Shortly after the introduction of the updated Ford Everest, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) is gearing up for another product launch before we bid 2018 goodbye. The company is not being discreet about it either, highlighting the features that will be available on the facelifted Ford Ranger.
According to the brochure listed, it appears that SDAC will offer three engine options for the Ranger – 2.2-litre TDCI turbodiesel, 2.0-litre EcoBlue Si-Turbo (single turbodiesel) and 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbodiesel. The 2.2-litre TDCI that powers the entry-level Ranger is a carried over from the previous model paired to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission making 160 hp and 385 Nm of twist.
The new 2.0-litre EcoBlue Si-Turbo pumps out a healthy 180 hp and 420 Nm while the 2.0-litre EcoBlue Bi-Turbo pushes out class-leading outputs of 213 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Besides annual road tax savings from the 1,996cc capacity engine, the EcoBlue diesel engines are paired to a first-in-class 10-speed automatic transmission that offers improved acceleration and best-in-class fuel efficiency.
As for trim levels, SDAC offers the Ranger in three trims – XL, XLT, Wildtrak as well as the first Ford Performance model, the Ranger Raptor. Curiously, the official leaflet that was uploaded to SDAC’s website did not list the Ranger Raptor variant.
The base XL range is powered by the 2.2-litre TDCI unit with the option for a single cab or double cab and three colour options – Cool White, Meteor Grey and Aluminium Metallic. Standard equipment reads halogen reflector headlamps with daytime running lights, 16-inch alloys wrapped in 255/70 profile tyres, fabric upholstery and audio head unit with four speakers (Single Cab gets two speakers).
Safety kit reads dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, ESC with Traction Control, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Rollover Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control (TSC) and Adaptive Load Control (ALC).
Stepping up the range, the 2.2 XLT Manual and Automatic is powered by the same engine as the XL while the 2.0 XLT+ (AT) gets the 2.0-litre EcoBlue Si-Turbo mill with 10-speed auto. The XLT builds upon the equipment trims of the XL with the addition of automatic halogen projector headlamps, rain sensing wipers, front and rear fog lamps, 17-inch alloys (265/65 profile tyres) premium fabric upholstery, leather wrapped multi-functional steering wheel, 4.2-inch audio head unit with 6 speakers and a rear-view camera.
The XLT+ gains a bit more kit with HID projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloys with 265/60 profile tyres, 8.0-inch touchscreen Sync3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual 4.0-inch TFT instrument cluster display, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and keyless entry with push-start. Colour options on the XLT range are Aluminium Metallic, Lightning Blue, Frozen White, Magnetic, Absolute Black.
Lastly, there are two Wildtrak variants on offer, the 2.0L Widltrak 4×2 High Rider and 2.0 Wildtrak 4×4 High Rider. The 4×2 High Rider gets the 2.0-litre EcoBlue Si-Turbo while the 4×4 High Rider gets the more potent 2.0-litre EcoBlue Bi-Turbo. Colour options include Frozen White, Magnetic, Absolute Black and Saber.
On equipment levels, the Wildtrak builds upon the XLT+ with the addition of eight-way powered adjustable driver’s seat, Wildtrak Premium leather upholstery and six airbags while only the Wildtrak 4×4 comes equipped with Active Noise Cancellation and advanced driver assist systems such as Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning & Assist, Semi-automatic Parallel Parking and Adaptive Cruise Control.
While SDAC did not disclose the specifications and equipment levels of the Ranger Raptor, expect it to come dressed with the flared arches, F-150 Raptor inspired front grille, magnesium paddle shifters, centre marking on the steering wheel, sportier seats and the all impressive Terrain Management System (TMS) that puts the souped-up pick up truck into six driving modes – Normal, Sport, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja.
No news on the pricing details, but don’t expect them to come cheap especially the top of the line Wildtrak 4×4 and Raptor.
IMAGE GALLERY
