New Ford Ranger

The all-new Ford Ranger combines the toughness and capability of a pickup truck with smart technology, outstanding safety and the highest standards of quality and comfort. The new Ranger goes on sale next month from £15,515 (on-the-road, excluding VAT). Ranger will be offered in three cab bodystyles – Double, Super and Regular – along with an extensive list of practical features that are available across XL, XLT, Limited and Wildtrak models. The pickup will also come in 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. Totally new from the ground up, Ranger was designed and developed to be best-in-class or amongst the leaders in every area important to customers, especially those whose use spans both work and leisure. Ranger now delivers more payload and class-leading towing capability and, at the same time, is fitted out with innovative and comfort features that a dual user has come to expect. “The all-new Ranger is a perfect example of how our ‘One Ford’ global strategy works,” said Ford of Europe chairman and CEO Stephen Odell.  “Far from producing a vehicle that is compromised by the need to serve different market requirements, it was developed by drawing on resources, facilities and expertise from Ford locations around the world to deliver an excellent product that will satisfy customers everywhere. “The range of qualities pickup customers demand from their vehicle is far greater than the differences in conditions from country to country.  The real challenge has been to build a Ranger that is tough and yet comfortable, rugged yet stylish, safe, technologically advanced and powerful, yet remaining affordable.  We believe the team has succeeded in every goal.  There is no compromise here.” Developed for the world Designed and developed by a global team headquartered in Australia, the new Ranger platform takes advantage of global Ford assets, particularly robust engines and six-speed transmissions proven in tough commercial-vehicle usage. The design and product development teams also had full access to Ford’s global capabilities, testing facilities and extensive pickup truck knowledge. The collaboration was crucial in developing the all-new Ranger. Everything is new – engines, gearboxes, frame, suspension, steering system, brakes, chassis, exterior sheet metal and vehicle interior. The list continues with brand-new features for safety and passenger comfort. “Ranger is truly all-new,” said Jim Baumbick, engineering director, Product Development, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. “Developing this pickup from scratch was an exciting opportunity that allowed us to benchmark what our competitors are doing, listen to what truck customers around the world want and deliver a vehicle that meets and exceeds expectations.” Using latest computer technologies, the product development team conducted about 30,000 computer-aided assessments on areas such as safety, durability, ergonomics, vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics during the virtual phase. Of these, 7,500 virtual assessments were carried out in the under-body to ensure a robust vehicle foundation and more than 10,000 virtual assessments on the upper-body to align styling and functional requirements. Once Ranger prototypes were ready, they were tested extensively in 15 countries around the world to deliver a vehicle that is tough enough for the harsh conditions of the Australian Outback, provides confidence when driven on high-speed German autobahns and is reliable when driven for hours in the endlessness of the Argentinean Pampa. Tested in places such as Australia, Dubai, Thailand, North America, Brazil, Sweden and South Africa, Ranger had to face severe heat and cold, monsoon rains, high altitudes as well as rushing rivers, arid deserts and potholed roads. Prototypes clocked more than a million kilometres on the road supported by countless hours of exhaustive testing in state-of-the-art laboratories. Volume production was initiated in Thailand, for markets in the Asia Pacific region and followed by the newly revamped manufacturing facilities in South Africa, which produces Ranger for the home market and Europe, as well as emerging markets in Africa. Later this year, Argentina will begin production of the pickup for South America. Ultimately, Ranger will be sold in 180 markets, making it one of the farthest-reaching Ford products in the world. ‘21st Century Tough’ styling Exuding power and confidence in a styling that the designers call “21st Century Tough”, the taut and muscular Ranger is equally at home on a construction site or outside an upmarket restaurant. Its front end features a short overhang with the signature three-bar grille, a global Ford truck design cue. The windscreen has been raked back for a sportier and more dynamic silhouette, while the traditional square form of the truck has been sculpted to give the vehicle a more modern and aerodynamic look. Larger headlamps, bigger mirrors and stamped-in wheel lips provide an integrated look across all series and contribute to an aggressive and sporty stance. Designers also raised the beltline significantly, along with the rails of the load box, giving the Ranger a substantive presence on the road while increasing its functionality with the deeper box. The Regular Cab and the Super Cab have the biggest box volume in its class at 1.82 cubic metres and 1.45 cubic metres respectively while the Double Cab is among the top with 1.21 cubic metres. At 5,359mm long and 1,850mm wide, the new Ranger is bigger than the previous-generation model, but remains easily manoeuvrable on narrow city streets and during parking, thanks to a responsive steering system requiring no more than 3.5 turns of the wheel lock-to-lock – one of the best in the segment. A smart and comfortable interior The all-new Ranger offers a contemporary look and feel with features and comfort normally found only in passenger cars. Bold new interior surfaces are finished with materials that will stand up to the demands of a workhorse while delivering a lasting quality appearance. The B-pillar in the Double Cab has also been moved forward, delivering best-in-class rear leg room and knee clearance. Three adults can easily fit in the second row of the Double Cab while two six-footers can comfortably sit one behind the other. Making full use of the spacious interior, the Ranger Double Cab offers 23 storage spaces in the cabin – more practical stowage than any competitor. Its deep centre console bin is the biggest in its class at 8.5 litres and can cool up to six cans of beverage in models with a duct from the air-conditioning. The glove box is large enough to accommodate a 16-in laptop computer, while door pockets can comfortably take 1.5-litre water bottles. Ample storage for mobile phones and other small items can be found in the console and in areas within easy reach of the driver. Underneath the rear seats, a convenient hidden storage area for tools can be easily accessed. Poised to be a leader in innovation, the new Ranger comes with smart technologies that make the pickup easier, safer and more fun to drive. On selected models with Bluetooth®1, USB and iPod®2connectivity, there