KUALA LUMPUR: The Ford Ranger is back and it’s better in more ways to take the lead in the pickup truck segment with all its bells and whistles, capabilities and two new engines that are more efficient with added power.
Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the local distributor of Ford in Malaysia, brings us the new Ranger in three variants starting with the entry-level XL, XLT and the range-topping WildTrak – priced OTR from RM91,588, RM101,388 and RM132,188 respectively.
The new Ranger now comes with a newly designed hood, trapezoidal grille and sports a new pair of projector headlamps.
Inside, the XLT features a 4.2-inch display and comes equipped with SYNC, while the WildTrak gets an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen and SYNC 2, MyKey and a three-pin 230-Volt power socket.
Both XL and XLT variants will feature a 2.2-litre four-cylinder 158PS / 385Nm turbocharged Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, while the Wildtrak uses a 3.2-litre five-cylinder 197bhp / 470Nm turbocharged turbocharged Duratorq TDCi diesel engine instead.
Regardless of engine choice, a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission are available.
In terms of capabilities, Ford has given the Ranger a 28-degree approach angle, 25-degree departure angle, 230mm ground clearance and the capability to wade into 800mm of water.
In addition, it also has a towing capability of up to 3.5 tonnes and can take on a payload of up to 1.2 tonnes.
The Ranger uses an electronically controlled transfer case, which allows drivers to shift from 4×2 to 4×4 High mode on the fly via a knob on the centre console, as well as an electronic locking rear differential when in 4×4 Low to help improve traction in difficult conditions.
Furthermore, the suspension has been fine-tuned for improved comfort and handling, and to take advantage of that an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system has been included.
For safety, electronic stability control (ESC), ISOFIX, hill launch assist, adaptive load control and emergency brake assist have been included as standard for all variants.
The WildTrak has four more airbags for a total of six airbags over the XL and XLT, and adds front and rear parking sensors; front and rear park assist; a rear-view camera; forward alert; radar-equipped adaptive cruise control; lane keeping aid and lane departure warning.
The Ranger is available in six colours of Pride Orange, Cool White, Metropolitan Grey, Aluminum Metallic, Black Mica, and Aurora Blue.
From now till Oct 11, Ford is inviting the public to experience the capabilities of the new Ford Ranger for free at the ‘Tough Done Smarter Experiential Test Drive’ at the outdoor area of Central Park Avenue of the 1Utama Shopping Centre.
Each visitor will be paired with a professional driver, who will lead them through an exciting course that simulates tough driving environments, like wading through water and navigating steep terrain.
A variety of the new Ranger’s features will also be demonstrated, including driver assist technologies such as the electronic-locking rear differential, hill launch assist, hill descent control, and forward collision warning, as well as Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system.
“True to our ‘Built Ford Tough’ heritage, the new Ranger offers more power and payload capacity than any other pickup in Malaysia. It’s also the only pickup to feature a range of new safe and smart technologies, and raises the level of refinement in the segment,” said Ford Motor Company Malaysia and Asia Pacific (Emerging Markets) managing director David Westerman.
Ford WildTrak 3.2
Ford Ranger XLT 2.2
Keyword: Ford's new Ranger unveiled