Ford Ranger Montana

Special-edition Ford Ranger Montana – tough can be handsome too

A rugged, durable and aggressive-looking limited–edition Ford Ranger double cab has joined the Ford Ranger bakkie range in South Africa. The Montana is available in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations and boasts impressive on- and off-road capabilities whilst providing distinctive, muscular exterior styling, outstanding handling, high levels of safety and value for money.   

According to a Ford release, the Montana is a genuine vehicle delivering high levels of progressive practicality and comfort, as well as setting impressive standards for engines and driving dynamics. Since the Montana is a special, limited-edition model (only 300 units are to be built), it is available in three colours only – Berry Red, Pure Silver and Black – and enjoys a number of unique, exciting exterior features like stainless steel nerf bar, rear step bumper, side sill protectors, scuff plates and roll bar, as well as a tonneau cover with the Montana logo print, special Montana alloy wheel centre caps, a Montana exterior decal set and chrome-finish exterior mirrors

Inside, distinguishing features include a Montana cloth pattern on the seats and door inserts and a Ford 5-piece rubber mat set.   Grey leather seats are available as an option.

According to Ford, these features are over and above the already high-level of standard equipment on standard Ranger double cabs and which includes quick-cooling, CFC-free air conditioning, power windows, an in-car entertainment centre with four speakers, selective unlocking central locking, an alarm/immobilizer system, a centre console with arm rest, a leather steering wheel, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and driving lamps.

As with all Ranger 4x2 Double Cabs, the Montana 4x2 double cab is also fitted with a raised suspension called "Hi-Trail" and a differential lock, standard on all Ranger Montana vehicles.

A convenient feature which Ranger owners have come to enjoy and appreciate, is the electrically controlled, automatic front wheel locking hubs, which are automatically engaged when shifting into four-wheel drive mode. This locks the front wheel drive mechanism without the driver having to leave the vehicle. Although the vehicle should be stationary when engaging four-wheel drive the first time, switching from four-wheel drive to two-wheel drive and back to four-wheel drive can be done when the vehicle is traveling at less than 100 km/h. When intending to remain in two-wheel drive, the hubs can be automatically unlocked by pressing the Remote Free Wheel (RFW) button on the instrument panel.

Both 4x2 and 4x4 Ranger Montana models are equipped with the modern and compact 2.5-litre, 12-valve intercooled turbocharged diesel engine which delivers 80 kW at 3 500 r/min and 257 Nm of torque at 2 000 r/min.

Like the Ranger, the Montana comes with a 3 year/100 000 km warranty and a 3 year anti-corrosion warranty.