FORD RANGER DOUBLE CAB 2,2 TDCI HI-RIDER XLT 4x2 AT

Presently the bestselling vehicle in our market, the Ford Ranger is on a roll

THE Ranger 2,2 XLT AT double cab is one of the most popular models in this extensive Ford bakkie line-up, which has repeatedly been voted best leisure bakkie in CAR’S annual Top 12 Best Buys awards programme.

With a considered features list and a more-than-capable engine that’s rounded-off by an automatic transmission making highway and off-road driving more relaxing, this XLT model might just be the pick of the bunch. The rear-wheel drive provides enough grip for most buyers and the latest additions to the XLT grade include Sync3 with navigation plus a rearview camera.

Engine power at 118 kw is sufficient for loading and there’s acceptable overtaking oomph. Sure, some may need the grunt of the five-cylinder, 3,2-litre but, for most, the 2,2-litre, four-cylinder ticks enough boxes and offers better fuel consumption to boot. The six-speed auto’ box is definitely worth consideration in these days of increasingly congested roads and it holds onto gears when in manualshift mode for full driver control. Sport mode uses higher revs before changing up a gear and is generally superfluous because there’s little slip in the transmission at pullaway. Unusually, electrically assisted steering is supplied; never fans of this on an off-road vehicle, we have to admit that this steering has good feel.

There are, however, some areas of criticism. Much of the vehicle’s controls reside in the large touchscreen and you need to take your eyes of the road to operate it, as you need to when operating the small buttons of the climate-control system. The two USB ports are difficult to reach, being tucked away low down ahead of the gearlever. On the plus side, large volume and tuning knobs are fitted, and they’re easy to locate

XLT grade is extremely generous – including leather upholstery on the seats and steering wheel – and all double-cab Rangers have a driver’s knee airbag as standard. One of the more spacious rear cabins in the class. The high-mounted brakelamp incorporates a light that illuminates the load box.

without looking down.

The reverse camera with a view of the tow bar makes for super simple trailer hitching. The small, full-sweep rev counter can be toggled on or off and auto lights and wipers are added features, although the wipers can easily get confused by dust.

We completed one trip with a payload of 450 kg (plus two adults and two teenagers) and the ride quality was impressive. Also useful were six load-bay hooks that kept the load secured.

On the unladen return trip, the ride was slightly firmer, so the setup is well designed and adaptable.

TEST SUMMARY

Undoubtedly the pick of the huge Ranger double-cab lineup, the 2,2 TDCI XLT and its economical four-cylinder diesel, user-friendly six-speed automatic transmission and high spec level is a top-notch and capable leisure bakkie.