New Ranger tough, smarter, efficient

FORD unveiled its new Ford Ranger, setting a new benchmark in the pickup truck segment with a blend of robust capability, craftsmanship and advanced technology.

Starting later this year, an updated range of the truck will take on world markets in more than 180 countries worldwide.

Featuring a new look front end, and a stylish, smart and functional new interior, the new Ranger builds upon a reputation of capability, innovation and comfort that has helped the Ranger to stand apart from traditional pickup trucks. It also boasts an array of new cutting-edge technologies that enable new and more practical solutions to everyday challenges.

The changes to the Ranger begin with an updated exterior design.

A bold, more modern look lends Ranger a powerful presence on the road, and immediately conveys a sense of capability.

The updated exterior has been combined with a stylish new interior. It is even a more comfortable, contemporary and car-like environment for the driver and passengers than before.

Driving experience is further enhanced by an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, which provides precise steering with a natural and confident feel. Engineers further 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.

SYNC 2 is the latest generation of Ford’s in-car connectivity system that gives drivers smarter and safer ways to stay connected. Using natural voice commands, like “temperature 20 degrees”, “play Kenny Rogers” 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 color-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.

An array of driver assist technologies to make driving experiences more convenient are:

• Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid

• Adaptive Cruise Control

• Forward Alert visual and audible warning when the gap to a vehicle ahead drops below a safe distance

• Front and Rear Park Assist

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

• Electronic Stability Program

• Driver Impairment Monitor

• Hill Launch Assist

• Hill Descent Control

• Adaptive Load Control

• Electronic Stability Control

• Emergency Brake Assistance.

The new Ranger’s impressive power, capability, and payload and towing capacity are made possible thanks to four engines paired to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

For maximum power and torque especially for heavy-duty towing, Ford offers the latest generation of its 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 producing 147kW of power and 470Nm of torque.

Ford’s 2.2-liter Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi diesel engine delivers significantly improved fuel efficiency and refinement while also providing the needed power on demand. Depending on the market, Ford will offer a standard 2.2-liter engine, which generates an improved 118kW of power and 385Nm of torque, or a high-efficiency 96kW variant for up to 22 percent improvement in fuel economy.

The new Ranger is also available with Ford’s dependable 2.5-liter Duratec petrol engine, providing 122kW of power and 225Nm of torque.

The new Ford Ranger is also now available with Automatic Start and Stop Technology, which saves fuel by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is idling, improving fuel economy by up to 3.5 percent.

The new Ranger will be launched in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2015. South African specs and pricing will be confirmed closer to the launch.