BANGKOK: Ford unveiled its new Ranger here today, and the model is expected to arrive in Malaysia late this year.
Ford says the latest Ranger sets a new benchmark in the pickup truck segment with a blend of robust capability, craftsmanship and advanced technology.
The changes begin with an updated exterior design. A bold, more modern look lends Ranger a powerful presence on the road.
A more muscular hood flows into a strong new trapezoidal grille, while imposing projector headlamps make the truck instantly recognizable, with a bold, technical look.
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 center console. For low-speed torque or additional downhill braking, drivers can also 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 three percent.
Engineers also 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 maximum power and torque for heavy-duty towing, Ford is offering the latest generation of its proven 3.2-liter Duratorq five-cylinder TDCi diesel engine. Upgrades including an updated exhaust gas recirculation system help to improve fuel efficiency by up to 18 percent, while still putting out 147 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque.
Equipped with the latest generation of Ford’s 2.2-liter Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi diesel engine, the Ranger delivers significantly improved fuel efficiency and refinement while also providing the power Ranger customers demand. Depending on the market, Ford will offer a standard 2.2-litre engine, which generates an improved 118 kW of power and 385 Nm of torque, or a high-efficiency (96 kW) variant for up to 22 percent improvement in fuel economy.
The new Ranger is also available with Ford’s 2.5-liter Duratec petrol engine, providing 122 kW of power and 225 Nm of torque#.
Maximising the efficiency of its engines, the Ranger is available with Automatic Start/Stop Technology, improving fuel economy by up to 3.5 percent. On the move, an available longer final drive ratio boosts fuel economy at highway speeds.
A host of technology is available on the Ranger to help drivers stay connected and in control.
SYNC 2, the latest generation of Ford’s in-car connectivity system, gives 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 eight-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 such as Lane Keeping Alert + Lane Keeping Aid, a radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control and Front and Rear Park Assist.
Other tech on board include Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Driver Impairment Monitor, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, Adaptive Load Control, Emergency Brake Assistance, and Electronic Stability Program with rollover mitigation and trailer sway control.
Starting later this year, the truck will start selling in more than 180 markets worldwide.
Ford will make the new Ranger at its AutoAlliance Thailand facility in Rayong, Thailand by mid-2015 for distribution throughout Asia Pacific, its Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, South Africa for distribution in Africa and Europe, and its Pacheco Stamping and Assembly Plant in Argentina for distribution in Latin America.
