2 minute read
From town to country with one multi-purpose vehicle
Traversing rugged terrain, visiting mines and construction sites or making long distance trips across southern Africa requires a powerful, yet economical multi-purpose vehicle that’s also comfortable and handles well. Industrial Buyer got the opportunity to test out the Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi 4x4 XLS and found it to be a great ride that handles beautifully both as a 4X4 and a longdistance family vehicle.
The Ranger 2.2 TDCi 4x4 XLS is Ford’s midrange bakkie designed to be rugged enough to be used as a workhorse but with all the comforts of a family car. The vehicle’s 2.2-litre TDCi engine is great for everyday use. With 118 kW and 385 Nm, the Ranger performs well on the highway or on gravel roads and inclines. The fuel consumption is also very satisfactory returning figures in the region of 9.5 L/100 km. The six-speed automatic transmission makes this Ranger a pleasure to drive. It delivers a smooth ride more akin to a luxury vehicle than a 4X4.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Once we took it off-road the electronic transfer case allowed us to easily shift between 2H, 4H and 4L. The vehicle’s ground clearance is 237mm, which allows you to easily clear objects on the path ahead and offers a nice high vantage point. The Ranger 2.2 TDCi 4x4 XLS also carries a maximum tow capacity of 3 500 kg.
The Ranger is certainly a purposeful vehicle. Its generous dimensions make it perfect for loading and hauling bulky objects.
However, in a city context its size is felt. Parking can become a bit tricky but the rear parking sensors and reverse-view camera are welcome additions and, once you get used to using them, can make parking manoeuvres much easier.
PERFECT FOR ROADTRIPS
The interior of the Ranger 2.2 TDCi 4x4 XLS is surprisingly comfortable and features a few standard luxury features such as manual airconditioning, mounted controls on the steering wheel and cruise control, which makes long distance driving a pleasure. It is spacious for the driver and passengers and includes ample storage space and bottle and cupholders. The hard-wearing plastic finishes are simple, yet practical and easy to clean. The media integration with Microsoft Sync also adds a nice element to the roadtrip experience, allowing you to connect your Smartphone via Bluetooth.
With regard to safety features the vehicle has six fitted airbags and ABS with EBD, hill descent control and traction and stability control are included as standard.
The dilemma of those who work at construction sites, mines and other rugged places is to find a vehicle that can conquer the terrain but still double as a competent and safe family car. The Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi 4x4 XLS ticks all these boxes. Easy to drive, yet powerful when put to the test this vehicle will take you from town to country and back. The Ranger 2.2 TDCi 4x4 XLS is perfect for long-distance roadtrips
The Ranger’s electronic transfer case allows easy shift between 2H, 4H and 4L
The Ranger 2.2 TDCi 4x4 XLS is perfect for long-distance roadtrips
The Ranger 2.2 TDCi 4x4 XLS was designed to be used as a workhorse but with all the comforts of a family car
Ford South Africa www.ford.co.za
