Afrigather Earlier than we delve into our Ford Ranger Tremor take a look at, we’ll remind you we additionally reviewed it at its South African launch earlier within the yr. Not solely that, however we’ve pushed the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X and reviewed the top-of-the-range Ranger Platinum 4×4, which might justifiably be termed bakkie royalty. The purpose we’re making an attempt to make is we’ve intensive expertise behind the wheel of the present Ranger product portfolio. So, we’re nicely positioned to information you thru the ever-growing Ranger line-up.
FORD RANGER TREMOR
Firstly, we should always proudly hail this South African-built bakkie. The engines are constructed within the Jap Cape and the total automobile is assembled in Silverton, Pretoria, for export all throughout the globe. Extra wonderful is how the present Ford Ranger has solely been out for simply over a yr and a half and we’ve already seen so many special-edition fashions, just like the Ford Ranger Tremor. So, what’s it precisely, and why do we predict it’s the clever-money choice?
Beginning at R977 500, this hulking nice bakkie is a enjoyable, off-road focussed Ranger. Critically, the Tremor’s donor automobile is the XLT, reasonably than the extra elaborate Wildtrak (just like the X is to the Wildtrak, so the Tremor is to an XLT). And there’s a transparent buyer in thoughts for the Ford Ranger Tremor, too. This individual is somebody who desires to go adventuring, and overlanding, and isn’t afraid of off-roading.
OFF THE RICHTER SCALE
Likewise, the identify Tremor refers to its supreme earth-moving capabilities. However in a sensible sense all that you must know is it replaces the earlier FX4 nameplate. There’s good cause for this. Ford Motor Firm desires to maintain naming conventions constant throughout all international markets. There’s a Tremor in the US, so there’s one in South Africa, too. WhoHaa! Talking subjectively, we completely love the look of the Ford Ranger Tremor. Its macho makeover is all about kind following operate, with a bit much less bling than a Wildtrak X. However that’s to not say a number of the greatest bits haven’t been cherry picked for it …
The grille could be very near that of the Wildtrak X. Add-ons embody the metal bash plate, restoration hooks, load-baring tubular sports activities bar on the load bay, forged aluminium working boards and intelligent rear load-bay step. Crucially, off-road-focussed Normal Grabber 265/17 AT tyres (with cool white lettering) make sure you’ll by no means get caught within the mud or sand. And that’s just the start of its off-road prowess.
BUILT FORD TOUGH
Structurally, there’s a 30-mm wider observe and 24-mm increased floor clearance (than a regular Ranger). The trip high quality on highway is little jiggly and that’s resulting from uprated Bilstein dampers from the Wildtrak X. Queue seven distinct driver modes (together with Rock Crawl for the primary time) accessible from a rotary dial on the transmission tunnel. Furthermore, the Ford Ranger Tremor is jammed filled with intelligent all-terrain tech.
Strive Ford Path Management, which behaves like cruise management for off-roading. At any pace from 1 to 32 km/h it can crawl up a steep off-road hill – in excessive or low vary – and modulate the throttle for you. Not solely does this hold your progress easy, but it surely leaves you to focus in your steering inputs with the steering of its 360-degree off-road cameras. Equally, Ford Path-turn Management helps nip the within wheel in a good hairpin bend to scale back your radius by as a lot as 25%.
WHAT ABOUT THE REST?
Inside, it’s fairly a bit nicer than an XLT Ranger. There are many darkish satin-plastic accents and contrasting orange stitching on the Tremor seats. Detachable arduous vinyl flooring mats catch all of the seaside sand and grime you possibly can throw on the For Ranger Tremor with out letting any wetness by way of. As you’d anticipate, Ford’s newest Sync4 infotainment system is in place. And the total 12-inch digital driver show is current and proper, with the tablet-like centre touchscreen totally Apple CarPlay and Android Auto suitable.
Beneath the large, large bonnet you’ll discover the Blue Oval’s tried and examined bi-turbo 2.0-litre diesel. It develops a hearty 154 kW and 500 Nm that’s usable, responsive and is but to be discovered wanting in any sensible situation. General, it’s an actual straightforward pleasure to drive. Very like bigger-engined choices, it feels bred for chewing up lengthy distance gravel journey with ease due to the 10-speed automated gearbox. Economic system clever, you’ll see figures within the 10 l/100 km vary more often than not. However for those who’re notably sparing with the throttle you may even see it drop as little as 8.5 l/100 km. Zero to 100 km/h dash instances usually are not precisely the Ford Ranger Tremor’s remit, however we recorded a sub-10-second run. That is par for the course for a two-tonne-plus bakkie.
THE VERDICT
As you possibly can inform, Ford South Africa has been totally fortifying its domestically produced Ranger line-up. Within the current-generation bakkie, it’s readied a phalanx of wonderful choices to face guard and gobble up punters in each presumably outlined hole out there. This Ford Ranger Tremor basically takes over the mantle of the previous-generation Ranger FX4. Strolling the road between succesful workhorse, handy day-to-day cruiser and off-road beast, at R977 500 represents glorious worth in as we speak’s cash. With such a vibrant and well-executed line-up, it’s no surprise that finally depend the Ford Ranger was the best-selling double-cab bakkie in South Africa. The Ranger is nicely and actually proving its pedigree and constructing its fable with every unit that rolls off the Silverton meeting line.
THE FIGURES
- Ford Ranger Tremor 2.0 BiT 4WD Tremor 10AT
- Engine: 1 999 cc 4-cyl twin-turbo diesel
- Energy: 154 kW, 500 Nm
- Efficiency: 9.75 seconds – 0-100 km/h
- Gearbox: 10-speed automated
- Economic system: 10.9 l/100 km (claimed/mixed)
- Value: R977 500
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