- Ranger XLT and Wildtrak now feature SYNC®3 with Navigation as standard, rear camera and PDC included on XLS models
- On Everest, SYNC® 3 with Navigation added on all XLT and Limited models
- Enhanced capability with fitment of diff lock as standard on all Ranger and Everest 4×2 and 4×4 models
PRETORIA, South Africa, 10 April 2017 – One of South Africa’s top-selling vehicles, the locally-built Ford Ranger, is set to become an even more compelling choice for an upgrade to the standard specification levels of all XL, XLS, XLT and range-topping Wildtrak derivatives. The sophisticated Everest sports utility vehicle (SUV), also produced at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, receives several new features as part of the running changes to its line-up too.
“As one of South Africa’s top-selling vehicles, both within the light commercial vehicle segment and overall vehicle sales environment, the Ranger is a trendsetter that continues to set new benchmarks,” says Tracey Delate, General Manager, Marketing – Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa Region.
“The new features added to the range, specifically SYNC®3 with Navigation on the top-spec models, enhance this reputation even further while significantly improving driving convenience, safety and comfort,” she adds. “This is echoed in the superb Everest range that is now ever better suited to its role as a practical seven-seat family SUV.”
Ford’s latest-generation SYNC®3 with Navigation infotainment system makes its debut in the Ranger XLT and Wildtrak models, and in the Everest XLT and Limited. This incorporates all the benefits of the innovative SYNC®3 system introduced last year, with the addition of a comprehensive suite of integrated navigation functions accessible via the 8-inch touchscreen and a wide range of voice commands.
The off-road capability has been enhanced with the factory-fitted rear differential lock now included as standard fitment on the Everest 4×2 models, as well as on all Ranger XL, XLS, XLT and Wildtrak derivatives. The electronically operated diff lock ensures rear-wheel traction is maximised when tackling uneven terrain.
Parking and reversing manoeuvres are now even easier on Ranger XLS models thanks to the inclusion of a rear view camera and park distance control sensors, while an extra level of security is provided as all models benefit from a spare wheel lock becoming standard factory fitment.
In line with its positioning as a safe and practical family vehicle, ISOFIX child seat mounting points are provided for the outer middle-row seats on all Everest models.
SYNC®3 with Navigation
Ford’s SYNC®3 with Navigation infotainment system boasts fully featured embedded navigation, along with all the benefits of SYNC®3’s faster performing, brighter eight-inch colour touch screen that offers clearer icons and convenient multi-touch gestures (such as swipe, slide, scroll and pinch-to-zoom), plus voice recognition that uses simple, real-world voice commands.
All SYNC®3 with Navigation systems sold in South Africa have access to more than 20 country maps including: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. More than 3.6-million kilometres of road and 869 000 POIs are listed.
Another fantastic innovation is the inclusion of Tracks4Africa, allowing Ford Ranger and Everest owners to take advantage of the unique mapping created from the collective travel experience of the Tracks4Africa travelling community.
All models equipped with SYNC®3 with Navigation in South Africa receive free annual map updates for a period of five years. Additionally, text and voice guidance are available in a multitude of languages, comprising Afrikaans, Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Zulu.
Aside from the addition of navigation, SYNC®3 also offers the benefits of smartphone integration provided through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which transforms the phone’s connectivity with the car. Licenses for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still being finalised for official release in the collective Middle East and Africa region, and therefore will be introduced as they become available in the market.
To keep the system up to date, periodic over-the-air software updates for SYNC®3 can be downloaded via Wi-Fi, once it is set up on a trusted wireless network.