We joined Ford South Africa at a Ride-and-Drive event last week to evaluate its recently introduced Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi automatic derivatives. Is the Ranger 2.2 TDCi automatic any good? Let’s find out!

Last week we published specs and pricing for the newly introduced Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi automatic derivatives and we had the chance to drive the newcomers near Mossel Bay in the Western Cape.

Ford South Africa hosted the event at the scenic Pinnacle Point Estate, flanking the Indian Ocean with green hills and mountains painting a lush scene. The popularity of automatic vehicles is on the rise in South Africa as consumers seek the benefits of comfort and convenience forthe commute and long-haul journeys. Ford has responded to this trend by adding 9 new automatic derivatives to its 2.2 TDCi Ranger line-up across single cab, super cab and double cab body styles. Interestingly, the Ranger 2.2 TDCi single cab automatic is currently the only automatic single cab offering available in South Africa…

Sand, sand and more sand

The Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi 4×4 XLS automatic had no problem negotiating soft sand and steep dunes.

Our launch route started in the mid-spec Ranger 2.2 TDCi 4×4 XLS and we made our way to a scenic 4×4 track tucked away in rolling sand dunes near Boggoms Bay. We found that the Ranger 2.2 TDCi double cab drove very well on tar (by virtue of its pliant ride quality) and the automatic transmission operates unobtrusively to make the best of the 118 kW and 385 Nm of torque. Although not as powerful as the 3.2-litre 5-cylinder turbodiesel (147 kW and 470 Nm of torque), the 2.2 TDCi performs admirably with good power delivery and overtaking ability.

It was on the undulating sand dunes where the Ranger 2.2 TDCi automatic would face its toughest test. With the tyres suitably deflated to tackle the soft sand, we traversed the 4×4 track. All 4×4 models feature an electronic transfer case that allows the driver to easily select between 2H, 4H and 4L as required. If more traction is required, the differential lock can be engaged at the press of a button, but we didn’t need it, as low-range was sufficient.

Tough conditions were no match for the Ranger 2.2 TDCi 4×4 XLS automatic as it glided over the sand dunes with ease.

The Ranger 2.2 TDCi 4×4 XLS glided over the sand with utter confidence and despite the presence of some steep sand dunes, the Ranger felt completely at home in this terrain.

This particular Ranger 2.2 TDCi 4×4 XLS is reasonably specced with features such as 4 airbags, electronic stability programme (ESP), traction control, hill launch assist, hill descent control, cruise control, towbar, electronic transfer case and 16-inch alloy wheels. The interior includes electric windows, multifunction steering wheel, manual air conditioning, Ford SYNC with 6speakers, CD player, a 4.2-inch colour TFT screen and USB and auxiliary ports.

Dirt road domination

The Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi 4×2 XLT automatic displayed superb road manners and ride quality on dirt roads was good.

After playing in the sand, we travelled some 70 km to our lunch destination at Jakkalsvlei Winery near Herbertsdale. The afternoon drive took place in the high-spec Ranger 2.2 TDCi 4×2 XLT double cab, which offered higher levels of comfort thanks to leather seats, dual climate control,SYNC2connectivity and (the larger) 8.2-inch TFT infotainment display. A pair of USB ports are included as standard and this model rides on 17-inch wheels.

This part of the launch route comprised a dirt road course that winded endlessly through the farmlands surrounding George. We were impressed by how composed the Ranger felt on the unsealed surface. It soaked up bumps and ruts with aplomb and delivered a ride quality that was so comfortable that it was difficult to believe that a bakkie could feel as refined. The 6-speed automatic transmission further added to the stress-free nature of the drive. Eventually, dirt roads gave way to tar and the Ranger muscled through the breathtakingly beautiful Outeniqua Pass and delivered us safely to George Airport.

The Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi double cab offers good performance and returns acceptable fuel consumption figures.

Summary

After driving the Ranger 2.2 TDCi 4×4 XLS and 4×2 XLT automatic, we declare the Ranger 2.2 TDCi automatic well worth considering. The engine performs well on the open road and particularly on the dirt – it didn’t feel sluggish, nor underpowered. It would seem that this 2.2-litre turbodiesel is well matched to the 6-speed automatic transmission, making it a solid proposition if you are looking for a capable automatic double cab. Moreover, the ride quality in the Ranger 2.2 TDCi is to be admired, it's easy to understand why the Ranger sells so well in South Africa.

Fuel efficiency is another reason to choosethe 2.2-litre turbodiesel over the 3.2-litre turbodiesel offering. On our launch route, we were averaging around 9.2 L/100km, which could have been improved with more diligence. Ford claims 8.1 L/100 km for the Ranger 2.2 4×4 XLS automatic and 7.5 L/100 km for the Ranger 2.2 4×2 XLT automatic. Comparatively, in our recent test of the Ford Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak 4×4 automatic, we achieved no better than 11.0 L/100 km.

If you don’t need the extra power and torque offered bythe 3.2-litre Ranger derivatives, then the 2.2 TDCi automatic derivatives strike a better balance between performance and economy.We should have the Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCI automatic double cabon test soon, so look out for a thorough evaluation.

Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi Automatic – Price in South Africa

Single Cab

Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi Single Cab 4×2 XL Auto –R311 900

Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi Single Cab 4×4 XLS Auto –R426 900

Super Cab

Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi Super Cab 4×2 XL Auto –R357 900

Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi Super Cab 4×2 XLS Auto –R411 900

Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi Super Cab 4×4 XLS –R472 900

Double Cab

Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi Double Cab 4×2 XL –R384 900

Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi Double Cab 4×4 XL –R426 900

Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi Double Cab 4×2 XLT –R482 900

Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi Double Cab 4×4XLS –R517 900

All derivatives come with a 4-year/120 000 km comprehensive warranty,a 5-year/100 000 km service plan (all but base models, on which it is optional), a5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty, as well as 3-year/unlimited km roadside assistance plan.

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Ford Ranger 3.2 4×4 Wildtrak (2016) Review

Ford Ranger 3.2 XLT (2016) Review

2016 Ford Ranger-5-Things You Need To Know (Video)

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