The covers have come off the all-new Ford Ranger, which will go on sale in more than 180 markets worldwide, and will be available in Europe from early 2016.
23 Mar 2015 | 5284 Views | By Autocar Professional Bureau
The covers have come off the all-new Ford Ranger, which will go on sale in more than 180 markets worldwide, and will be available in Europe from early 2016.
Revealed today at the Bangkok Motor Show, the new model is set to further boost Ranger sales in Europe, which ...
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The covers have come off the all-new Ford Ranger, which will go on sale in more than 180 markets worldwide, and will be available in Europe from early 2016.
Revealed today at the Bangkok Motor Show, the new model is set to further boost Ranger sales in Europe, which increased 40 percent in 2014 over 2013, with market share rising by 4.5 percentage points to 21 percent.
Featuring a new look front end, and a stylish and functional new interior, the new Ranger builds upon a reputation of capability, innovation and comfort that has helped the vehicle stand apart from traditional pickup trucks. It also boasts an array of new cutting-edge technologies that enable new and more practical solutions to everyday challenges.
“The new Ford Ranger brings a new level of comfort and refinement to its segment without compromising on the rugged capability that our customers demand,” said Roelant de Waard, vice- president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. “It represents a smarter kind of tough, and will help our customers to achieve more, whether at work or with their families.
“Together with the completely new and expanded Transit range, the Ranger is a key part of Ford’s renewed commercial vehicle line-up that continues to gain sales momentum in Europe,” de Waard added.
The changes to the Ranger begin with an updated exterior design. A more muscular hood flows into a strong new trapezoidal grille, while imposing projector headlamps make the truck instantly recognizable.
The updated exterior has been combined with a stylish new interior that creates an even more comfortable, contemporary and car-like environment for the driver and passengers. Strong horizontal lines run across the width of the cab, giving a sense of openness, and framing the central eight-inch touchscreen. Behind the steering wheel, a new instrument cluster design with dual colour digital displays provides drivers with information about the vehicle, as well as entertainment, navigation and climate control details at a glance.
Capability and refinement
The Ford Ranger remains one of the most capable trucks in its class. With a class-leading ability to wade through water up to 800mm deep, and with 230mm of ground clearance, it is designed and engineered to handle the most extreme terrains with ease. 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 4x4 models to shift on the fly from 4x2 to 4x4 high with a knob on the centre console. For low-speed torque or additional downhill braking, drivers also can engage low-range 4x4 gearing, while an electronic locking rear differential helps to improve traction in difficult conditions. These off-road strengths are matched by towing capability of up to 3,500 kg and exceptional payload capacity.
The Ranger achieves all this with a level of refinement not usually seen in the pickup truck segment. While the current Ranger already sets the standard for ride and handling, Ford engineers fine-tuned its suspension 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 maneuvering, such as parking, and precise at higher speeds – with assistance varying as necessary based on speed, steering wheel angle, cornering forces and acceleration or deceleration. 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 3 per cent.
Laden with advanced technology
A host of cutting edge technology is available on the new Ford Ranger to help drivers stay connected and in control. Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system offers drivers smarter and safer ways to stay connected. Using natural voice commands, like “temperature 20 degrees”, “play AC/DC” or “I’m hungry”, the driver can control the car’s climate controls, entertainment system and navigation system more easily than ever before. An 8-inch touchscreen places more controls at the driver’s fingertips, with colour-coded corners for easy menu navigation. For extra convenience, the new Ranger features a 240-volt power socket that can be used to power a laptop computer anywhere, from a work site to a family road trip.
There is also an array of driver assist technologies like Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Electronic Stability Program, Driver Alert, Emergency Assistance and other smart technologies including Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, Adaptive Load Control and Emergency Brake Assistance.
On the engine front, the new Ranger is powered by the latest generation of Ford’s proven 3.2-litre TDCi five-cylinder diesel engine. Upgrades including an updated exhaust gas recirculation system help to increase efficiency, while still putting out 200bhp and 470 Nm of torque. There are also 130bhp and 160bhp variants of Ford’s 2.2-litre TDCi four-cylinder diesel engine on offer.