The eye-catching Stormtrak derivative of the new-generation Ford Ranger has made its debut at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand. Here’s a first look!

While Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA), which produces the new Ranger at its Silverton factory, was busy launching its single-cab and supercab derivatives this week, the Blue Oval unveiled the brand-new Ford Ranger Stormtrak in Thailand – at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show.

Considering that FMCSA is still in the primary phase of rolling out its new bakkie in our market, it’s hardly a surprise the firm’s product communications specialist Felix Sebata told Cars.co.za that the Stormtrak was “not confirmed for South Africa”. However, considering that Ford Australia introduced a styled-up Wildtrak X derivative to its (still new) Ranger line-up recently, it’s not inconceivable that the Stormtrak version may debut in our market much earlier in the bakkie’s life cycle than when its predecessor did.

FMCSA launched the Ranger Stormtrak in the final stages of the previous bakkie’s run. It was one of several special derivatives (including the FX4, Thunder and Raptor Special Edition) that debuted in 2021. Surely those derivatives were merely special/limited edition units to generate Ranger sales during the twilight of the bakkie’s tenure in the market (while FMCSA tooled up to produce the new one), not so?

Well, whereas Ford Australia launched the previous Wildtrak X a year before the new-gen bakkie arrived, the 2023 Wildtrak X is making its debut only a year after the new Ranger went on sale Down Under. And that’s quite illuminating, because the Blue Oval is clearly keen to gain as much market share as it can while new models of its arch-rivals’ bakkies, the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi Triton, are in the pipeline.

Does that suggest that the Stormtrak (or another special version) of the new Ford Ranger could debut in Mzansi sooner rather than later? We think that’s quite possible and will certainly keep you updated!

As before, the new Ford Ranger Stormtrak is a sportier version of its Wildtrak sibling and the newcomer features derivative-specific body decals, a bold black grille, 20-inch wheels and a flexible rack system. The new 20-inch alloy wheels feature a new design, a red insert and are wrapped in larger 255/55 tyres. The new grille has LED lights built-in as well as performance LED headlights, giving it more presence.

Inside, red details abound. These include Stormtrak stitching on the backrests of the front seats and red stitching on the multifunction steering wheel and transmission lever.

Ford Thailand also released some images of an accessorised Stormtrak, showing off the comprehensive array of goodies available, like the configurable sports bar, extended side steps, and roller shutter door.

The Thai-spec Stormtrak is powered by the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder bi-turbodiesel, which produces 154 kW and 500 Nm, with power going to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

South Africa Ford Ranger Lineup

To recap (as we approach the end of March 2023), FMCSA has been hard at work rolling out the new-generation Ranger to showrooms. The double-cab derivatives of the Ranger were introduced first and the Silverton factory is ramping up production. The locally-built single-cab and supercab derivatives are going on sale shortly too, while the imported Ranger Raptor has just gone on sale.

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