PRETORIA - Following on from the success of the limited-edition Ford Ranger Thunder that was launched in Mzansi 2020, Ford South Africa has confirmed that it’s introducing another unique iteration of its Ranger bakkie based on the high-end Wildtrak – the Ranger Stormtrak – later this year. “The Ranger Thunder was exceptionally well received when we launched it a year ago, proving unequivocally that there is strong demand for range-topping models that offer something different from the norm,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa.
WHAT’S A FORD RANGER STORMTRAK?
In Stormtrak guise, the Ranger gains several muscular design elements, including a striking black mesh grille with red inserts, a black insert in the lower section of the front bumper, black decals for the bonnet and doors, black roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black.
Further identifying this limited-edition Ranger’s premium status are three-dimensional Stormtrak logos on the lower sections of the front doors, as well as on the rear tailgate. The upcoming introduction of the Ranger Stormtrak also sees the addition of a vibrant new paint colour, Lucid Red. It can also be specified in Sea Grey, Frozen White and Blue Lightning.
It’s not just on the styling front that the Ranger Stormtrak gains special treatment too, as everyday practicality has been elevated too thanks to the standard fitment of Ford’s new Power Roller Shutter for the rear load compartment. This ensures that goods can be safely secured in the loadbed with ease, complemented by the tailgate locking mechanism being integrated into the vehicle’s central locking system. Adding further versatility is the adjustable bed divider kit that makes it easy owners to compartmentalise the cargo area according to the size of the items being carried preventing goods from shifting around when driving. A drop-in bedliner provides a useful 12-volt socket for powering accessories such as a camping fridge as well.
PACKED WITH FEATURES
Step into the cabin and you are greeted with sumptuous luxury and attention to detail – including illuminated front scuff plates. This theme is continued on the premium leather seats which incorporate striking red stitching, as well as the Stormtrak logo taking pride of place on the front seat backrests. Red stitching is used throughout the leather-trimmed cabin, including on the soft- touch dashboard upper, steering wheel and gear lever, further enhancing the sporty ambience.
As with the Ranger Wildtrak, the premium level of standard features is exceptional, including the SYNC 3 infotainment system with embedded navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as FordPass functionality that allows the owner to remotely access numerous vehicle features from their phone – such as remote and scheduled starts to either cool or heat the cabin.
Also standard is an extensive list of innovative active and passive safety systems and driver aids, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Collision Alert, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, Driver Alert System, and Semi-Automatic Parallel Park Assist.
TWIN-TURBO POWERPLANT
In line with its range-topping status, the Ranger Stormtrak is powered by Ford’s 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo engine which produces 157kW and 500Nm. It is paired with an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers quick shifts matched to responsive performance and impressive fuel economy. The Ranger’s towing capacity of 3 500kg remains unchanged, along with its 800mm water wading depth and 230mm ground clearance.
Pricing for the 2021 Ford Ranger Stormtrak will be announced closer to launch in Q3.