After having renewed its best-seller F-150 on the other side of the Atlantic, Ford is tackling the replacement of the Ranger. The vehicle, a “small” pick-up with an already generous size, will also be offered in Europe. It will now share its bases with the next Volkswagen Amarok.
If there is one manufacturer that owes a lot to pickups, it is Ford. Not only has its large F-150 been the bestseller in the United States of all categories for decades, but the more compact Ranger also scores well around the world. Including in Europe, where he is almost the only one able to undermine Japanese domination. However, her current generation is starting to age seriously: next year, she should have celebrated her tenth birthday. To avoid seeing buyers turn to newer models, a brand new version will therefore be unveiled by the end of the year, then marketed in 2022.
A cousin of the future Volkswagen Amarok
Aesthetically, the first images of camouflaged prototypes already reveal a lot. We discover a light signature in the shape of a crab claw and a huge rectangular grille that furiously evoke the F-150, recently renewed. The Ranger thus adopts a resolutely Ford and American style, very different from that of the future Volkswagen Amarok.
However, these two pick-ups will now indeed be cousins. In addition to partnering for the electric car or for autonomous driving, the two manufacturers have in fact decided to work together for commercial vehicles. With, in this case, a leadership provided by Ford, which has provided segment expertise and will ensure production at its South African plant in Silverton.
Priority to loading and off-roading
Unlike the new Maverick sold across the Atlantic, which uses the same base as the Kuga SUV, the future Ranger will retain a rigid rear axle. It will therefore favor the transport of heavy loads over comfort or road handling. Off-road developments will also remain at the top of its specifications. The first video teaser official shows us besides swallowing the most varied obstacles. Even better suited to this type of acrobatics, the Raptor version should be renewed. But, for the moment, we still do not know what will hide under the sculpted hood of this new generation. See you in a few weeks to find out.
