..:: AUTO REPORT AFRICA ::..
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The good news is here for lovers of Ford Ranger as the top-selling light commercial vehicle will receive a trend-setting model expansion in July.
This, according to a statement obtained by AUTO REPORT AFRICA, will be spearheaded by the option of Ford’s sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission on the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi models for the first time.
“The success of the automatic transmission option on the Ford Ranger is unprecedented, with almost 70 percent of buyers opting for the auto instead of the manual in the powerful 3.2-litre models,” Tracey Delate, General Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, said in the statement.
“The latest refinements, increased performance and enhanced fuel efficiency of the New Ranger, particularly with the updated 2.2 Duratorq TDCi engine, has led to growing customer interest in the option of an automatic transmission on these models.
“We are delighted to announce that 2.2-litre Auto will be available from July,” Delate said. “This will give the Ranger even greater appeal, as it’s one of the first pick-ups in the LCV segment to offer an automatic transmission on the smaller-capacity intermediate derivatives.”
Offering unrivalled comfort and driving convenience, the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission has been specially adapted for the refined 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, and makes the most of its impressive power output of 118kW and 385Nm torque peak.
A total of nine 2.2 TDCi Auto variants will be offered, boosting the revised Ranger line-up to a total of 36 models. It will be available across all three body styles, including Single Cab, the versatile Super Cab, and the spacious Double Cab which has dominated its segment since 2014.
In addition, customers will be able to select from all three trim and specification levels in the case of the Ranger Double Cab 2.2 Auto, comprising the entry-level XL, the mid-range XLS and the top-end XLT which provides a peerless combination of luxury and convenience. The Single Cab and Super Cab can be specified in XL and XLS guises for the 2.2 Auto.
The statement said full details on the expanded Ford Ranger line-up will be announced in due course.
A selection of current Ranger models can be found at Ford’s stand at the NAMPO Harvest Day which is currently under way in South Africa, where the Tough Trucks will also be put through their paces on the 4×4 Track. Customers can also find details on Ford’s Truck Month offers at NAMPO, or by visiting their local dealer as offers are available until the end of June 2016.
