Page 31 - Fourways Gardens April 2021

Motoring

foRd RAnGeR 2.2XL sPoRt PAcK

#tRAveLoGue

B y a lan r osen M eyer

A launch with a difference. #LiveTheRangerLife

ake one Ford Ranger in XL spec, add a gloss black grille,
black 16-inch alloys and a black sports bar and you create
the all new Sport Pack option. You can also optionally
Torder the more advanced 8-inch infotainment screen.

What doesn't change is the venerable 2.2l diesel engine putting
118kW and 385Nm through the rear wheels or all four wheels when
engaged. You can move from 2H to 4H on the fly at up to 100km/h
as you leave the tar and hit the gravel. Automatic or 6-speed manual
gearboxes can be chosen.

What made this launch special was the decision to take the road
less travelled. We drove on dirt roads wherever possible so 4H range
was used much of the time to ensure stability and comfort.

Then came our drive up the mountain . . . literally. The Orrie
Baragwanath Pass leads you up the Wolkeberg mountain to a peak
at 1 370m. The road (???) is a rocky, narrow path with sheer drops to
your right in many places. Engaging 4WD Low Range and virtually
crawling in 1st gear all the way, the convoy of Rangers never missed
a beat.

Long stretches of dirt roads, overnight stays at lodges and then a
boat cruise on the dam in the Blyde River Canyon summed up the
whole experience of #LiveTheRangerLife.

The Sport Pack adds R16 500 to the price of an XL model with the
upgraded infotainment screen adding a further R8 000.

Use this link to see the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvkPFMJ8SxI

Fourways Gardens • 29 • April 2021