Though it may be another iteration of the now all too familiar Ford Ranger bakkie, the new limited edition 2021 Ford Ranger Stormtrak is a visually arresting addition to the line-up and is the spiritual successor of the Thunder, which was released to great success last year.
Just like its forebear, the Stormtrak’s highlights are essentially cosmetic upgrades over the Ranger Wildtrak bakkie. It’s hard to miss the black mesh grille with red inserts, the black insert in the lower section of the front bumper, the black decals on the bonnet and doors, the black roof rails and the 18” alloy wheels finished in gloss black. Notice a trend yet? And just like the Thunder, the Stormtrak also has three-dimensional Stormtrak logos on the lower section of the front doors and the tailgate. The execution is more daring than its predecessor while remaining tasteful.
A welcome new feature is a Power Roller Shutter for the rear load bay, which is automatic, as the name suggests. The added convenience and security of this cannot be overstated. The Stormtrak comes in various colours, including Sea Grey, Frozen White and Blue Lightning, though the star of the launch event was undoubtedly the model-specific Lucid Red version, which had the majority of us scribes lusting after it.
Inner Beauty
Climb inside the Stormtrak, and you will notice the logo embossed on the front seat backrests. There is also generous usage of red contrast stitching within the leather-trimmed cabin, stretching from the seats and gear shifter to the dash and steering wheel. The addition of illuminated front sills add a premium touch to the cabin. The level of practicality is as generous as we have come to expect from the Ranger bakkies. There is sufficient room to accommodate five adults in relative comfort, and ISOFIX mounting points are also available for families that require a car seat.
Being a limited-edition special model, Ford made sure not to skimp on the features. The techies will be happy with the SYNC 3 infotainment system complete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Should you require a dashcam, a nifty USB port is hidden behind the rear-view mirror for easy connection.
One of my concerns with the Thunder was that it did not come with Ford’s FordPass functionality, which grants the driver a host of remote functions accessed through their smartphones. So, among many other appealing features, I was happy to find that the Stormtrak comes with FordPass, which is handy for Vehicle Health Alerts, which can be sent directly to a smart device pre-empting service needs, and Roadside Assistance, which grants customers instant access to Ford’s 24-hour emergency Roadside Assistance that is valid for three years.
The Stormtrak also comes with an extensive list of active and passive safety features. These include Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert, Driver Alert System, Lane Keeping Aid and Lane Keeping Alert, and Autonomous Braking. City dwellers will appreciate the Semi-Autonomous Parallel Park Assist, which controls the steering using sensors and electric power-assisted steering to steer the car in tight spots. All the driver has to do is control the throttle and brakes and select the required gear.
On the Drive
A 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine from the Thunder also powers the Stormtrak, producing a similar 157 kW and 500 Nm. The power is relayed through a 10-speed automatic transmission to the wheels. Ford claims a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg, which is not hard to imagine, given the way the bakkie feels torquey from the get-go.
We set off on our drive to Addo Elephant Park, where we enjoyed some elephant spotting and, with the bakkie set to 4 High, zoomed along the park’s gravel roads with ease before heading to the Karroo Theatrical Hotel for the night.
In the early hours of the following morning, we headed towards Baviaanskloof via roads less travelled as Ford off-roaders are built for this kind of terrain. I enjoy launch drive events that play to a vehicle’s strengths. Most people who buy these sorts of bakkies today, especially the limited edition versions, seldom take them off-road. Instead, they spend most of their time parked around malls and office parks. Yet, Ford chose to take us out into the wild where the Stormtraks were in their element. If the 230 mm ground clearance and the chunky tyres are not strong enough hints, I can assure you that the Stormtrak is as good off-road as it is on a highway, if not better. The suspension soaked up the rough gravel surface really well, while the four-wheel-drive traction gave us the confidence to push the bakkies even faster on loose surfaces. As a result, I can confidently say that the Ranger will handle any off-road tasks you throw at it, save for the extreme stuff best reserved for custom-built machines.
Last Word
It is no secret that Ford is currently working on a replacement for the current generation Ranger. And while anticipation for that one is strong, it has not culled the local appetite for the current line-up. The Stormtrak embodies the best of which Ford has endowed its bakkies in recent years, and as such it remains an excellent placeholder while we wait for the new model. From a competent powertrain to arresting looks and a well-sorted and equipped cabin, the Stormtrak offers a lifeline to a steed that is at the end of its cycle. Should you buy one? Absolutely. This bakkie will do everything you require from this form factor while giving you the kerb appeal to match. Prices start from R790,300.
Report by BRYAN KAYAVHU | Images © FORD SOUTH AFRICA
