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To celebrate the launch of the single cab and extended cab versions of the #NextGenRanger models, Ford invited us on a road-trip that promised much and really delivered as a true adventure.

3 days on the road through SA, experiencing the sights and beauty of the country. Add in the inclusion of delivering much needed provisions to 2 of the projects that Ford SA supports........then factor in some poor road conditions, dirt roads, mountain passes and finally virtually non-existent and impassable roads!!!! over the Katberg Pass in the Eastern Cape.

Taking into account that our fleet included a number of 4x2 rear wheel driven variants as well as 4x4 models, the fact that every vehicle made it through every obstacle thrown before us bears testament to the sheer ability of the New Rangers. I think special mention should also be made of the driving skills displayed, led by Gideo Basson.

The single and extended cab models are all powered by Ford's well-known and trusted 2L turbo-diesel powerplants. The single turbo versions now deliver 125kW and 405Nm with the bi-turbo now giving 155kW and 500Nm. Transmission choices are 6 speed manual, 6 speed auto and the 10 speed auto in top versions.

We started the trip in the base single cab with 6 speed manual. It may be the entry model, but offers far more comfort than I ever expected and is slick and smooth on the road. Considering that we were cruising at the national speed limit, fuel consumption for the 1st day, and 650km, was 7.2l/100km.

Day 2 we moved up to the Extended-cab in XLT spec which means the bi-turbo and 10 speed auto with 4x4. We were very grateful that this was our choice for the day. I thought the roads? heading to Tzitsikama Village were a challenge, only finding out later that this was nothing compared to Katberg Pass. However, the Pass on the way to our overnight stop simply proved that all the Rangers are virtually unstoppable.

Our stop at Tzitsikama Village was to meet Gift of the Givers and hand over JoJo tanks and other equipment sponsored by Ford as part of a project to provide boreholes and water supply to the village.

For the first part of Day 3, we moved up to the Extended cab Wildtrak Model. This is the range-topping version and the first time Ford have offered Wildtrak in another version than double-cab. It has the same powertrain as the XLT we drove the previous day but adds luxury and safety spec to the package.

Our next stop in the town of Alice (finally discovered where Alice really is) and can now claim that I visited Next Door To Alice! Our stop at the primary school was to deliver our 2nd load of goods. JoJO tanks, trees and equipment to support WESSA in the Cape Parrot preservation project. There are apparently only 1800 of these birds left and this is their natural environment. The trees delivered bear fruit that these birds eat so this will form part of the overall project.

The warm and very touching welcome from the entire school was something special as we were serenaded by all the pupils.

For the final stretch we jumped back into the manual that we drove on day 1 and enjoyed a quick and smooth cruise via Grahamstown to Gqeberha for our flights back home. An amazing trip, proving that the Rangers are not only Built Ford Tough but add in ride comfort and value for money. To quote Neale Hill, President of Ford Sub-Saharan Africa, these vehicles are "stupidly capable".

A personal stand-out was the combining of a launch trip/ adventure with assisting Ford with delivering to some of the many worthwhile projects that they support.

Prices range from R464 200 to R772 800. Bearing in mind that VAT can be claimed by qualifying buyers this adds to the value.

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#fordsouthafrica
#fordsa
#fordranger
#nextgenranger
#builtfordtough
#omnisurecoty
#2023coty
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