Last of the breed
Outgoing Ranger continues to wow
It’s hard to believe that Ford’s thirdgeneration Ranger, internally designated as P375, went into production a decade ago. Even now, as the model’s replacement is due to be launched, the outgoing vehicle still manages to impress, attesting to how far ahead of the curve it was in comparison to certain rivals.
The model was among a few pick-up offerings that pioneered the idea of a leisureorientated double-cab that evinced carlike qualities, from the perspectives of comfort, road manners, equipment and occupant safety.
Last month we welcomed a Moondust Silver 2.0 BiT 4x4 automatic Wildtrak derivative into our test fleet, which we will be spending time with until it is replaced by a unit of the new Ranger in January next year.
The opportunity offers a chance to reacquaint with all the virtues we like about outgoing Ranger, in addition to discussing some of the points that its successor will remedy. We noted in our introduction piece last month that for pre-owned buyers, this Ranger is likely to remain a desirable option for many years to come.
Visually, the Wildtrak still manages to attract looks of respect and admiration, with its polished black-on-silver alloys, chunky side steps, rear hoop and blacked out grille. It remains a handsome vehicle. Factory stickers include an SA flag on the tailgate, a patriotic nod to its place of production origin.
With little over 2,500km on the odometer, our vehicle is one of the last units to come off the Silverton facility line. Earlier this month the manufacturer celebrated the very last third-generation Ranger to leave the plant: vehicle number 873,751. As many as 271,000 copies of the model were sold locally, the rest finding homes in over 100 different export markets.
You cannot help but feel a sense of pride driving the Ranger, attesting to the quality standards boasted by our local automotive industry.
Now, we have of course already had a test of the next model, which will be launched officially in the middle of December. But even after that exposure, you would be hard-pressed to declare this current vehicle as being glaringly deficient in any measure.
Yes, the new vehicle is crisper, has more contemporary styling, a superior infotainment offering and noticeable leaps in refinement overall. Though its predecessor could still put a number of newer contenders to shame in some of these areas.
The downpours of the season have certainly shone a light on the benefits of driving a double-cab with selectable fourwheel drive. Potholes concealed by puddles are no problem in the Ranger. We have come to enjoy the rhythmic, lowspeed grumble of its torque-rich, proven twin-turbocharged-diesel motor around town. Shifts from the 10-speed transmission are imperceptible, distinguished only by change in engine note.
The large-diameter, leatherettewrapped wheel offers a chunky grip, while the list of standard amenities remains satisfactory. That includes heated seats for those nippy evenings, climate control and the capabilities of the SYNC 3 interface.
Another feature not to be forgotten is the FordPass Connect modem and Ford Pass smartphone application. It allows the owner to keep tabs on fuel level, tyre pressures, vehicle location and maintenance information. You can also start the vehicle remotely.