Publications
- The new Ranger product portfolio expands in March as Ford introduces its larger load box derivatives.
- Single- and super-cab Rangers will offer options for those bakkie owners who require additional loadability for longer and larger items.
- And, of course, with the supercab bakkies, there's always the issue of that 15% VAT reclaim incentive.
Double-cab bakkies are great as family vehicles, but load box capacity is everything when you need to get more work done.
That's why Ford's single- and super-cab Rangers will become available in March, appealing to those bakkie buyers who purpose their vehicles more for utility than leisure.
Ford is adding four single- and six supercab variants to the Ranger line-up.
READ | Double, extended, super or king: Which bakkie cab is best?
Safe storage
Their cross-bed toolboxes are a notable feature of the new single- and super-cab Rangers.
Instead of hauling tools and other expensive equipment in a carry case, which can easily be lifted out of the load box at a traffic light, Ford provides the option of a cross-bed toolbox. It is mounted against the cab and secured into the load box bed.
On the Ranger super-cabs, there's also the option of storage bins behind the seats.
DRIVEN | Has Ford finally delivered a real threat to Toyota's Hilux? We drive the new Ranger bakkie
Which single-cab versions are joining the Ranger line-up?
Ford is marketing four XL single-cab Rangers, starting at R464 200, for the 2.0 SiT XL 4x2 six-speed manual, with the automatic version (also with six forward gears), prices at R477 800.
Do you want your single-cab 2.0 SiT XL in 4x4 with a low-range transfer case for hauling loads up steep off-road terrain? That will be a R531 300 offer to purchase at your local Ford dealer, with the automatic transmission 2.0 SiT XL 4x4 priced at R545 000.
The XL-grade Ranger single-cab bakkies roll on 16-inch steel wheels, which offer excellent all-terrain durability and pothole strike survivability. Cabin infotainment is provided by a 10.1-inch touchscreen featuring Ford's latest SYNC4 device convergence software.
Like the double-cab XLs, Ford offers an array of upgrade packages for its entry-level single-cabs.
Why super-cabs matter
You could argue about which bakkie configuration looks best as a design: single-, super- or double-cab. But it's obviously the super-cab. And beyond its more balanced proportions, there's the issue of super-cab Rangers offering the best compromise between load box volume and safe storage space behind the seats.
Farmers have a particular affinity for super-cab bakkies because they provide weatherproof storage capacity inside the cabin. But why not just put a tonneau cover on the back? Well, that doesn't work so great when you have cattle rails in place. And farmers who drive Ranger super-cabs nearly always upgrade their bakkies with cattle rails.
The VAT 'discount' is a real thing
But what is the appeal of super-cab for urban buyers? There is a market of adventure customers who don't want an SUV or a double-cab bakkie for lack of having kids. They prefer the additional load box capacity of a super-cab, which also offers the extra in-cabin storage space a single-cab can't.
Ford's Ranger Wildtrak super-cab targets these adventure buyers without kids. It offers all the potent 154kW 2-litre bi-turbo engine, 10-speed automatic transmission and Ford's most luxurious bakkie-grade cabin.
Is there a specification or equipment difference between the super- and double-cab Wildtraks? Yes, there is. Due to the sub-woofer shape, the super-cab Wildtrak's cabin architecture precludes Ford from fitting the double-cab's B&O sound system.
And if you work for yourself, the VAT refund is a real benefit with super-cab bakkies. With VAT having rerated to 15%, super-cabs have true pricing appeal versus double-cabs for those bakkie buyers who don't need rear seats.
The new Ranger super-cab starts at R485 400 for the 2.0 SiT XL 4x2 six-speed manual. If you want 154kW bi-turbodiesel power, that prices at R688 900 for the 2.0 BiT XLT 4X4 10-speed auto. Ford's super-cab range peaks at R772 800 for the 2.0 BiT Wildtrak 4x4 10-speed auto.
It's interesting to note that the most potent Ranger super-cab variants are only offered in 4x4. This specification choice indicates Ford's intuition that these customers will use their bakkies for adventure instead of leisure.
