With the arrival of Ford’s stunning new Super Cab concept, the Blue Oval has thrown down a very determined gauntlet in the struggle for market share. Add the muscular new 154 kW four litre V6 engine that’s just hove over the horizon as an option for the double cab and Super Cab models, and sharp punters will be placing their bets on a drastic reshuffling of the pecking order in terms of bakkie sales dominance.
The Super Cab is similar to Mitsubishi’s Club Cab concept in that it offers a larger area behind the front seats at the cost of some load bin area, but Ford’s new design is streets ahead in that their offering boasts opening doors for easy access. These doors are hinged at the bin-end of the cab, and when opened leave an aperture wide enough even for Felicia’s ego – now that’s saying something. Twin bolt-in lockable goodie boxes allow for secure stowage of valuables, and when they’re removed there’s enough space for even largish passengers to squeeze in if necessary.
Because there are no seats as such the Super-Cab is registered as a commercial vehicle, which means that VAT vendors can claim back the tax on the vehicle, saving over R30 000. The Super Cab is available in 4X2 and 4X4 versions in 2500 turbodiesel guise only at present, priced at R209 950 and R 243 500 respectively inclusive of VAT. In November the four litre petrol models will arrive, with prices still to be announced.
The four litre V6 engine destined for the Super Cab and double-cab Rangers has been pinched from the Ford Explorer range, where it’s provided excellent service in the past. The overhead-camshaft unit uses aluminium cylinder heads mated to a cast-iron block, and produces 154 kW at 5 250 rpm and 323 Nm of torque at a lowly 3 000 rpm. That’s enough to get the big vehicle up to 100 km/hr in under ten seconds, while top speed has been governed to 180 km/hr because of the massive dual-purpose tyres.
Apart from the new models now available the entire Ranger model lineup has been facelifted. A new high-tensile steel chassis replaces the mild-steel one used in the 26 000 Rangers sold since the model’s launch three years ago, and the front end has been completely redesigned to give a steeper ‘n deeper look. Nifty features abound, such as the 12 volt accessory power points fitted in the load bins of the double cab and Super Cab models, and the centre armrests and cupholders in the back seats of the double cabs.
Engine choices include three petrol offerings, of 1.8, 2.2 and 4.0 litre displacement. Diesel fans can choose between naturally aspirated or turbocharged 2.5 litre units. Pricing starts at R 124 060 for the 1800 single cab long wheelbase workhorse, and goes up to R 297 495 for the 2500 TD double cab XLT 4X4 diesel. Prices are not yet available for the four litre offerings.