Given the number of aftermarket accessories and the multitude of modified Ford Rangers on our roads, admittedly with varying levels of success (some are tasteful while others look like they drove through a flea market covered in superglue), it was only a matter of time before Ford themselves joined the party.
We've seen the Raptor-look done to death and this prompted Ford to develop a version of the Ranger bearing the same name. Fitted with a widebody kit and uprated suspension with larger tyres, the Ranger Raptor (and not to be confused with the original F150 Raptor) has proven to be rather popular amongst the well-heeled double cab consumer.
Related: Ford unveils revised Ranger – now with Bi-Turbo technology
Their latest foray into the world of special-edition Rangers comes in the form of the Ford Ranger Thunder, a model that slots in between the Ranger Wildtrak and Ranger Raptor.
Engine
Based on the existing Ranger Wildtrak, the Ranger Thunder is available in three derivatives. You get to choose from the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo 4x2, 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo 4x4 and the popular 3.2-litre 4x2 powertrains.
The 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo powerplant develops 157 kW at 3750 RPM with a torque output of 500 Nm, peaking between 1500- and 2000 RPM. This gives the Thunder a similar towing capability of 750 kg unbraked and 3500 kg braked.
This engine is mated to a 10R80 10-speed automatic gearbox that sends drive to all four wheels through the familiar 4x4 system with 2-High, 4-High and 4-Low ranges, replete with diff lock and hill descent control. This gearbox allows for Progressive Range Select with Select Shift Transmission to lock out certain gears and allows for gear skipping under certain acceleration and deceleration conditions.
Ford claims that the Ranger Thunder will return a similar fuel consumption to the Wildtrak with a figure of 8.1 l/100km said to be attainable from the 2.0-litre diesel engine.
Design
The Ford Ranger Thunder employs a narrow-body setup akin to the that of the Wildtrak but adds a few key elements to set it apart on the road.
The front grille receives two Ford Mustang-like air dams, highlighted in red with the Ford Blue Oval rather than the spelt out name like the Raptor. The grille itself utilizes a 3D-style design and a gloss black surround. It is flanked by a set of LED headlights with LED DRL elements. Black detailing in the lower section of the bumper creates a skid-plate-look and gives the impression of a raised ride height.
Black, multi-spoke alloy wheels, in 18-inch size, adorn the flanks and are complemented by red, raised Thunder branding on the driver and passenger doors. The sides also receive black running boards, black mirror caps and black door handles while the roof is fitted with blacked-out roof rails for additional cargo carrying ability. A black style bar with red detailing rounds off the ensemble and the Thunder is fitted with a standard towbar.
The interior receives a full leather upholstery with raised red stitching and embroidered Thunder branding.
The Ford Ranger Thunder is available in a choice of four colours; Absolute Black, Sea Grey, Frozen White or Moon Dust Silver.
Safety and Technology
The Ranger Thunder continues the trend with 7 airbags and a host of active safety features that include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Alert with Emergency Braking.
The Thunder now also includes a semi-autonomous parking assist that will allow hands-free parking manoeuvres, perfect for those that struggle with the sheer size of the Ranger double cab.
The rear tailgate gets Easy Lift functionality and a rear bed divider allows you to section the load bin for various loads. This also prevents the cargo from sliding forward under braking, keeping them in place for when you stop. The load bin is also covered by a lockable roller shutter on the Ford Ranger Thunder.
Pricing
| Ford Ranger Thunder 2.0 BiT 4x2 10AT | R736 000 |
| Ford Ranger Thunder 2.0 BiT 4x4 10AT | R787 000 |
| Ford Ranger Thunder 3.2 TDCi 4x2 6AT | R711 600 |
All Ford Ranger Thunders are backed by a 4-year / 120 000 km warranty, a 6-year / 90 000 km service plan and a 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty.
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