is voice control over the radio, CD, iPod, USB, electronic air-conditioning and mobile phone functions. Dual-zone climate control and cruise control are available on the high series while selected models offer a five-inch colour screen with satellite navigation. More muscle at greater fuel efficiency The all-new Ford Ranger powertrains have been engineered to give customers a superior combination of power and torque at class-leading fuel efficiency. Three new engines are available to suit every purpose and pocket. Leading the way is Ranger’s new 3.2 litre five-cylinder diesel engine. With a flat torque curve giving higher levels of torque over a broad rpm, Ranger is able to pull full loads on the highway easily without having to change gear. Ninety percent of its peak 470Nm torque is available from 1,700 to 3,500rpm, providing better engine flexibility. The fuel consumption of the 3.2 litre engine in a combined cycle is ranging from 28.3mpg on a 4×4 manual transmission variant to 28.7mpg on a full-option 4×4 model with automatic transmission*. For those who require an engine with a smaller displacement, the 2.2 litre four-cylinder diesel engine delivers peak torque output of 375Nm and power output of 150PS by utilising variable geometry turbochargers that allow more accurate control of boost pressure over a wider operating range. This enables lower-end torque capability for improved launch and driveability while deliver the engine fuel efficient. When fitted to a 4×2 model, the 2.2 litre engine consumes 32.8mpg in a combined cycle*. For the first time, selected Ranger diesel models will be available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission to provide reduced engine rpm and extend its range on long highway trips or in city traffic. “Our all-new engine family bears out our commitment to make Ranger the clear choice for today’s pickup customer,” said Gary Boes, vehicle line director, Product Development, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. “We know they want more power, more torque, and we deliver all that – as well as increased fuel economy and reduced emissions.” Class-leading capability The all-new Ranger has been engineered and tested to ensure it can stand up to the toughest challenge. It can tow more, carry more, wade deeper and climb higher than many competitors. In fact, Ranger’s towing and water-wading capabilities are right at the top of the segment. Ranger can tow up to 3,350kg on selected models with diesel engines while the 4×4 can wade through 800 millimetres of water even when fully laden. It also boasts outstanding payload capacity of more than 1,340kg on some 4×4 variants, as well as excellent ground clearance of up to 232mm. For those aiming to go off the beaten track, Ranger’s superior off-road capability has been enhanced by an all-new front differential, a new upgraded rear axle and lower overall ratios. A robust electronically controlled transfer case – for both manual and automatic transmissions – allows drivers to shift on the fly from 4×2 to 4×4 high anytime via a knob on the centre console. To give drivers even more confidence when going off-road, selected Ranger models come with a Traction Control System which maintains vehicle stability by maximising traction at each driven wheel. Unlike a limited slip differential, it is able to reduce the level of engine torque to the exact amount that can be delivered to the ground through the wheels as well as brake a spinning wheel completely, allowing all the available engine torque to the wheel, or wheels, with the most grip. “Ranger’s rugged capability was purposefully engineered and carefully crafted into the pickup,” added Jim Baumbick. “We wanted to give customers a tough truck that they can truly rely on whether in high waters, on challenging terrains, or just commuting to work.” New levels of ride quality and chassis control The same level of detail that makes Ranger stand out in a crowd will set it apart from the competition with an entirely new chassis that provides even more capability along with car-like quietness, reduced steering effort, more precise handling and better on-road stability. Up front, a new coil-over-strut suspension allows for better tuning of the upper and lower wishbone design. The suspension set-up, while similar for two- and four-wheel drive models, has unique capabilities and has been tuned with specific damper valving and spring rates on all models to compensate for weight, centre of gravity, engine torque and drive distribution. Giving drivers more precise steering control, Ranger’s new rack-and-pinion steering system has been carefully tuned for low-speed manoeuvrability and responsive on-road driving. Ranger more than holds its own in cabin quietness, an attribute not often associated with a pickup truck. From being better sealed and having stiffer doors than competitors to using sound-deadening materials in the doors, roof and body, Ranger introduces high levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) refinement. Advanced safety protection New to Ranger, selected models are equipped with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) using advanced sensors to continuously monitor the path the vehicle is travelling on and compares it to the path the driver want to follow, as indicated by the steering wheel. Integrated into the ESP are other new control features that assist vehicle stability and control:     Hill Descent Control: Helps the driver on steep downhill grades     Hill Launch Assist: Helps the driver pull away on steep climbs     Trailer Sway Control: Provides stability control when towing a trailer     Adaptive Load Control: Optimal vehicle stability regardless of vehicle load     Emergency Brake Assist: Provides additional brake pressure in emergency stopping manoeuvres     Emergency Brake Light: Signals to other drivers by flashing the indicators when the vehicle decelerates quickly     Roll-Over Mitigation: Helps prevent the vehicle getting into a roll-over situation Ranger also offers new passive safety technologies, with the availability and array of airbags dependent on the model. Side curtain airbags are available on all cab styles for the first time. These airbags deploy from the headliner to provide a protective cushion for the head of outboard occupants in the event of a side impact and the curtain is designed to protect both rows of occupants by covering the upper side structure and glass from the A-pillar to the C-pillar. Also available are newly designed side thorax airbags which deploy from the driver and front passenger seats, further cushioning the impact and reducing the crash forces experienced by occupants in the front seats. All-new frontal impact airbags are available for the driver and passenger, along with seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters. “The all-new Ranger is the culmination of four years of hard work by almost 500 engineers in Australia and around the Ford world,” said Boes. “The Ranger has been designed, engineered and produced to lead in its segment. It is capable, comfortable, powerful, fuel-efficient, safe – and it is a pickup that anyone will be proud to own and confident to drive.”