The all-new 2023 Ford Ranger has been revealed and while all eyes are on the striking XLT and Wildtrak models, we wonder what the entry-level model will look like. Wonder no more!
The new 2023 Ford Ranger looks to be one very impressive offering. Combining modern fresh looks with what appears to be one of the most digitally advanced cabins, the new Ranger is sure to take the market by storm when it touches down in 2022.
Ford South Africa says the order books open in the 2nd quarter of 2022 and while the engine and derivatives are yet to be confirmed, we do know that the engines on offer range from the 2.0-litre single turbo and 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesels, as well as a 2.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol motor.
See also: Double-Cab 4×4 Bakkie Buyer’s Guide (2021)
The big headline news as far as engines go is the confirmation from Ford that a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel will make its debut in the Ranger. Whether the SA market will get this engine remains to be seen.
The interior we have seen in the Wildtrak and XLT press images has impressed us. There’s a huge focus on digitalisation and the huge talking point will be the inclusion of a portrait-orientated oversized infotainment screen with Ford’s SYNC4. We’re yet to see it in the metal, but so far, the Wildtrak and XLT look tantalising.
It’s all very well lusting after the flagship luxury models, but in the case of double-cab bakkies, they’re expecting to fulfil both lifestyle and commercial roles. What about the workhorse aspect of the all-new Ford Ranger? While there’s been virtually no coverage of the single-cab or entry-level Ranger derivatives, a deep-dive into the various Ford media websites turned up some images.
Visually, the entry-level Ranger workhorses loses the fancy daytime running lights and alloy wheels, and receive a simplified version of the new grille. Interestingly, there are no images of the interior and we’re left wondering if the cabin will also receive the new large infotainment system or make do with a basic system.
It’s too early to say what engines will be offered either and if you can recall correctly, the predecessor made do with the older 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor while its upmarket siblings had the new-generation 2.0-litre powertrain.
Ford has confirmed its all-new Ranger will be built in South Africa at the Blue Oval’s facility in Silverton, Pretoria and customers can start ordering the new bakkie in the 2nd quarter of 2022.
