Go, go Power Rangers — new fleet ready to roll
The 1990s spawned a plethora of entertaining children’s television shows — and though every child from the era had their favourite, some transcended age, preferences and backgrounds to appeal to all.
The Power Rangers franchise is celebrating its 30th season this year, after first airing in 1993, and its biggest fans are all adults now, many with children of their own.
What, barring the name, a children’s programme has to do with Ford’s new collection of 24 Ranger variants?
Well, just like the enduring franchise with its ability to constantly add new characters and storylines, there is a Ranger vehicle with a rich pedigree for every type of driver.
The latest set of bakkies from the Blue Oval might be American styled, but the new Single and Super Cab Rangers are built in SA and ready to work across the world.
A fleet of XL, XLT and Wildtrak variants recently glided into Gqeberha where the new workhorses from the Ford stable evoked pride, joy and excitement — and not just for those behind the wheel.
The launch coincided with the second of a three-year sponsorship for Ford’s Rally to Read project in Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape.
Ford has for 2½ decades donated millions of rand to bolster literacy in impoverished SA schools through the initiative.
Most recently, it supplied a further R1.36m for the second year of the Eastern Cape programme through its partner, the READ Educational Trust.
Darting between the eight identified schools in the Bay to drop off educational material — books stored in portable box libraries catering for pupils in grades 4 to 7, smart projectors and USBs — Time to Torque got to enjoy the latest Ranger models, powered by the tried and tested 2.0-litre single and biturbo diesel engines, which push out 125kW/405Nm and 154kW/500Nm respectively.
Working our way up to the Wildtrak, we hopped into the surprisingly fleet-footed fourcylinder XL single turbo (and cab) mated to a six-speed manual transmission that is also available in automatic guise.
Three other XLs are on offer, including a 4x2 with a six-speed automatic and two 4x4 models available in manual or automatic. All XL single and the three Super Cabs can be customised with optional XL Upgrade Packs. The packages cater for a range of cosmetic and functional enhancements, including chrome trim, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control and upgraded 17-inch rims (16-inch as standard) with all-terrain tyres.
There’s also an off-road package which includes steel underbody protection as an add-on.
But for a base-spec bakkie aimed at customers and companies looking to haul heavy loads, the drive of the new XL is surprisingly smooth, the manual transmission lighter than the traditional stiff-shifting workhorse.
To accommodate the expectant chore-filled commutes, the load bay has been increased to 2.305mm and the payload up to 1,186kg. A locking rear differential is also included as standard.
Though it may be base spec, the clean, comfortable and classy cabin of the XL is practical and well put together with a multifunction steering wheel, cosy cloth seats and a digital instrument cluster.
Moving on to the more stylish XLT variant, a host of additional driving assists and leather-clad interior covers are added to the mix. There are also six upgrade packages for the model.
Cruise control, keyless entry, chrome additions to the front grille and the new C-clamp LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights are some of the standout design differences.
The XLT is available as a Super Cab with enough space behind the seats to fit luggage and most other necessities for a two-person trip.
The spray-in bed liner with an integrated 12-volt power socket and tow bar as standard add to the functionality.
The model also features new side steps at the rear, making for much easier access to the load bay.
Time to Torque had little saddle time in this Super Cab, aside from a basement parking peak, though we recently took delivery of a double cab for test and review (watch this space).
The Wildtrak in its black Super Cab exterior fac–ade, 18inch wheels coupled with its one-size-fits-all 2.0l biturbo engine, 4x4 drivetrain and 10speed automatic transmission is obviously the site manager of the fleet.
The Wildtrak has maintained its signature cabin appearance, with the distinctive orange stitching and Wildtrak insignia woven into the leather multifunction steering wheel, shifter and seats.
The vehicle makes its presence felt on the street with a mesh grille finished in signature Boulder Grey that is also applied to the side mirrors and front and rear bumper.
Seated in the partially leather-clad interior, with its ambient lighting and overhead auxiliary switches while charging a phone on the wireless charging pad and fiddling on the huge SYNC 4 infotainment system in the centre, you can appreciate the refined ride offered by the new range.
Notching up the kilometres on and off road is a pleasure — throughout the range.
The Single and Super Cabs felt sure-footed and provided a comfortable and confident driving experience.
And there are so many “Power Rangers” to choose from across various trim and pricing points.
All single and super cab models have as standard traction control, dual front, side and curtain airbags, dynamic stability control, ABS, trailer sway control, load adaptive control, roll-over mitigation and hill launch assist.
The range is sold with a four-year/120,000km warranty.
There is also the option of purchasing service or maintenance plans of up to eight years, or 165,000km, and the warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200,000km.