Ford Ranger has received a facelift, including receiving the Ford’s SYNC technology, lane keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, driver impairment monitor, front and rear park assist.
The changes to the new Ranger begin with an updated exterior design – where a bold, more modern look lends new Ranger a powerful presence on the road, and immediately conveys a sense of capability.
A more muscular hood flows into a strong new trapezoidal grille, which connects seamlessly with the chiselled projector headlamps, accentuating the new Ranger’s width and strong stance.
In the interior, just behind the steering wheel, a new dual-TFT instrument cluster provides drivers with information about the vehicle, as well as entertainment and cellphone features at a glance.
Ford Ranger’s models starts with the economical mid-power Super Cab 2.2-litre 4×2 with a power output of 88kW and 285Nm of torque, and topping out with the all-new 3.2 4×4 Automatic which is offered in high-level XLT guise for the first time.
Then there is the revised Double Cab 2.2-litre four-cylinder Duratorq TDCi that now chucks out 118kW of power and 385Nm of torque. The Double Cab is also available as a luxury XLT-spec 2.2 TDCi 4×2 mated to the manual transmission. The 3.2 TDCi XLT is once again available in 4×2 and 4×4 versions, with the choice of manual and automatic transmissions.
For the single cab 12 models are offered, spanning the Base 2.5 petrol Chassis Cab through to the 3.2 XLS 4×4 with manual transmission.
Ford’s mighty 3.2-litre Duratorq TDCi five-cylinder diesel engine tops the range, and has earned an impressive reputation for its segment-defining levels of performance. Upgrades include a new exhaust gas recirculation system that helps improve fuel efficiency by up to 18 percent, while still producing 147kW of power and 470Nm of torque.
Depending on model derivative, the new Ranger is equipped with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, or a five-speed manual on the mid-output diesel and petrol versions.
The new Ford Ranger features an exceptional 800mm water wading depth, and 230mm of ground clearance. Thanks to a 28-degree approach angle and 25-degree departure angle, drivers in the new Ranger can feel confident when taking on steep obstacles.
A robust electronically controlled transfer case allows drivers in 4×4 models to shift on the fly from 4×2 to 4×4 high via a knob on the centre console. For low-speed torque or additional downhill control, drivers can also engage low-range 4×4 gearing, while an electronic locking rear differential helps to improve traction in difficult conditions. These off-road strengths are matched to a towing capability of up to 3 500kg and impressive payload capacity.
The new Ranger achieves all this with a level of refinement not usually seen in the pick-up segment. While the current Ranger already sets the standard for ride and handling, Ford engineers fine-tuned the suspension of the new version for additional comfort and even better handling.
The driving experience is further enhanced by an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, which provides precise steering with a natural and confident feel. With EPAS, steering is light and manageable for low-speed manoeuvring, such as parking, and precise at higher speeds.
The level of assistance varies based on speed, steering wheel angle, cornering forces and acceleration or deceleration. Furthermore, by eliminating the power steering pump used in a traditional power-steering system, EPAS also results in a quieter vehicle and improves fuel efficiency by about three percent.
Engineers fitted the new Ranger with advanced sound-deadening materials and improved insulation for one of the quietest and most comfortable cabin interiors in its class.
For extra convenience, the new Ranger features a 240-volt power socket that can be used to power a laptop computer or mobile device anywhere, from a work site to a family road trip.
All models are sold with a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, five-year/100 000km service plan (excluding Base derivatives), three-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty.
Service intervals are every 20 000km on both petrol and diesel derivatives. All 4×4 vehicles sold include a free 4×4 training course.