Spy Shots: New Ford Ranger

The next-generation Ford Ranger double-cab bakkie has been spied undergoing testing!

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.

The next Ford Ranger is in development and these latest spy images hint at what’s to come from Ford with regards to its popular Ranger bakkie.

In 2019, Ford and Volkswagen announced an alliance that would see the co-development of a number of products, including the next-generation Amarok which will be based on the next-generation Ranger which will be produced at Ford’s local production facility at Silverton, Gauteng.

While the 2 bakkies will be mechanically similar, they are expected to have their own design identity in line with each brand’s styling philosophy. In the case of the next-generation Ranger, these latest spy images suggest that the new Ranger will share styling cues from the new F-150 which is hugely popular in the U.S. This is most evident in the upright headlight design and daytime running light design.

While much of this test mule is well-hidden thanks to the extensive camouflage, the grille does appear to be very bold. New taillights can also be seen at the rear. The Ranger’s interior is expected to undergo a major overhaul with higher quality materials and a modern design on the cards. A new SYNC 4 infotainment system is also expected.

The 'baby F-150' is in the making, which should please local Ranger fans.

As for what will power the next-generation Ford Ranger, reports suggest that the familiar 201 kW / 420 Nm 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine will carry over in the U.S. while a hybrid powertrain is also a possibility. Other markets, such as South Africa, are likely to receive a selection of turbodiesel engines. We may even see an enhanced version of the current 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine with higher outputs doing service under the bonnet. A 10-speed automatic transmission is also likely. More powertrain details are expected to come to the fore as the development of the new Ranger progresses.

The new Ford Ranger is due to be revealed later in 2021, and as always, we will keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.

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