Ford premieres new Ranger in Bangkok

By CARSIFU | 30 March 2015


The 2015 Ford Ranger gets a bolder, sportier look as well as improved comfort levels and upgraded diesel powertrains.

The updated pick-up truck had a global reveal at the 36th Bangkok International Motor Show, which runs till April 5.

Production of the updated Ranger is due to start by mid-year at the AutoAlliance Thailand facility in Rayong, and it should be launched in Malaysia this year.

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“This Ranger brings a new level of comfort and refinement to its segment without compromising on the rugged capability that our customers demand,” said Ford Asia Pacific vice president (marketing, sales and service) Brett Wheatley.

The updated Ranger gets a new front end with a more muscular hood that flows into a strong new trapezoidal grille, as well as imposing projector headlamps.

Its stylish new interior provides a car-like environment, with a central eight-inch touchscreen with colour-coded corners for easy menu navigation.

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Behind the steering wheel, a new dual-TFT instrument cluster provides drivers with information about the vehicle, as well as entertainment, navigation and climate control details at a glance.

Ford engineers had also fine-tuned the updated Ranger's suspension for additional comfort and even better handling.

The updated Ranger was also fitted with advanced sound-deadening materials and improved insulation for one of the quietest cabin interiors in its class.

There is also a new electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) that is light and manageable for low-speed manoeuvring, and precise at higher speeds – with assistance varying as necessary.

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This EPAS also results in a quieter vehicle and improves fuel efficiency by 3%.

To help drivers stay connected, the updated Ranger has SYNC 2, which is the latest-generation of Ford’s in-car connectivity system.

With SYNC 2, drivers can use voice commands, like “temperature 20 degrees”, “play AC/DC” or “I’m hungry” and control the vehicle’s climate controls, entertainment system and navigation system more easily than ever before.

For extra convenience, the updated Ranger features a 240-volt power socket that can be used to power a laptop.

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The array of driver assist technologies also include Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, which work together to help to prevent the driver from unintentionally drifting out of a lane when driving at high speeds.

It also has Adaptive Cruise Control, which makes use of radar sensors to maintain both a preset speed as well as a preset distance from the vehicle ahead.

The Driver Impairment Monitor uses the forward-facing camera and on-board sensors to detect if the driver is drowsy.

Other smart technologies on the updated Ranger include Hill Launch Assist and Hill Descent Control, and Emergency Brake Assistance.

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There is also Adaptive Load Control, which adjusts the Electronic Stability Control system based on vehicle load.

Upgraded diesel powertrains with Start-Stop technology also provide better fuel efficiency, by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is idling.

Ford's proven 3.2-litre Duratorq five-cylinder TDCi diesel engine gets an updated exhaust gas recirculation system that helps to improve fuel efficiency by up to 18%, while still putting out 197hp of power and 470Nm of torque.

Ford also offers a standard 2.2-litre Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi diesel engine, which generates an improved 158hp of power and 385Nm of torque, or a high-efficiency 129hp variant for up to 22% improvement in fuel economy.

The engines are paired to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

On the move, an available longer final drive ratio boosts fuel economy at highway speeds.

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