FORD RANGER 2,0BIT 4X4 10 AT DOUBLE CAB THUNDER
It is easy to get excited about Ford’s top-of-the-range Ranger Raptor, for obvious reasons. However, you shouldn’t underestimate the rest of the range, as we argued in our previous long-term Ranger wrap-up test published in the May/ June 2020 issue. The latest variant to join our fleet is the new Ranger Thunder. Effectively based on locally built Wildtrak double-cab variants (albeit with no mechanical updates), the Thunder can be ordered in 2,0-litre twinturbodiesel guise – in both 4x2 and 4x4 configuration – or 3,2-litre TDCI as a 4x2 only. Four colours are offered: Absolute Black, Frozen White,
Sea Grey and Moondust Silver, of which our fetching test unit is an example of the latter.
As a reminder, the Blue Oval’s four-cylinder engine makes a hearty 157 kw and 500 N.m; just as it does in the Ranger Raptor, with drive directed to either two or four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. There is an extensive list of additional features over and above the Wildtrak, too. As far as added practicality goes, the load bay comes standard with the Wildtrak’s catchily named “area management system”, which includes side rails, a drop-in bedliner with a 12 V power socket and tie-down points. Bear in mind, if you plan on loading objects with an abrasive finish, or heavy equipment for that matter, the moulds that cover the load bay may not last as long as a conventional rubberised equivalent.
Red accents on the 3D-effect grille are among the most obvious exterior updates, along with a black sportsbar, finished with yet more red detailing and tinted side windows. Then there are the 18-inch black alloy wheels and plenty of Thunder badges to leave you in no doubt as to which model this is. I’m over the moon (or should that be Moondust Silver?) that ours is the 4x4 variant, as I have every intention of regularly taking it off-road, including a very challenging excursion I have planned in the coming months. But you’ll read about that soon …
On my first extended journey, loaded with two passengers and their luggage, for a 400 km roundtrip to the Karoo, the additional power – up from the 132 kw and 420 N.m in our previous longterm Ranger – was welcome. I’m also grateful Ford chose to option the Mountain Top roller shutter for the rear load bay. On our Karoo adventure, this system was not only lockable and impressively strong, but also almost completely waterproof as it turned out.
Currently, with some 1 000 km on the odometer since it arrived, the fuel consumption figure is settling at around 9,50 L/100 km. This includes its maiden Karoo road trip as well as other daily duties. As we’ve said before, ride comfort is good and noise suppression commendable, while the cabin features plenty of standard kit.