PRETORIA, South Africa, 05 January, 2013 – As the Ford Ranger’s popularity continues to grow additional derivatives have been added to the line-up to meet with strong customer demand.

In 2013 the popular Wildtrak derivative will now be offered in 4×2 and 4×4 automatic guise having previously only been available in 4×2 manual guise. The range topping Wildtrak derivative is powered by Ford’s 3.2-litre Duratorq TDCi five-cylinder diesel engine with a substantial 470 Nm of torque and power rated at 147 kW.

The Wildtrak is fitted with extensive safety features that have seen the Ranger (XLT and Wildtrak derivatives) becoming the first ever pick-up to achieve a maximum 5 Star rating under the Euro NCAP crash test protocol. The Wildtrak is also comprehensively equipped with features normally associated with premium passenger vehicles. Among them Bluetooth with voice control, steering wheel mounted radio controls, dual zone climate control, rainsensing wipers, power windows front and rear, heated seats and more.

Other changes to the Ranger line-up in 2013 include the addition of Bluetooth with voice activation, including steering wheel audio controls and a USB port to the Single, Super and Double Cab XLS derivatives, while all XLT models can now be fitted with Park Distance Sensors and a Reverse Camera as an optional extra. The Park Distance Sensor is fitted to the rear bumper with a Reverse Camera that appears in the review mirror when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

Single Cab Base customers will now have the opportunity to fit airconditioning as an optional extra, while a Safety Pack will also be available as an option. The Safety Pack includes ABS brakes with EBD, beltminder and driver and passenger airbags.

Built at Ford’s assembly plant in Pretoria the Ranger boasts all the toughness and rugged capabilities of a pickup truck, but also features smart technology, outstanding safety, superior fuel economy and high standards of quality and comfort normally associated with passenger cars.

A 4-year/120 000km warranty is standard on all models while a 5-year / 90 000km Service Plan is available as an option on entry level models and is standard from XL models up). Service intervals are stationed 15 000kms apart on diesel and petrol models. Customers will also benefit from 3 years of Roadside Assistance and a 5-year corrosion warranty as part of the Ford Ranger package. All-new Ranger 4×4 customers also receive free off-road driver training.