The first thing I noticed about the new Ford Ranger is its quietness. Ford's engineers put a lot of effort into making this bakkie feel and sound more like a car to drive than its predecessor - and it's paid off. At one point during the test drive, I noticed I was over revving in fourth gear because I couldn't hear the engine.
The cabin's extremely well insulated, considering its light commercial segment, and the interior design is all modern and car-like as well. There's a central “command centre” dashboard design, similar to what's found in the cutting-edge Fiesta hatchback, that takes the new Ranger to a new level of modernity among its bakkie piers.
It's no secret that the Hiluxes, Amaroks and BT-50s of South Africa spend more time mounting shopping centre pavements than outback rocks and dongas, and I feel the new Ranger will suit the urban environment well. I can't really imagine its fancy (for a pickup) switchgear and colour radio display getting all dusty out on die plaas.
That said however, Ford demonstrated the 4x4 model's capabilities over a reasonably difficult off-road course and I came away very impressed. All the necessary rear difflocks and low range transfer cases are in place to take you into and out of most sticky off-road situations.
Of the three new engines - one petrol and two turbodiesels - I tested both the 2.2 and 3.2-litre TDCI diesels at the new Ranger's launch. Both are very smooth in operation and deliver power with nice, linear torque curves.
Though the 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five cylinder's the range topper, I'd probably opt for the smaller four cylinder 2.2. If you're not into towing or hauling heavy loads, the 2.2's got all the oomph it needs and it's a little quieter and more economical as well.
There's nothing revolutionary about the new Ranger's suspension system, which just like most other bakkies in this league comprises front double wishbones and rear leaf springs.
But, where the body mounts to the chassis, Ford's obviously used high quality materials because noise, vibration and harshness levels are among the best I've ever experienced in this segment.
Certain models though, such as top 3.2-litre double cabs, come with 17” wheels and tyres that gave a very choppy ride on rough tarmac and dirt roads. I suspect the tyre fitted, which is specific to our market, is just not as good at bump absorption as the smaller 16” ones.
Funnily, the special edition Wildtrack model, with huge 18” wheels was also more comfortable than the Ranger with 17 inchers.