By Otsile Kadiege

As we are edging closer to the launch of the all-new Ford Ranger, Ford South Africa revealed more details on customer-focused technologies we should expect in the new Ranger. Here’s a list of some noteworthy technology features:

Digital display

Ford has done away with traditional instrument clusters. These are replaced with 8-inch configurable digital instrument panel with start-up and farewell animation and realistic body-style avatars.

Large touchscreens

As standard the new Ford Ranger is fitted with a large tablet-like format 10.1- or a best-in-class 12-inch infotainment screen because it allowed for a good depiction of navigation while still leaving room at the bottom of the screen for things such as climate and entertainment controls. The screen is linked to a 360-degree camera to make parking a breeze in tight urban spaces or to assist when negotiating particularly tricky terrain while out exploring.

SYNC 4 infotainment system

Ford’s current SYNC 3 infotainment system is one of the best in the industry and for the next-gen Ranger the blue oval promises a smarter, intuitive connectivity with their new SYNC 4A communications and entertainment system. According to Ford system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity and displays the latest features used to make the SYNC4A system easier to navigate. If the customer has cellular coverage, the SYNC 4A can provide real-time information like fuel pricing, traffic alerts and more.

The new SYNC 4A infotainment system will also feature a digital owner’s manual with useful how-to videos, plus in-depth information on vehicle features and a whole lot more. A segment-first feature for the Ranger is the new exterior zone lighting system, which can be controlled via the SYNC 4A screen or the FordPass app on smartphones. This zone lighting consists of headlights, puddle lamps, numberplate lights and cargo box lights.

Premium sound system

Higher specification Rangers will be equipped with a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with a 660-watt amplifier. According to Ford, the sound system went through rigorous static and dynamic acoustic testing to ensure both power and clarity even over the roughest terrain.