Slew of changes for Ranger

SPECIFICATIONS: HEAD-SPINNING UPDATES IN STORE

- Mark Jones

I have always said that a mid-spec XLT derivative Ford Ranger is the sweet spot in the range. And when it comes to value for money, the 2.0 litre Single Turbo even more so. And this is exactly what has arrived for long-term testing at The Citizen Motoring.

The plan was to hit the open road over the festive season and make the best use of the fuel consumption this Single Turbo Double Cab offers. But a fractured foot and a moon boot put paid to any plans to go surfing or having a cold beer in comfort at Buffelsbaai. And so, the decision was made to stay at home and hit the open road later in the year.

Talking of hitting the road the XLT currently offers two engine and gearbox combinations. A 125kW/405Nm, 2.0 litre Single Turbo mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, that I have already mentioned, and a more powerful 154kW/500Nm, 2.0 litre Bi-Turbo engine matched to a 10-speed auto box.

I say currently because in the next few months, the entire Ford Ranger lineup will be undergoing a bit of an engine and gearbox reshuffle. The big news is that Ranger will once again offer a petrol engine derivative in the 222kW/452Nm, 2.3 litre EcoBoost engine that can be found in Ford's Mustang and Focus RS.

This change will see the end of the 2.0 litre Bi-Turbodiesel engine across the range.