KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 — The new Ford Ranger is an updated model, or a facelift, as some may call it, but it certainly is a vast improvement over the model it replaces – in fact, it responds to what I call the ‘truck wars’ with new features that make it also very car-like in nature.
Nature was what we went back to, when we were taken by Ford on a drive that started in an urban setting, but ended up in an off-road setting where we were able to not only test the new features on-road, but off road as well.
The new Ford Ranger is available with two engine options – a 2.2 litre or a 3.2 litre common-rail diesel. Transmission choices are either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. Whilst we in Malaysia cannot truly ‘customise’ a choice of specifications and features, Ford has a few model variants packaged for the customer to choose. The top of the range model would be the Wildtrak, that comes standard with the 3.2 litre diesel power plant, and everything but the kitchen sink in and on it for the buyer who wants to have everything. There is also an option for the 3.2 litre with a manual transmission, but with a lower level of trim, being more for those who want a powerful workhorse.
Next is the XLT range that comes with the smaller 2.2 litre diesel engine that most people would find adequate for their needs, available with manual and automatic transmissions. All the Rangers now come with electric power steering, with resultant savings in fuel consumption. The 2.2 litre variant benefits another 10 horses from this exercise, since there is no longer any power drain from having to pull an additional hydraulic pump.
.jpg)
Safety features are comprehensive across the range, covering the main passive and active safety features such as SRS airbags, ABS, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control. The Wildtrak gets additional side airbags, and air curtains, adaptive cruise control and Lane Departure Warning.
On the road test we got to experience the Adaptive Cruise Control – when activated, the system senses the vehicle in front of the Ranger, and automatically applies brakes or throttle to maintain a gap – this gap distance can be set by the driver. Lane Departure Warning kicks in if the driver changes lanes without using the indicators, and the system actually tries to steer the vehicle back into the lane.
The new Ranger appears to have a softer ride, a sign of the times, perhaps, as more and more people are gravitating towards pick-up trucks as a daily drive. I drove both the old and the new model on a back to back basis, and I noticed the new model springing is somewhat softer.
However, the payload and towing capacities (not that anyone really cares), remain unchanged. The new Ranger continues to have a payload capability of 1,000 kg, and a towing capacity of 3,500kg. The ride is improved in terms of harshness, but on the really ‘wavy’ road sections, there seems to be a little bit more ‘pitching’ action. On normal, smooth highway driving, however, the overall ride comfort has improved.
.jpg)
Off the beaten track, we put the Ranger to test on off road conditions. A water wading test was waiting for us at the track, and we were given the opportunity to put the Ranger through 800mm of water without any issues. We also had opportunities to check out the Hill Launch Assist function, which is a system that holds the Ranger stationary for approximately two seconds to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake to step on the accelerator, a feature that is safety – related, but that most people will find very convenient.
Also on a very steep 35 degree descent, we were able to test out the Hill Descent Control. Usually found on more expensive SUV’s, this feature is finding its way into 4WD pick-up trucks. All one has to do is to push a little button on the dashboard just before going down a slope, lift off on everything, and just control the steering wheel – the HDC does the rest, automatically applying brakes on the wheels to bring the Ranger safely down.
Finally, we also got a chance to traverse a short, but very muddy stretch, which clearly demonstrated what 4WD can do versus a vehicle that only has 2WD.
The Ford Ranger is as tough as it comes, and will do the off-road jobs well. The tough bit has not changed from the day the Ranger was born, but what has changed is that it is now more car-like..jpg)
