By Staff Reporter

Bakkies are big business in Mzansi and the locally built Ford Ranger is amongst the leaders of the segment. One of the key secrets to the success of bakkies are limited editions models which keep owners excited. The latest to join the fold is the new Ford Ranger Thunder which slots in between the popular Wildtrak and the Ranger Raptor.

Thunderous looks

Based on the Ford Wildtrak, the new Ford Ranger Thunder offers customers a revised honeycomb-style front grille incorporating red accents for the side “nostrils,” detailing for the side mirror housings, and bold three-dimensional “Thunder” nomenclature at the base of the front doors and on the rear tailgate. The new 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels are finished in black. Additionally, the integrated sports hoop fitted as standard on Wildtrak models now gains a red insert.

The Ranger Thunder gets LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights and front fog lamps as standard. These will also be standard on all XLT, Wildtrak and Ranger Raptor models.

Ranger Thunder models are exclusively available in Sea Grey, Frozen White, Absolute Black and Moondust Silver colour options.

Inside, the Ranger Thunder features black leather that adorns the seats, dashboard, steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake (with striking red contrast stitching in place of the orange used on the Wildtrak). New front leather seats have been fitted, featuring bold “Thunder” decals embroidered in red.

Other than enhanced looks, the Ranger Thunder customers get a lockable “Mountain Top” black roller shutter to safely secure goods being carried. There’s also a cargo area management system with a bed divider that allows the owner to easily compartmentalise the available space for securely holding different-sized items.

Safety and security

The Ranger Thunder is also offered with a raft of passive and active safety features including autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid and Semi-Automatic Parallel Park Assist (SAPPA).

Engine

Two engines are on offer: (i) a bi-turbo 2,0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that makes 157 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque; and (ii) a 3,2-litre five-cylinder with 147 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque. The four-cylinder engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered with either 4×4 or 4×2 capability, whilst the five-cylinder engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and offered only as a 4×2.

Pricing

Pricing of the Ford Ranger Thunder is as follows:

Ford Ranger 3,2 TDCi Double Cab Thunder 6AT 4×2:                          R711,600

Ford Ranger 2,0 BiT Double Cab Thunder 10AT 4×2:                          R736,000

Ford Ranger 2,0 BiT Double Cab Thunder 10AT 4×4:                          R787,000

Prices included Ford Protect which comprises of a four-year/120,000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance, five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty and a six-year/90,000km service plan.