The new Ford Ranger pick-up arrived in Ireland recently with an entry level price of €25,194. And Ford boasts that it combines the toughness and capability of a pick-up truck with smart technology, outstanding safety, and the highest standards of quality and comfort.
The new Ranger made history when it became the first pick-up truck to be awarded a maximum five-star safety rating by crash safety testing body, Euro NCAP. The Ranger achieved one of the best overall scores awarded by Euro NCAP; itsfive-star rating reflects a strong performance in adult, child, and pedestrian protection.
The new Ranger is offered in two cab bodystyles, the double- or regular-cab, along with an extensive list of practical features that are available in four series choices. Ford claims both cab styles are among the roomiest in the segment. The compact pick-up is available in a 4x4 drivetrain.
There are four specification levels available for the new Ford Ranger - the XL, XLT, LTD and the Wildtrak with a choice of the following powertrains: the 2.2 TDCi in 125bhp or 150bhp; and the 3.2 TDCi 200bhp.
It is new from the ground up, and Ford says it was designed and developed to be best-in-class or among the leaders in every area important to customers, especially those who use it for both work and leisure purposes.
The Ranger now delivers more payload and class-leading towing capability and, at the same time, is fitted out with innovative and comfort features that the more discerning dual user has come to want and value.
The new 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 pick-up truck knowledge.
Ford claims this collaboration was crucial in developing the new Ranger. Everything is new – engines, gearboxes, frame, suspension, steering system, brakes, chassis, exterior sheet metal, and vehicle interior. Ford adds that the list continues with new features for safety and passenger comfort.
“Our engineers have done a great job in developing the new Ranger – it really is the complete package,” commented Ciarán McMahon, Ford Ireland’s commercial vehicle sales and marketing manager. “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 – with the new model, all of that is there and much more.”
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 has the biggest box volume in its class at 1.82 cubic metres 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.
The new Ranger comes with smart technologies that make the pick-up easier, safer and more fun to drive. On selected models with Bluetooth®, USB and iPod® connectivity, there is voice control over the radio, CD, iPod, USB, electronic air-conditioning and mobile phone.
Ford boasts the 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.
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, while the 4x4 can wade through 800 millimetres of water even when fully laden. It also boasts outstanding payload capacity of more than 1,340kg on some regular cab variants, as well as excellent ground clearance of up to 229 millimetres.
For those aiming to go off the beaten track, Ranger’s superior off-road capability has been enhanced by a new compact 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 4x2 to 4x4 high any time via a knob on the centre console.
Forget the Texas Rangers, the new Ford Ranger is the one to beat.
