The future King of the Hill

BANGKOK—Ford Asia Pacific recently unveiled the production version of the all-new Ford Ranger. In-line with Ford Motor Company’s One Ford policy, Ford will be designing, developing and launching a single type of vehicle that will be sold in key markets worldwide. The Ranger is Ford’s first truck to be built under the One Ford Policy. By focusing R&D budget on a single, all-new platform, Ford was able to arm the new Ranger with just about everything it could find under the sun. Designed in Australia, Ford set out to design, engineer and build a car that looked very tough, yet as refined as possible, mixing car-like driving feel and quality with industrial grade materials and engineering know-how to design the all-new Ranger.

Powering the top-model Ranger is an industry leading Ford Duratorq TDCi 3.2 liter common-rail direct injection diesel engine in a five-cylinder, double-overhead camshaft and 20-valve configuration. This engine was previously seen in Volvo’s XC90 luxury SUV. It delivers a tree-stump pulling 470 newton-meters of torque, more than 100 newton-meters higher than most of its competitors plus 200hp. Other engines include a new 2.2 liter Duratorq TDCi engine producing 150hp and 375 newton-meters of torque and a 2.5 liter Duratec gasoline engine producing 168hp and 226 newton-meters of torque.

The powertrain will be attached to both 2WD and 4WD transmissions, the latter lifted from Range Rovers, mated with 6-speed transmissions in both manual and automatic gearboxes. The automatic will also have sequential shift control, allowing the driver greater freedom and performance by allowing him or her to shift gears on their own, such as in extreme off-roading and towing situations or for purely spirited driving. A limited slip differential is available, as well as an electronically locking rear differential for extreme off-road use. Shift on the Fly 4WD makes it first appearances on the Ranger with a button on the console allowing drivers to switch from 2WD to 4WD and 4WD -L effortlessly.

Grade logic control for the automatic transmission can detect when the vehicle is uphill or downhill and shifts or holds onto gears appropriate for the situation for greater power, control and stability. Hill Launch Assist allows a fully-laden Ford Ranger, weighing in at 3200kg gross vehicle weight to ascend up a 60 percent gradient, while Hill Descent Control allows the Ranger to safely descend a steep path with the brakes automatically clamping down on each individual wheel to avoid lock-up and sliding; all the driver has to do is to safely steer the vehicle.

All this power and torque have allowed the Ranger to have class-leading bed payload of 1,500 kilograms, plus a towing capacity of 3,350 kilograms. Combined with a forging depth of 800mm of static water, the Ranger is at home in almost all types of environments. Ford carefully mounted the air intake and all major electrical components as high-up as possible to improve its flood-wading abilities.

The Ranger is also packed with features more commonly found on higher-end vehicles such as Bluetooth Phone Integration with Voice Control as well as iPOD/MP3 connectivity for the audio system. There is a rear-view camera that displays images in the rear-view mirror to increase driver’s safety and awareness of his or her surroundings. It is also equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, plus an LCD screen displaying climate control and audio functions, all housed in a dash architecture made to resemble a Casio G-Shock sports watch, known for its added armor or padding to mitigate shock and add protection to the delicate device. The interior has 23 cubby holes and pockets, and Ford specifically engineered key compartments such as the door side pockets to hold 1.5-liter bottles, and the glove-box to swallow a 16-inch laptop. Overall, Ford promises best-in-class in interior space, both overall and in actual useable space, plus specific areas such as knee and foot-room.

Six airbags are available for the top-end model, with dual front airbags, side airbags for the front occupants and a curtain airbag stretching from the A-pillar all the way to the c-pillar for added protection. ABS-EBD brakes with Brake Assist are also standard plus an electronic stability program with a special off-road mode as well as towing mode that helps maintain added control should the towed trailer start swaying by applying brakes to counter-act potential over and understeer.

Other high-end specifications include stylish 18’ wheels shod with all-terrain tires, plus leather seats with special trim/stitching available.

Despite all these modern features and amenities, Ford wanted the Ranger to project a very tough, truck-like image. The Ranger has thus grown to be stronger and bolder looking, as well as to house all the major advancements and innovations. The horizontal grill with the two side vents or nostrils make a bold comeback from previous Ford trucks and SUV’s, while the tall ride-height emphasizes it’s go-anywhere attitude.

Final specs and pricing for the Philippine market have yet to be announced as the Ranger will most likely get to our shores by the end of the year. But again Ford promises competitive pricing, with potentially lower running/maintenance costs. Clearly, if Ford delivers on its promise, the Ranger will reign supreme in the pickup segment.