Ford is hoping that the addition of an automatic gearbox can boost the sales of the ever-so-popular Ranger.
The six-speed automatic gearbox will now be offered on the 2.2 TDCi Single Cab, Super Cab, and Double Cab derivatives.
This will boost the Ranger lineup to a total of 36 models.
Potential buyers can expect the automatic gearbox to be available with the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine from as early as July.
“The latest refinements, increased performance and enhanced fuel efficiency of the New Ranger, particularly with the updated 2.2 Duratorq TDCi engine, has led to growing customer interest in the option of an automatic transmission on these models,” says Tracy Delate, General Marketing Manager of Ford Motor Company SA.
Ford also says that 70% of buyers tick the automatic box option when buying the bigger displacement 3.2-litre derivatives.
The automatic gearbox can be mated to the 2.2 TDCi Double Cab on the entry-level XL model, the mid-range XLS, and the range-topping XLT specification levels. The auto box can also be fitted to the Super Cab and Single Cab in the XL and XLS trim levels.