The Ranger has been a massive success story for Ford. It’s more than capable of a hard day’s work but yet still has a stylish sophisticated air about it. The latest Ranger – the next-generation of Europe’s best-selling pickup – is the smartest, most capable, and most versatile ever.
Offering the broadest choice of models ever, the all-new Ranger introduces key new features and technologies including Ford’s powerful 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, new full-time e-4WD system, upgraded chassis and suspension, and an enhanced cargo area designed to help customers get the most from their pickup whether for work, with family or at play.
In addition, bold new exterior design, an upscale, highly-specified interior offering advanced connectivity, and sophisticated driver assistance technologies take Ranger’s car-like comfort and convenience to new heights.
Ranger models for European markets are produced in Silverton, South Africa, where the facility has recently benefited from new investment.
Visually, the new Ranger is bold and confident, with a purposeful exterior that shares Ford’s global truck design DNA. The design features a defined new grille and signature C‑clamp headlight treatment at the front, while bolder wheel arches are filled by a choice of alloy wheels ranging up to 20-inch that give a sure-footed stance. For the first time, Ford Ranger offers matrix LED headlights.
Inside, the car‑like cabin features premium elements and soft‑touch materials, including a leather-wrapped gear shifter and heated sports-style steering wheel. High-series variants including Ranger Wildtrak 2 offer a premium specification with a prominent portrait‑style 12‑inch centre touchscreen controlling Ford’s latest SYNC 4A system 3 that offers voice-activated control of cloud-connected navigation and hands-free access to entertainment and communications.
Customers requested the option of more power and torque for towing heavy loads and extreme off‑roading, so Ford’s powerful 3.0‑litre V6 turbodiesel engine is now an option. The unit offers 600Nm of torque and 240PS of power to tow up to 3,500kg, driving through Ford’s intelligent 10-speed automatic gearbox and advanced new full-time e-4WD system featuring an electronically controlled torque on-demand transfer case.
The new Ranger is also available with a choice of proven Single-Turbo and Bi-Turbo 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue diesel in-line, four-cylinder engines. The 170PS Single-Turbo option is available with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions and balances the power, torque and fuel economy that are all important to small business owners or commercial vehicle fleets.
The 205PS Bi-Turbo engine is a higher performance variant for customers who want more power but need to maintain fuel economy, and is available with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
Engineers improved Ranger’s off-road performance by moving the front wheels forward 50mm and increasing the track for a better approach angle and off-road articulation. They also shifted the rear suspension dampers outboard of the frame for a better ride both on- and off‑road.
New features include a tough new plastic-moulded bedliner that helps protect both the truck bed from scratches and owners from the discomfort of kneeling on a steel truck bed. Customers can also make best use of Ranger’s payload of over 1,000kg with extra cargo tie-down points mounted on strong steel tube rails that provide convenient points to secure loads.
In addition, Ranger offers a new cargo management system featuring dividers to hold various sized items – from timber to toolboxes. Owners also can create smaller compartments to store objects that would otherwise have to go in the cab, using a system of ultra-strong spring-loaded cleats that clip into rails bolted to each side of the cargo bed. The tailgate can also double as a mobile workbench with an integrated ruler and clamp pockets to measure, grip and cut building materials.
