SPECIFICATIONS
THE BLUE Oval has added some spice to its Ranger double cab line-up with the launch of a new special edition.
Slotting above the Wildtrak models, but below the Raptor, the Thunder edition gains some unique design garnishes as well as some practical additions to the load box.
It also ushers in some specification changes across most of the Ranger line-up.
RANGE IMPROVES
All XLT, Wildtrak and Raptor models, along with the Thunder of course, sport LED headlights with LED daytime running lights as standard.
Lower down the range, the XLS variants gain a 20.3cm touch screen infotainment system, replacing the previous Sync1 set-up.
The system is also available as an option on XL models.
You’ll easily spot the Ford Ranger
Thunder on the road thanks to its unique grille with red “nostril” accents and honeycomb patterning.
Also setting it apart are its new 18-inch alloy wheels finished in black, black side mirrors, red accents on the sports bar and prominent Thunder graphics on the doors and tailgate.
Buyers can choose from three colours: Absolute Black, Sea Grey and
Frozen White.
SUMPTUOUS INSIDE
The interior is spruced with red contrast stitching for the black leather upholstery on the seats, dashboard and gear lever, while the seats also get red Thunder embroidery, in case you forget that you bought a special edition bakkie.
But there’s more to this than the cosmetics. The Ranger Thunder also receives a few nifty load bin accessories, including a cargo management system with a bed divider that allows owners to compartmentalise the space, and a lockable Mountain Top black roller shutter.
The Thunder Edition is available with two engines, these being the more traditional 3.2-litre turbodiesel with 147kW and 470Nm, and the newer 2-litre twin-turbo diesel, which produces 157kW and 500Nm. rev-match
309kW at 7 600rpm 420Nm at 5 000rpm 0-100km/h: 4.4 seconds (claimed)
304km/h 4 456mm
1 817mm
1 269mm
2 475mm
1 538mm (front) and 1 534mm (rear)
2-year OEM warranty/3year Driveplan
R1 719 000
The 3.2 is available in 4x2 guiseonly , but the 2.0 BiT also offers a 4x4 option. As for transmission, the 3.2 is paired with a six-speed automatic, while the 2.0 gets Ford’s 10-speed autobox.
WHAT’S THE PRICE
Priced at R711 600 for the 3.2, R736 000 for the 2.0 BiT 4x2 and R787 000 in the case of the 2.0 BiT 4x4, the Thunder models each command a price premium of R33 400 over the equivalent Wildtrak derivatives.