We have added a Ford Ranger to the AutoTrader long-term fleet, and here's our impression of it after our first month with this Supercab bakkie!
There’s a new Supercab version of the Ford Ranger in the local market and the brand recently offered the AutoTrader team a 6-month stint behind the wheel of a 2.0 SiT SuperCab XL 4×4 auto variant, which we accepted and took delivery of last month. Throughout our term with the vehicle, we will be reporting what it is like to live with a more entry-level variant of Ford’s latest bakkie, while also examining the benefits of the features that an extended cab bakkie has to offer.
Specification
The Supercab, in XL guise, comes with what we think are just about enough features one might expect from a bakkie that will be a workhorse first, and double-up as a lifestyle vehicle when needed, which is potentially the polar opposite of the double cab variants which appeal more to the lifestyle conscious among us.
These features include a multifunction steering wheel, an infotainment system, a digitised instrument cluster, USB A and C functionality, remote central locking, front and rear 12V charging ports, cloth-covered seats and automatic lights. Our press unit is fitted with the XL Upgrade Pack which adds 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rear-view camera with PDC, cruise control and an off-road pack with steel underbody protection for the front, engine and transfer case, a plastic fuel tank guard.
Practicality
Since we have the 4×4 model, there is a selectable four-wheel drive system that can be switched from rear to four-wheel drive on the fly, while a low-range transfer case is also fitted. Other off-road goodies include a rear differential lock, hill descent control and all-terrain tyres while the 237mm of ground clearance a 30.0-degree approach angle, a break-over angle of 22.0, a departure angle of 25.6 (23.0 with towbar) and a wading depth of 800mm make this a very capable product off of the beaten path.
Since the Supercab will be used in commercial applications, features such as integrated clamp pockets, a built-in ruler and cupholders in the tailgate, six tie-down points in the load box, tie-down rails on the side of the load box and a plastic box top and bedliner to protect the load box make this perfect for commercial applications.
Driving impression
Our first month with the Ranger has been a pleasant surprise from a refinement and performance perspective. Regardless of the driving environment, we have found the level of comfort, cabin insulation and ride quality impressive for an unladen bakkie. This writer once owned a previous generation Supercab XL Ranger, and the comparison between the previous model and the newcomer bodes well for the latest Ranger.
Since our first impression of the new model has been with the fire-breathing Raptor, the torque-laden V6 diesel and the XLT double cab with the bi-turbo engine, we thought that the 2.0-litre, sing-turbo engine paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox would feel underpowered, but it has surprised us. The motor produces 125kW and 405Nm and has proved to be a great replacement for the previous 2.2-litre model, offering better mid-range torque and less perceivable lag, which may also come down to improved gearbox calibration.
Safety
The Ranger was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2022 and achieved a 5-Star rating, including 84% for driver safety, 90% for occupant safety, 74% for pedestrian safety and 84% for its safety assistance systems. Despite being a relatively basic model within the broader line-up, our XL long-termer still has traction and stability control as well as 6 airbags, the former of which came in handy recently during a cold snap in Johannesburg where early morning ice caused a momentary loss of traction, which was quickly kept in check by the electronic systems.
Fuel consumption
Ford claims that this model will consume diesel at a rate of 7.7 L/100km, however, our first month with the model yielded a figure of 8.2 L/100km. We have been impressed with the efficiency of the Ranger, especially considering our mixed driving cycle which has been skewed towards stop/go traffic. In the coming months, we plan to introduce some more open-road driving and travelling with a load to see how our fuel returns are affected.
Pricing
The Supercab XL 4×4 was priced at R 570 100 at the time of writing. This makes it cheaper than the Toyota Hilux Xtra cab Raider auto (R575 200) and slightly more costly than the Isuzu D-Max Extended cab LS auto(R541 000), however, the Range is the only model with four-wheel drive!
Closing thoughts
Our initial impression of the latest Sueprcab Ranger is that this is a product which has been improved in every perceivable area, offering better efficiency, more practicality and an overall package that is now more adept as both a workhorse and a daily driver. We’ll be putting this product through its paces over the coming months and will keep you updated as we go.
Keyword: Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT SuperCab XL 4x4 auto (2023) Long-term update