Ford unveils the next generation Ranger

Ford have unveiled the smartest, most versatile and most capable Ranger ever. Using years of Ford truck expertise and a deep understanding of their customers, the company collaborated with customers around the globe to create a vehicle and ownership experience that next generation Ranger owners can rely on for their businesses, family lives and adventure.

 

Visually the next generation Ranger boasts a bold and confident look, with a purposeful exterior that shares Ford’s global truck DNA. Upfront is a defined new grille, signature C-clamp headlight treatment. A subtle shoulder line down the side incorporates bolder wheel arches. The Ranger now features matrix LED headlights while taillights are designed in harmony with the signature graphics on the front.

 

Inside story

Inside the cabin has been completely redesigned and now features premium soft-touch materials, a prominent portrait-style centre touchscreen measuring 10.1-inches or 12-inches and Ford’s SYNC 4 connectivity and entertainment system. There is an embedded factory-fitted modem that allows connectivity on the go when linked with the FordPass app.

 

Many of the traditional driving mode controls have been moved from the dash and the centre console to their own dedicated display on the SYNC screen. The screen is also linked to a 360-degree camera, aiding parking in tight spaces.

 

The design team created clever storage and useful features for owners. There are places to store and charge your phone as well as a large centre console to stash things. At the same time the door pockets were designed to carry more, the wide dash conceals an upper glove box and there are storage bins under and behind the rear seats.

 

Redesigned underpinnings

Under the bodywork is an upgraded chassis that features a 50mm longer wheelbase and a 50mm wider track compared to the previous model. A hydro-formed front-end structure creates more space in the engine bay for the new V6 engine and helps future proof the Ranger for other powertrain options.

 

Customers will have a choice of two four-wheel drive systems, an electronic shift-on-the-fly system or an advanced full-time 4x4 system with a reassuring set and forget mode.

 

New powertrain choices

Customers wanted a choice of more power and torque for towing heavy loads and extreme-off-roading. In response Ford have refined one of their existing 3.0-lire V6 engines for fitment in the Ranger.

 

The next generation Ranger will also be offered with a choice of proven single-turbo and bi-turbo 2.0 inline four-cylinder diesels. The single turbo variant comes in two different performance levels and delivers power, torque and fuel economy, important factors to small business owners. The Bi-Turbo offers a good balance between power and fuel economy.

 

In addition the new Ranger will be available with a tried and tested 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that underpins the range of Ford global products and caters for those who prefer petrol power.

 

Transmission options include an updated 10-speed auto or six-speed manual, complimenting the current six-speed automatic.

 

The ability to do more, with better access

Ford created a strong, more stable way for owners to access the load bin by integrating a side step behind the rear tyres. The widening of the Ranger by 50mm means that it can now carry a full sized pallet in the load bin.

 

Practical touches include a new, tough plastic moulded bed liner and extra cargo tie down points. A cargo management system is designed with dividers to hold various sized items, like toolboxes or coolers. The tailgate can also double as a mobile workbench, with an integrated ruler and clamp pockets to measure, grip and cut building materials.

 

Zone lighting, controlled via the in-cabin SYNC screen or through the FordPass App, provides 360-degree lighting around the truck to help give customers better visibility around the vehicle.

 

Pricing and availability

The next generation Ranger will be built at Ford’s plants in Thailand as well as in South Africa starting in 2022. Specific market launch details and timing will be announced closer to the time.

 

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