Ford Ranger tames Klein Tafelberg: A thrilling off-road adventure
THE Western Cape sun beat down on my arms as I gripped the steering wheel of the next-generation Ford Ranger. This was not an average highway cruise that I had done with the Ford Everest on the first day, or the Ford Raptor on the second day; the Ranger was about to be unleashed on a true off-road obstacle course at Klein Tafelberg, a sandy and dusty playground designed to test both driver and vehicle.
Our expedition leader, Gideo Basson, a weathered veteran of these tracks, gave the lowdown: a dusty road, a heart-stopping turn, a merciless steep and rocky incline, and those dreaded cross-axle ruts — all waiting to challenge our mettle. Basson adjusted the tyre pressure of my yellow next-generation Ford Ranger to half of the normal pressure.
Deflating them to half felt counter-intuitive, but he assured us it would increase our footprint in the sand, which was crucial for maintaining traction.
The moment we hit the loose terrain, I could feel the difference. The steering felt a touch looser, but the trade-off was clear — the Ranger dug its claws into the sand like a determined badger. Basson had already advised us to relax our grip on the wheel and let the Ranger navigate the terrain.
And indeed, we navigated the sandy terrain with a sense of playfulness, the powerful engine effortlessly propelling us forward.
The real test arrived with the sharp right turn. Since my car was at the forefront, Basson took over the steering wheel to show everyone how it is done. The Ranger tilted slightly, a reminder of the delicate balance between grip and tipping. Basson had done his part, and I was back on the wheel.
The steep rocky incline loomed next. Here, the Ranger truly came alive. Shifting into a lower gear, the engine roared as the tyres clawed for purchase. Basson’s voice urged me onward, and the Ranger, with a determined surge, carried me to the summit.
The view from the top was a reward in itself — a sprawling vista of sun-baked earth and defiant shrubbery, all conquered by this magnificent machine. We took a celebratory break, some snacks and a photoshoot.
Finally, we faced the cross-axle ruts — the bane of any off-roader. Following the guide’s advice, I engaged the differential lock. As we traversed the uneven terrain, the Ranger lurched and bumped, but its movements felt controlled, like a skilled dancer navigating a challenging routine.
Emerging from the obstacle course, I could not help but marvel at the Ford Ranger’s capabilities. It had transformed from a sleek highway truck to a capable off-road warrior, tackling every challenge with aplomb.
This was not just a drive; it was an adventure, a testament to both human ingenuity and automotive prowess. The Western Cape sun had a new witness — a driver who had tamed Klein Tafelberg and emerged victorious.
About the next-generation Ford
Ranger
With the next-generation Ford Ranger, Ford went beyond simply designing a new truck; they aimed to craft an entire Ranger lifestyle experience. Years of expertise in trucks combined with in-depth customer research from around the globe fuelled the development process. This translates into a vehicle that seamlessly integrates into your life, whether you are a small business owner, a weekend adventurer, or a busy family on the go.
Enhanced capability
and performance
The Ranger’s rugged good looks are more than just skin deep. The foundation lies in an upgraded chassis with a wider track and wheelbase, offering increased stability and off-road prowess. Customer demands for additional power and torque are answered with a choice of proven Single-Turbo and Bi-Turbo 2.0 inline four-cylinder diesel engines, delivering both muscle and fuel efficiency. New transmission options, including an updated 10-speed automatic and a six-speed manual, provide drivers with the control they crave.
Ride, handling, and
off-road prowess
Ford understands that Ranger owners demand a truck that excels in diverse situations. The engineering team focused on the fundamentals, optimising ride and handling for work, family adventures, and off-road exploration. Relocation of the front wheels for a better approach angle and improved off-road articulation are just a few examples.
Redesigned rear suspension dampers enhance comfort on all terrains, whether you are hauling cargo or cruising with the family. This next-gen Ranger truly embodies the spirit of “Built Ford Tough Plus” offering the legendary toughness and capability alongside a smooth, car-like ride.
A tech-savvy and user-friendly interior
The Ranger’s cabin has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a modern and functional workspace. Premium materials and a prominent portrait-style touchscreen housing Ford’s latest SYNC® 4 system elevate the interior experience.
This intuitive system offers voice-activated communication, entertainment, and information, keeping you connected and in control.
Gone are the days of cluttered dashboards; many traditional driving mode controls have been conveniently relocated to the touchscreen. With a single tap, you can access dedicated off-road and drive mode displays, allowing you to monitor drivetrain performance, steering angles, and vehicle orientation.
The focus on user-friendliness extends beyond technology. Clever storage solutions abound, with features like a large center console bin, spacious door pockets, and an upper glovebox catering to your organisational needs. The thoughtful design even includes a wireless charging pad on the Wildtrak series.
Understanding how owners access the cargo box was a key element in the redesign. A new integrated side step behind the rear tires provides a stable and secure way to climb in and out.
The wider track also translates to a more functional cargo box, allowing you to fit and secure a wider variety of cargo, from building materials to full-size pallets.
Further enhancing functionality is a new, tough plastic-moulded bedliner that protects both the truck bed and your knees. Additional cargo tie-down points and durable load box caps ensure your gear stays secure during any adventure.
The innovation does not stop there. The Ranger boasts a new cargo management system with dividers for various sized items, along with a system of spring-loaded cleats that allow you to create custom compartments within the cargo box.
The tailgate itself transforms into a mobile workbench, complete with an integrated ruler and clamp pockets — perfect for those on-the-go projects. Finally, a 360-degree zone lighting system, controlled via the SYNC screen, illuminates your surroundings, ensuring better visibility during nighttime loading or unloading.
A truck for all your journeys
The next-gen Ford Ranger isn’t just a truck; it’s a testament to Ford’s commitment to understanding and exceeding customer expectations. From the powerful engine options and enhanced off-road capability to the tech-laden and user-friendly interior, every detail is meticulously crafted to empower your life, wherever the road (or lack thereof) may take you.
This Ranger is ready to be your trusted companion, not just on your daily commute, but on every adventure you can dream up.
The Ford vehicles we test drove in Western Cape are available in Zimbabwe through a dealership network coordinated by Ford Zimbabwe.
These dealerships are Croco Motors, who have a wide branch network in the country and Duly’s which is the oldest Ford dealership in the world, having handled the brand for more than 121 years and still counting.
These dealerships are both equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to service the Ford brands released to the Southern African market and also they have been certified on numerous occasions to be compliant with the rigorous Ford standards to meet requirements of handling the Ford brand.