difference could be explained by the admittedly well-kitted flagship topping our scales at 2 254 kg, while the newer Ranger registered 2 177 kg.

The newcomer returned an average consumption figure of9,6 L/100 km on our fuel route. A more imposing stance and considerably upmarket interior aside, the most significant improvement on the new Ranger when likened to its non-Raptor predecessor is in ride quality. A large vehicle to live with (and park), it’s more composed in every driving condition, better insulated from the outside world and, by default, more lifestyle-focused and SUV-like than many of its rivals. Available as part of several of the tailored packages that can be added to XLT spec is Ford’s extended suite of modern active safety features, which comprises lane-change assist and collision avoidance, among others.

TEST SUMMARY

Ford Motor Company South Africa is justifiably proud of its locally assembled modern Ranger. It continues to earn plaudits around the world, including that of Pickup of the Year in the UK, as well as becoming the first bakkie to win the South African Car of the Year competition outright. While voting for our newest Top 12 Best Buys winner was set to take place as soon as this issue was sent to print, we are also very aware that the South African double-cab market remains fiercely brand loyal and not easily swayed by the flavour of the month.

That said – and especially with so many potential new customers looking to move away from SUVs and into lifestyle vehicles that are sturdier, versatile and, indeed, potholeproof – it’s impossible not to acknowledge that the new Ranger certainly ticks a lot of boxes.

Be warned, though, Ford is one of the first local brands to unbundle its maintenance and service-plan costs from the asking price of its vehicles (as per the updated right-to-repair legislation). With this in mind it’s worth paying careful consideration to the eventual price of your new Ford, once nice-to-have specifications (inclunding a sidestep or rollhoop) and a basic service plan have been included.

18-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tyres are optional on XLT spec. 16-inch items are standard fitment.

01 Ranger’s styling is inspired by its US market F-Series cousins. 02 XLT features a more traditional tall transmission lever. 03 4H can be accessed on the move. 04 Wirelessmobile phone charging is included in an options package. 05 Front of Ranger’s cabin is impressively SUV-like in terms of comfort. 06 2,0 Bi-turbo diesel is a strong performer.

01 XLT has a 10,1-inch display compared with the 12-inch item in Wildtrak. 02 Leather upholstery is optional on XLT. 03 Also optional is the neat bumper-integrated side step. 04 XLT shares its distinct C-shaped LED driving lights with Wildtrak.

Price: R833 800

Acceleration 0-62mph 0–100 km/h: 8,71 seconds

Top speed: 180 km/h

Max Power: 154 kW

Max Torque: 500 N.m

CAR fuel index: 9,0 L/100 km

CO2: 195 g/km

Kyle Kock

The modern Ranger has undoubtedly shifted the leisure bakkie segment’s goalposts

Damian Adams

Thoroughly competent, but pay attention to the options list as it’ll affect the final asking price

Ian McLaren

I like that you’re able to choose from pre-configured accessories packages for ultimate personalization

MATCH-UP

The Ranger feels like the modern double-cab package that’s achieved the most gains over its outgoing generation. Improved ride quality and an SUV-like cabin are highlights, while the Bi-TDI engine remains a strong performer. Spec carefully, though.

Ford Ranger 2,0 Bi-turbo

XLT DC 4x4 10AT

price: R833 800

cyl/capac: 4/1 996 cm3

power: 154 kW/3 750 r/min

torque: 500 N.m/1 750–2 000 r/min

gears/drive: 10/4

0–100 km/h: 8,71 sec

top speed: 180 km/h

fuel index: 9,0 L/100 km

payload: 946 kg

serv/maint plan: Optional

Volkswagen Amarok 2,0BiTDI DC Life 4Motion

The Ranger’s German cousin offers the same powertrain and performance, and Life specification comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels and driver assistance. It’s interesting to note the VW is also sold with a standard maintenance plan.

Pprice: R837 900

cyl/capac: 4/1 996 cm3

power: 154 kW/3 750 r/min

torque: 500 N.m/1 750–2 000 r/min

gears/drive: 10/4

0–100 km/h: n/a

top speed: 180 km/h

fuel index: 9,0 L/100 km

payload: 946 kg

serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 k

USED OPTION [<2 years]

Volkswagen Amarok 3,0 V6 TDI 190 kW As the choice that arguably made the strongest case for a lifestyle-bakkie purchase, the previous-generation Amarok remains an enticing proposition, not least for its 190 kW TDI powertrain.

