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First Drive: Ford Ranger Single Cab and Super Cab
At the end of 2022, Ford stunned the local market when it launched its all-new Ranger bakkie that lives a double life as the new Volkswagen Amarok.
The new Ranger feels more premium and polished than ever, with handsome looks, impressive driving manners, and substantial levels of technology.
For the 2023 model year, Ford is expanding the Ranger line-up by adding the single cab and Super Cab variants that will appeal more to commercial customers looking for a reliable workhorse. While the double cab leans more on being an adventurous bakkie, the single cab and Super Cab models are all about space and versatility.
The single cab is only offered in XL trim, whereas the Super Cab line-up is slightly more complicated, with the XL, XLT, and, for the first time, the Wildtrak.
In terms of looks, nothing here seems out of the ordinary. The models get the stunning looks worn by their double cab counterparts, and depending on the specified trim level, they either come with halogen or LED headlights that feature the C-clamp LED daytime running lights.
Inside, the same scenario holds. The XL and XLT models have a 10.1" SYNC colour touchscreen system, while the Wildtrak Super Cab has a larger 12" system. Both systems include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB outlets, and Bluetooth. The latter incorporates a wireless smartphone charging station, leather-padded seats, and an electronic shifter.
The business end
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Regarding payload, the single cab load bin is 2,315 mm long, 1,584 mm wide and is rated to carry 1,186 kg of cargo. Compared to its closest single cab rivals, the Nissan Navara and Toyota Hilux single cab load boxes are the same size, while the Isuzu D-Max's is a margin bigger at 2,330 mm.
At the launch, we initially saddled into the single cab XL model wheel in 4x2 guise, which rides on a set of stylish 16" alloy wheels. This particular model does double duty as a work bakkie and as a vehicle that you can use daily, and it respectably fulfils both roles, thanks to a punchy 2.0-litre single-turbodiesel engine that pumps out 125 kW and 405 Nm.
For both 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, the motor is paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
You can view the Super Cab as a single cab offering more space inside while slightly compromising the load bin length. Unlike the single cab with two doors, the Super Cab has four, but the rear-hinged doors require the front doors to be open to access the back seats.
The space behind the seats is generous, and being a noteworthy workhorse, it can be used to store equipment and other material away from prying eyes. Its versatility comes courtesy of a slightly shorter load bin than the single cab. It's measured at 2,305 mm, and to demonstrate the Super Cab's carrying capacity, we easily transported a large Jojo tank and a few other items.
Compared to the double cab, the Super Cab's load bin is 298 mm longer while also boasting a rear tray that is now 1,584 mm wider and can accommodate a standard Euro pallet between the wheel arches. As for the payload, it can take up to 1,006 kg instead of the double cab's 970 kg.
Taking to the road
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Our launch route included gravel and tar driving; the single cab XL model with a 6-speed manual has enough power to get up and go. It has plenty of pulling strength in all gears and has excellent road manners. It's worth noting that when the load bin is empty, it tends to jitter over bumps – a trait that will persist, even in 2023.
We also sampled the XL model in its 4x4 application, which employs the same powerplant and transmission. In this application, the setup comfortably works, even when driven over serious gravel, and the bin is a little more settled without any load in there. There is, however, an amount of wind noise penetrating the cabin at high speeds due to the prominent exterior mirrors.
For the first time in the Super Cab range, Ford has introduced the Wildrtrak 4x4 variant, which, like the double cab model, features Wildtrak-specific design cues both inside and out and a more powerful 2.0-litre Bi-turbocharged engine with 154 kW and 500 Nm of torque. Mated to a 10-speed automatic, the engine powers both the Wildtrak and XLT.
The Wildtrak variant rides on standard 18" alloys and offers good comfort, control, and impressive power delivery throughout the rev range. This is more likely to appeal to those who favour the finer things in life.
Not quite a Raptor kit...
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Ford offers a wide range of accessories and optional extras for those who wish to pimp their single and Super Cab models. For those seeking to customise the new Ranger models, Ford offers a wide range of optional accessories like the off-road and upgrade packages and 18" or 20" alloys at an extra charge depending on the model.
The new Ford Ranger single cab and Super Cab may not carry five passengers like their double cab counterparts, but they boast significant improvements over the outgoing models to make them unique, and those looking for commercial support vehicles will find them even more appealing and capable.
Which one to buy? Well, depending on your intended use of the two, the single cab is a more rugged version that offers better load bin capacity, whereas, in the Super Cab, you get more space behind the seats but a shorter load bin.
Single Cab
- 2.0L SiT XL 4x2 6MT: R464,200
- 2.0L SiT XL 4x2 6AT: R477,800
- 2.0L SiT XL 4x4 6MT: R531,300
- 2.0L SiT XL 4x4 6AT: R545,000
Super Cab
- 2.0L SiT XL 4x2 6MT: R485,400
- 2.0L SiT XL 4x2 6AT: R499,900
- 2.0L SiT XL 4x4 6AT: R542,900
- 2.0L SiT XLT 4x2 6AT: R547,100
- 2.0L BiT XLT 4x4 10AT: R688,900
- 2.0L BiT Wildtrak 4x4 10AT: R772,800
As standard, the range comes with a 4-year/120,000 km warranty, 4-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and 5-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. Buyers can optionally purchase service or maintenance plans for up to eight years or 165,000 km.
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