Ford Ranger Thunder 2020 officially launched
After both seeing the European launch and being teased on Twitter, Ford has finally launched their 2020 Ranger Thunder in South Africa. With local specs and prices, we are rather excited to talk about the Thunder again. For those who have yet to see any 2020 Ranger Thunder news, this new Ford is limited-edition, we will also go over some of the changes to the design and functionality.
“We are delighted to add the exciting new limited-edition Ranger Thunder which adds a sportier and even more exclusive dimension to what is already one of the pickup segment’s front-runners.” – Doreen Mashinini, General Manager Marketing at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA).
New design for the 2020 Ford Ranger Thunder.
Based on the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, the Thunder stands out when it comes to the 3D honeycomb grille with what are described as “red nostrils”. That red highlight, as well as many black details, get repeated throughout the design. There are four colour options, Sea Grey, Frozen White, Absolute Black and Moondust Silver, Our favourite is definitely the Sea Grey we saw with the European launch as it’s a dark colour that still shows off the black detailing.
3D Thunder badges can be found on the front doors and tailgate while the whole bakkie rides on darkened 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.
With the launch of the Thunder, Ford has updated the entire Ranger line-up. LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights and front fog lamps now come as standard on the XLT, Wildtrak and Raptor.
The Thunder gets upgraded material and more practical load space.
The interior gets an upgraded eight-inch touchscreen with Ford’s Connected Touch Radio (CTR). This is an optional feature on the XL derivatives. The rest of the cabin gets a black leather makeover with bright red contrast stitching. This covers the seats, dashboard, steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake. Overall, you are getting the same cabin experience you would get from the standard Wildtrak.
At the back, Ford has added a lockable “Mountain Top” black roller shutter to the Ranger Thunder. There is also a new cargo area management system with a bed divider. This will allow easy compartmentalization to securely hold different sized items.
More details about the Ford Ranger Thunder performance.
It’s the same 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo engine that powers the Ranger Thunder. This will be good for 157 kW and 500 Nm while being mated to the same 10-speed automatic transmission that made this generation of Ranger’s so much better. There is a Progressive Range Select (PRS) that will allow the ability to lock out gears from the automatic shifting range. This makes the Thunder ideal for towing or when driving in slippery conditions or climbing steep gradients.
As standard, the Rager Thunder will also get Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Collision Alert. It will also get Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid and Semi-Automatic Parallel Park Assist (SAPPA).
Local pricing details.
The 2020 Ford Ranger Thunder will come with a 6-year/90,000 km service plan with intervals every 15,000 km. It is also offered with a 4-year/120,000 km warranty.
- 2.0 BiT 10AT 4×2 R736 000
- 2.0 BiT 10AT 4×4 R787 000
- 3.2 TDCI 6AT 4×2 R711 600
Source & images: QuickPic
