Ranger Stormtrak launched in SA
FORD is preparing its local factory in Silverton for the launch of an all-new Ranger in 2022, but the carmaker isn’t inished with the current generation just yet. Meet the Ford Ranger Stormtrak, which is being launched in South Africa this week.
The Stormtrak is based on the Wildtrack model, and it slots between that and the Raptor. Priced at R790 300 in 4x2 guise and R846 500 as a 4x4, the Ford Ranger Stormtrak models command a R40 000 premium over the equivalent Wildtrack derivatives, but the newcomer still costs R73 800 less than the Raptor.
There is quite a lot of kit to justify the Stormtrak’s price premium over the Wildtrack, including a unique exterior design package and a Power Roller Shutter with an adjustable bed divider. The drop‐in bedliner also incorporates a 12-volt socket that can be used for powering accessories such as a camping fridge.
Only one engine is offered and it’s none other than Ford’s 2.0‐litre twin‐turbo diesel unit that’s also itted to the Wildtrak and Raptor. Paired with a 10‐speed automatic gearbox, the engine produces 157kW and 500Nm.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL
The Ford Ranger Stormtrak is available in four colours, namely blue lightning, sea grey, frozen white and the exclusive new lucid red that you see in the pictures.
The exterior styling package includes a black mesh grille with red inserts, black decals on the bonnet and doors, three‐dimensional Stormtrak logos, black roof rails and gloss black 18‐ inch alloy wheels.
The cabin is set apart by leather seats with red contrast stitching, which you’ll also ind throughout the cabin, including on the dashboard and steering wheel. The Stormtrak also comes with illuminated front scuff plates. Standard features include a Sync3 infotainment system with satnav, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision
Alert, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Alert, Semi‐Automatic Parallel Park Assist and the FordPass remote access system.
“When it was launched in 2020, the Ranger Thunder added distinctive styling and enhanced functionality to the already trendy and popular Ranger Wildtrak on which it was based,” said Ford SA marketing head Doreen Mashinini.
It’s hinted by an unnamed representative of Toyota that these unof icial tradesmen may be purchasing the higher trim Toyota Land Cruiser ZX in bulk to sell at a pro it in markets where this is a popular choice. One such market that has been identi ied is the Middle East.
Since then, until recently, the countermeasures have been to encourage the customer to purchase installment payments such as residual value setting credits, residual value deferred type and regular loans instead of cash, in addition to the one-year resale prohibition consent form. In the case of installment purchases, the dealer holds the ownership until the payment is completed, which can prevent resale.