Overview

The all-new Ford Ranger pick-up is different from the ground up and delivers its traditional ruggedness combining this with an increased loading capability, vastly improved performance and economy, enhanced comfort and safety, smarter technology, plus a tough new look. The Ranger is now powered by the versatile Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engine range with smooth six-speed transmissions that deliver strong, refined performance and outstanding fuel economy

It has a class-leading towing capability of up to 3,350kg, an increased load box volume plus and a payload capacity of up to 1,333kg and is offered with three versatile cab styles, the option of 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, and up to five different series including the stunning Wildtrak model

It was developed in Australia and it will be produced in Thailand, South Africa and Argentina for sale in more than 180 markets worldwide, under the One Ford strategy programme.

Bold Styling

The all-new Ranger has a bold new exterior style, which its designers have named ‘21^st Century Tough’. This new pick-up has been designed to look powerful and confident and has new front end features with a short overhang showing the signature three-bar grille.

The windscreen has also been raked back for a sportier and more dynamic silhouette, while the truck has been sculpted to give the vehicle a more modern and much more aerodynamic look. It has larger headlamps, bigger mirrors and stamped-in wheel lips providing an integrated look across the range.

The Ranger has a real presence on the road and increases its functionality with the deeper box. At 5,359mm long and 1,850mm wide, this new model is 279mm longer and 62mm wider than the outgoing model, benefitting both interior space and load capacity.

The all-new Ford Ranger will be offered as a complete family of pick-up models with a choice of three versatile cab body styles – Single Cab, RAP (Rear Access Panel) Cab and Double Cab – along with the option of 4x2 and 4x4 drive-trains and two different ride heights.

European customers will have a choice of two new state-of-the-art Ford Duratorq TDCi diesels which deliver improved power, torque and fuel efficiency: 2.2-litre (150PS and 375Nm) and 3.2-litre (200PS and 470Nm).

The larger load box offers increased carrying volume with all cab styles; generous towing capacity ranging up to a best-in-class 3350 kg; and models with the 2.2-litre diesel have an outstanding payload capacity of up to 1333 kg.

Cabin Environment – 'Car Like'

The completely redesigned cabin offers generous space for all passengers and is packed with the kind of smart technologies which are more commonly found on passenger cars. These range from features like satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and voice control, to the Rear View Camera System with a display integrated in the rear view mirror (which is unique in the pick-up class).

The new model also gets features like Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) system that helps the vehicle keep its wheels firmly planted on the road under all road conditions.

The base series model gets vinyl seats while cloth trim and leather option are available on the higher series in the range, plus all materials have been tested for heavy-duty usage for commercial vehicle operation. The glove box is large enough to accommodate a 16-inch laptop computer while the door pockets can comfortably fit a 1.5-litre water bottle.

There is ample storage for mobile phones and other small items can be found in the console and in other areas within easy reach of the driver. And, underneath the rear seats, a convenient hidden storage area for tools can also be accessed.

Engines and Fuel Consumption

The 150PS 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine replaces the previous 2.5-litre unit in the Ranger line up and offers over 13 per cent more pulling power. When fitted to a 4x2 model, it consumes as little 37.2 mpg in the combined cycle making it one of the most fuel-efficient pick-ups in the segment.

The new 200PS 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel engine delivers over 23 per cent more than the 3.0-litre engine that it replaces. Its fuel consumption in the combined fuel cycle is among the leaders in this segment, ranging from 33.6mpg on a 4x2 variant to 29.4mpg on the full-option 4x4 model.

The new Ranger also gets a large 80-litre fuel tank and offers one of the longest ranges in its class, with as much as 620 miles possible between fill-ups, plus it also has an up-shift indicator in the instrument panel that helps drivers select the best moment to change gear for optimum fuel economy.

Safety and Braking

The all-new Ranger has been engineered to provide comprehensive safety protection with the body structure utilising high-strength steel throughout, to protect occupants in a collision.

Standard on all cab styles in Europe for the first time are side curtain airbags that deploy from the headliner to provide a protective cushion for the head of occupants in case of a side impact.  New side airbags also deploy from the side bolster of the front and knee airbags are also standard across all models.

Some other new Ranger technologies (which aid the driver but can also help them avoid potential contact with pedestrians) include the Rear Park Assist system and the advanced Rear View Camera System.

There are an array of braking technologies that all work together to ensure shorter stopping distances under all circumstances, such as the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, plus during emergency braking, the hazard lights also come on to warn other motorists.

The ABS system also features Gravel Road Logic which further improves stopping distances on loose surfaces such as unsealed roads or ones with bad potholes for example.

Summary

Ford has certainly produced a versatile all-new pick-up that looks set to dominate in this segment. With its reputation for high-build quality and great performance all-round this new model looks set to be a winner. We should have Ford pick-up leasing prices loaded shortly.