There's a whole host of special edition designer bakkies to choose from these days, but the Ford Ranger Thunder has got to be one of the most chic-looking double cabs out there. Here's why it's so easy to fall head-over-heels for the new Ford Ranger Thunder.
Did she just call the Ford Ranger Thunder 'chic'?
Indeed I did. And the reason for that, is because its styling is not over the top and it hasn't been specced to the max with every conceivable accessory. I do see quite a few of these "Tupperware Rangers" on our roads. Usually they're owned by guys who aspire to own a Ranger 4x4 Wildtrak or Ranger Raptor, but can only afford the add-ons, and then tend to overdo things a little. Or a lot. But the new Ranger Thunder is pulling at my heartstrings because of the exact opposite reason - its styling is subtle but the vehicle itself is jam-packed with features.
1. Looks wise, it scores top marks
The Ranger Thunder must have some very stylish designers on their team, because it looks like a million bucks. (Agreed, our test-model's asking price of R787 000 isn't that far removed from a million, though.) It has just the right amount of red accents, and there's no overuse of chrome. In fact, there are no exterior blingy bits at all, making the Ranger Thunder almost understatedly elegant. (Don't worry boys, it's still a macho bakkie, but in a less pretentious way!) It looks great from any angle and Ford added just the right amount of off-road elements, including practical side steps for the vertically challenged.
Related: Why the Ford Ranger Raptor is the perfect car for the apocalypse
2. You're not aware of its considerable heft
While very few people are able to park a sizeable double-cab bakkie with their eyes closed, (unless it has rear cameras and semi-autonomous parking, perhaps), the Ford Ranger Thunder is surprisingly nimble around town. And, in the Ford Ranger Thunder's case, it actually does sport self-parking capabilities. Just hit the P-button and the sensors will measure your chosen parking spot and the vehicle will guide itself into it - you only have to operate the brakes. So, no more parallel parking embarrassment.
3. It has all the modern convenience features of a premium SUV, but the practicality of a bakkie
And that includes luxurious leather seats with red 'Thunder' lettering, an electrically adjustable driver's seat, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a massive central armrest cubby, 2 USB ports up front, 12V sockets in the front and in the back, climate control (with individual temperature settings for driver and front passenger) and even a proper three-point power inlet for other devices. You'll just need to get an adaptor for a South African 3-point plug.
Other nice-to-haves (especially when you're a busy mom) include smart entry and a starter button, so that you don't have to dig in your bag for keys in order to unlock the car when you have arms full of kid-paraphernalia or shopping. In the Ford Ranger Thunder, the SYNC 3 CTR (Connected Touch Radio) system has an 8-inch colour touchscreen with embedded navigation and voice control. When your iPhone is plugged in, you can access Siri via the same button on the steering wheel.
4. Smart, semi-autonomous safety tech for low-stress travel
The smarter our cars become, the less we have to stress while we drive. Thanks to adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, the Ranger Thunder will steer around gentle bends, and even slow down and stop (if necessary) for traffic in front. It will also warn you of traffic about to pass behind you, thanks to the rear traffic alert system. All this makes city commutes as well as family road-trips a much more chilled affair, which also results in lower blood pressure and decreased road rage. Should you not be paying attention to what's going on in front of the Ranger Thunder's nose, Forward Collision alert will let you know that stuff's about to get real, and stop autonomously should you not react in time. It can also detect passengers and cyclists.
5. Its refined engine is quiet for a diesel, and there are no nasty fumes that hang about
Ford's Euro 6 engine needs to comply with European standards, and therefore it's not only considerably cleaner than the diesels of yesteryear, but also than many of the younger bakkies we see on our roads. Teamed with Ford's seamless 10-speed automatic gearbox, the 2.0-litre, 500 Nm turbodiesel engine sips 9.6 litres per 100 km, and gear-changes are imperceptible. It's only when you hit sport mode that the engine's hum turns into a low grumble, while quick progress is made.
Should you buy one?
If you love the Thunder's look, then yes! I would just wait for a lightly-used model to become available, as it's a tad on the expensive side new - although one has to bear in mind that many features in the Ranger Thunder are what we would find in premium SUVs, not in bakkies.
If you don't need a 4x4 model, you can opt for more affordable Thunder models such as the 3.2 TDCI Double Cab Thunder 6AT 4x2, R711 600 or the 2.0 Bi Turbo Double Cab Thunder 10AT 4x2 at R736 000.
The numbers
Model tested: Ford Ranger 2.0 Bi Turbo Double Cab Thunder 10AT 4x4 (flagship model)
Price: R787 000
Engine: 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel with 157kW and 500Nm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Ground clearance: 230 mm
Wading depth: 800 mm
Towing capacity: 3500 kg (braked, with trailer sway control)
Driven wheels: 4x4 (Shift to 4x2 on the fly) with low range
All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a 4-year/120 000 km comprehensive warranty, 3-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A 6-year/90 000 km service plan is included. (15 000km service intervals)
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