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2-litre turbodiesels the future for SA made bakkie

Meet your next Ford Ranger. Revealed to the UK press, the SA-built bakkie is not only made in Pretoria, but its all-new 2-litre EcoBlue turbodiesel engine is manufactured on Port Elizabeth, so bet your bottom dollar, this one is con its way here - soon.

Boasting an all-new engine range and even newer tech features, the big news is about those engines which see a 2-litre base unit replacing both the existing the 2.2 TDCi and five-pot 3.2-litre lumps in three states of tune. Those include a base 95kW 350Nm for workhorse Rangers, a 125kW 400Nm version to replace the old 2.2-litre with 9% improved 6.9l/100km consumpton and 216g/km emissions. 

The top dog is the same biturbo diesel option out of the forthcoming Raptor turning out 155kW and 500Nm in place of the old 3.2 and capable of sipping 7.5l/100km and 228g/km CO2. All engines drive either a six-speed manual or Ford’s all-new 10-speed automatic gearboxes, the ten-hooker nicked out of the new Mustang said to be good for up to 5% improved fuel consumption. 4x4 and 4x2 models will also continue.

Expect Minor styling revisions to include a redesigned front bumper and grille, xenon headlamps available on top models; new 'easy-lift' tailgate and fresh colour schemes in single, cab and a half and double cab configurations, while those cabs get trim colour revisions and a new gear selector for the automatic gearbox. Ford  will also carry on pushing tech into Ranger - expect and  on-board modem with a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices, a new mobile app that can locate, lock or unlock the car, and active park assist. Add pre-collision assist with unique pedestrian detection and an intelligent speed limiter. 

Ranger will be in local showrooms in by the second quarter 2019.