SPECIFICATIONS 2024 Ford Ranger 2.0Bi-Turbo XLT DC 4X4 10AT

ENGINE

Cylinders: four, inline, longitudinal

Fuel supply: electronic common-rail direct injection, turbocharged, intercooled, diesel

Bore/stroke: 84,0/90,0 mm

Cubic capacity: 1 996 cm3

Compression ratio:16,0 to 1

Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder

ENGINE OUTPUT

Max power ISO: 154 kW

Power peak/Red line: 3 750/5 000 r/min

Max torque: 500 N.m

Torque peak: 1 750–2 000 r/min

TRANSMISSION

Type: ten-speed automatic

1st gear/2nd gear: 4,69/2,98 to 1

3rd gear/4th gear: 2,15/1,77 to 1

5th gear/6th gear: 1,52/1,28 to 1

7th gear/8th gear: 1,00/0,85 to 1

9th gear: 0,69 to 1

Top gear: 0,64 to 1

Reverse gear: 4,86 to 1

Final drive: 3,31 to 1

Drive wheels: all

Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start

BRAKES

Front: 302 mm ventilated discs

Rear: drums

Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA

WHEELS AND TYRES

Tyre make: Goodyear Wrangler Territory

Tyre size: 255/65 R18

Spare – type and location: full-size steel, under body

STEERING

Type: rack and pinion, hydraulic power assist

Lock to lock: 3,4 turns

Turning circle diameter: 12,9 m

SUSPENSION

Front: independent, double wishbone, coil springs, anti-roll bar

Rear: live axle, leaf springs

WARRANTY & SERVICE INTERVALS

5-year/150 000 km warranty

Service every 15 000 km

PARTS

PRICES*

Oil filter: R209,97 Air filter: R691,15 Left headlamp: R12 439,19

Left rear tyre: R3 345,00 Windscreen: R6 332,82 Brake pads

(front set): R4 579,39 Camchain (incl. tensioner): R3 616,99

Total parts basket: R31 214,51

TEST RESULTS

Test conditions**: Ambient temp/barometric press: 12 ÅãC/1 033 hPa Test car’s odometer: 6 430 km

TOP SPEED

Manufacturer’s figure: 180 km/h

PERFORMANCE

FACTORS

Test conditions**: Ambient temp/barometric press: 12 ÅãC/1 033 hPa Test car’s odometer: 6 430 km

FEATURES

CHECKLIST

ACCELERATION (sec)

SPEEDO CALIBRATION (true speed)

Odometer error: 0,73% under

60 80 100 120

57 77 96 116

0–60 0–80 0–100 0–120 0–140

3,35 5,63 8,71 13,02 19,08

SPECIFICATIONS

OVERTAKING ACCELERATION (sec)

PARTS

PRICES*

Width (excl.mirrors): 1 910mm Track front/rear: 1 620/1 620mm Towrating (braked): 750 kg

Gross frontal area: 3,24 m2 Drag coefficient: N/A Seating: 5

40–60

60–80

80–100

100–120

120–140

AT

1,7

2,28

3,08

4,31

6,00

BRAKING TEST

Best/worst stop: 3,26/3,73

Average of 10 stops/rating: 3,5/poor

Average stopping distance: 48,51 m

10 stops from 100 km/h measured in seconds

FUEL CONSUMPTION

Fuel tank: 80 litres

Est. tank range (fuel index): 889 km

Taxable CO2 rating: 195 g/km

CAR fuel index

9,00 L/100 km

Manufacturer’s figure

7,50 L/100 km

PERFORMANCEFACTORS

Power/mass: 71 W/kg Power/litre: 77 kW/litre

Torque/litre: 251 N.m/litre Engine speed (at true

120 km/h in top gear): 1 761 r/min

FEATURES CHECKLIST

Airbags: front/side/curtain/knee Air-con:manual Audio system: radio/auxin/ USB/Bluetooth/Android Auto/Apple CarPlay Cruise control: standard Sat-nav: no Park assist: standard Windows: all-electric Trip computer: standard Driver seat adjust:manual, incl. height Folding rear seat: no Upholstery: cloth (leather opt) Isofix anchorages: outer rear Steering adjust: rake + reach Steering audio controls: standard Tyre sensors: optional Wipers auto-on: standard Headlamps auto-on: standard Headup display: no