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Big news for bakkie fans: Ford SA expands Ranger line-up

<b> (RANGE)R EXPANDED: </b> Ford will offer their six-speed automatic transmission on the 2.2 TDCI models for the first time. <i> Image: Quickpic </i>
<b> (RANGE)R EXPANDED: </b> Ford will offer their six-speed automatic transmission on the 2.2 TDCI models for the first time. <i> Image: Quickpic </i>

• 6-speed auto transmission
• First time on 2.2 Duratorq TDCi model
• Available from July across the range

Pretoria - The popular Ford Ranger, which has been the top-selling light commercial vehicle in South Africa on seven occasions in the last 13 months, will receive a trend-setting model expansion in July, claims the automaker.

This will be spearheaded by the option of Ford's sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission on the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi models for the first time.

70% auto choice

Tracey Delate, general marketing manager, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, says: "The success of the automatic transmission option on the Ford Ranger is unprecedented, with almost 70% of buyers opting for the auto instead of the manual in the powerful 3.2-litre model.

"The latest refinements, increased performance and enhanced fuel efficiency of the New Ranger, particularly with the updated 2.2 Duratorq TDCi engine, has led to growing customer interest in the option of an automatic transmission on these models.

"We are delighted to announce that 2.2-litre Auto will be available from July," Delate says. "This will give the Ranger even greater appeal, as it's one of the first pick-ups in the LCV segment to offer an automatic transmission on the smaller-capacity intermediate derivatives."

The six-speed automatic transmission has been specially adapted for the refined 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, and makes the most of its power output of 118kW/385Nm, says Ford.

2.2 TDCi auto variants

A total of nine 2.2 TDCi Auto variants will be offered, boosting the revised Ranger line-up to a total of 36 models. It will be available across all three body styles, including Single Cab, the versatile Super Cab, and the spacious Double Cab.

In addition, customers will be able to select from all three trim and specification levels in the case of the Ranger Double Cab 2.2 Auto, comprising the entry-level XL, the mid-range XLS and the top-end XLT which provides a peerless combination of luxury and convenience. The Single Cab and Super Cab can be specified in XL and XLS guises for the 2.2 Auto.

Full details on the expanded Ford Ranger line-up will be announced in due course.

A selection of current Ranger models can be found at Ford's stand at the NAMPO Harvest Day which is currently under way, where the Tough Trucks will also be put through their paces on the 4x4 Track. Customers can also find details on Ford's Truck Month offers at Nampo, or by visiting your local dealer or Ford's website.

Offers are available until the end of June 2016.

Users respond

Daantjie Badenhorst: The automatic 2.2 litre models will be great additions to the range. From now on, nobody will have an excuse to buy a 3.2 any longer, unless they want to tow a caravan.

Arno Moller: This is great news especially the fact that you can now have the top end XLT with the smaller engine. The 2.2 has more then enough power unless like Daantjie Badenhorst has stated you want to tow. I would definitely consider the 2.2 in double cab XLT guise for my personal application.

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