Ford’s new Ranger just right for SA
Business in the front, underneath, inside and out with a party trick in the back.
Though there have been many variants of the Ford Ranger, the new Stormtrak is undoubtably the US company’s best response so far to the increasing demands of SA’s leisure lifestyle enthusiasts.
Based on the Ranger Wildtrak, the new variant of one of SA’s best-looking and mostsearched bakkies is something one can fully appreciate only off the beaten track.
Last week, Time to Torque was treated to a bucket list bakkie experience traversing vast expanses of the Karoo and climbing the crevasses which the locals refer to as roads of the Baviaanskloof.
With ground zero at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, the fleet of Sea Grey, Frozen White, Blue Lightning
the one we were in and our colour of choice as well as the dialled-up Lucid Red bakkies had a commanding presence in the parking lot.
Being the local boytjie, the roads less travelled on the outskirts of the metro should have been second-nature, but after a quick stop at Nanaga farmstall and then hooking a left onto a gravel road off the N10, we all became explorers in the Eastern Cape.
Instantly, the easy-to-navigate functional controls came into their own, with the Adapative Cruise Control turned off.
With a twist of a knob, we switched from 2H (high) to 4H and our off-road adventure began.
The striking leather-covered seats embroidered with red stitching and the Stormtrak insignia soon proved their worth as we contemplated the 800km of rugged terrain which lay ahead.
With that much ground to cover and at least two days of driving to go, the ergonomical and stylish interior was much appreciated.
The sophisticated leather with red stitching extends to the dash, gear knob, armrests and the multi-function steering wheel.
The iconic blue still commands the instrumental panel and the easy-to-use Ford Sync3 touchscreen infotainment system is fitted as standard and offers full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Stormtrak also has FordPass functionality that allows you to remotely access features from your phone, such as remote and scheduled starts to either cool or heat the cabin
There’s also a cool little feature which reminds the driver to check the back seat for remaining passengers before alighting from the vehicle.
But before I could enjoy all the toys in the cabin, my concentration quickly shifted to navigating through a wet Zuurberg Pass which we ascended through a thick cloud of fog, making it hard to see the next vehicle, let alone any obstacles along the path.
Despite the muddy roads, the Stormtrak easily found its footing, its chunky gloss-finished 18-inch alloy wheels powering to reach the top where we were treated to a view almost as pretty as the bakkie that got us there.
When I say pretty, I do mean pretty. Ford’s design team has long acknowledged that the devil is in the detail.
With the fog-filled backdrop, its 3D Stormtrak logo on the back and doors, the bold black mesh grille and its red inserts, the black insert in the lower section of the front bumper, black decals on the bonnet and doors, black roof rails and its gloss black wheels, the bakkie truly stands out from its lesser siblings.
But the real standout feature and the new Ranger’s party trick is the innovative new Power Roller Shutter for the rear load compartment which allows you to open and close the loadbed shutter with the push of a button.
This is complemented by a tailgate-locking mechanism, an adjustable bed-divider kit as well as a 12-volt socket for powering accessories such as a camping fridge.
During our descent, the weather cleared to reveal a road which had us questioning how explorers of yesteryear managed to navigate the terrain by ox wagon.
After a quick lunch stop, we emerged from the pass into the open expanses of the Karoo.
Between making our way through the small towns dotted
across our route, we found ourselves on long, straight gravel roads where on which the Stormtrak ate up the kilometres while spitting out huge dust clouds as we floated over the dusty surfaces at speeds of about 100km/h with the vehicle never feeling unsure.
After about 11 hours of driving, we rolled into Steytlerville for the night.
Before heading out of quiet town, the fleet refuelled, essentially draining the only petrol station in the town dry.
Then we were off to the World Heritage Site of the Baviaanskloof where speed took a back set and skill took the controls.
Admittedly though, as we waded through waist-high water, climbed steep passes, descending them on the other side, the Stormtrak, rather than the driver, deserved the praise.
Watching the suspension of the vehicle ahead and noticing the ease with which the wheels
climbed, jumped and sank into the holes on the path illustrated the capability of the bakkie, which seemingly knows no boundaries.
And with the immense amounts of torque being produced by its 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo petrol engine (good for 157kW of power and 500Nm of twist) there was plenty of thrust on tap with a simple suggestion from the driver’s right foot.
The engine is paired to a 10speed automatic transmission and towing capacity remains unchanged at 3,500kg, along with an 800mm water-wading depth and 230mm ground clearance.
After another day of driving we found ourselves at the picturesque Storms River Village for the night.
The next morning, our head-turning convey hit the N2 back to Gqeberha.
The new Ranger Stormtrak is another worthy edition to the decade-long production of
the Ranger range.
It’s as comfortable as a luxury sedan and backed by the confidence derived from its 4x4 capability.
The new Ford Ranger Stormtrak will set you back R790,300 for the 4x2 model, while the off-road ready 4x4
model costs R846,500. All prices include VAT.
Both variants come standard with a fouryear/120,000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and a six-year/90,000km service plan.