Ford are introducing even greater diversity and customer appeal to the South African Ranger line up with the launch of the Ranger Tremor.
The Tremor boasts the off-road capability of the Wildtrak X but is based on the XLT series which makes it a more affordable option that is suited to adventurous exploits and hard-working environments.
Under the bonnet is a 2.0 litre Bi-Turbo engine that offers 154kW and 500Nm and is paired to full-time four-wheel drive.
The Tremor also features the innovative Trail Turn Assist as well as a pioneering new Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance.
Bespoke exterior finishes
The Ranger Tremor is visually distinguished from the regular XLT by a black honeycomb off-road front grille that houses the same LED auxiliary driving lights as the Wildtrak X, as well as unique Bolder Grey exterior details for the lower sections of the front bumper and H-bar, fender vents, mirror caps, door handles and rear bumper. This is complimented by extended wheel arch mouldings in Bolder Grey that frame the 17-inch Asphalt Black alloys wrapped in 265/70 R17 General Grabber AT3 tyres.
Tremor badges adorn the rear tailgate and load box sides, while a black Ford Oval occupies the front grille and tailgate.
Hard wearing interior
The interior of the Ranger Tremor including the seats is trimmed in water resistant black vinyl. The front seats incorporate the Tremor logo embroidered in orange on the seatbacks and offer six-way adjustment. Vinyl flooring provides a practical touch that makes cleaning the interior easier. Precision Grey accents and Ebony upper trim finishes adorn the doors and dashboard.
The standard fitment of roof mounted auxiliary switches allows for seamless fitment of powered 4x4 accessories and provision is made for the fitment of a second battery in the engine bay with no modifications required.
The Tremor also features the off-road SYNC screen with the 360-degree camera system which makes manoeuvring in tight spaces easier. This is projected onto a 12-inch touchscreen display that also facilitates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The load box is finished with a spray-in bedliner, 12-volt socket and versatile cargo management system.
Off-road ready features
Bolstering the off-road capability is the standard fitment of steel bash plate, steel underbody protection for the engine, transfer case and fuel tank, two front tow hooks, cast aluminium side steps and a distinctive long-leg tubular sports bar.
The Tremor rides on the same reworked suspension as the Wildtrak X which comprises Bilstein Positive-Sensitive Dampers and a 24mm increase in ground clearance as well as a 30mm wider track.
Tackling extreme conditions with confidence is made easier with the selection of the appropriate Drive Mode via the rotary dial, with Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand and Rock Crawl to choose from. These modes alter throttle response, gearshifts, traction, stability control, rear diff-lock as well as the steering and braking system to optimise vehicle performance to suit the terrain.
Ford’s full-time four-wheel drive system uses an electromagnetic transfer case mated to the 10-speed automatic transmission along with an advanced eShifter and electronic parking brake. This offers the convenience and safety of permanent 4WD in 4 Auto mode or 4 High which splits power equally between the front and rear wheels as well as 4 Low for tackling extreme off-road conditions.
Extensive driver assistance equipment
A long list of driver assistance features and technology includes Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (which includes Load Adaptive Control, Roll Over Mitigation, Traction Control and Trailer Sway Control) as well as the Lane Keeping System with Road Edge Detection, Pre-Collision Assist (with Dynamic Brake Support, Forward Collision Warning System and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection), Reverse Brake Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Coverage, and parking sensors front and rear. Safety equipment includes Post-Collision Braking, along with seven airbags.
Pricing
The Ford Ranger Tremor Double Cab 2.0 litre BiT 4WD 10AT retails for R977 500 which includes a four-year/120 000km warranty. Customers have the option of purchasing a service or maintenance plan at an additional cost depending on the period of validity.
Credit: Reuben van Niekerk
