Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has just officially unveiled the updated Ford Ranger here at Setia City Convention Centre. Changes to the new pick-up truck run skin deep, with minimal cosmetic enhancements but gains many first-in-class technology and features.
There are three trim levels available on the updated Ranger – XL, XLT and Wildtrak – which spans across eight variants in total. For the pick-up enthusiast, yes, SDAC will also be bringing in the first ever Ranger Raptor from Ford Performance which is set to debut at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS).
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Ranger 2.2L XL Single Cab (MT) | Ranger 2.2L XL (MT) | Ranger 2.2L XL (AT) | Ranger 2.2L XLT (MT) | Ranger 2.2L XLT (AT) | Ranger 2.0L XLT+ (AT) |
| Engine | 2,198cc; 4-cylinder turbodiesel | 1,996cc; 4-cylinder single-turbodiesel | ||||
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual | 6-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | |
| Max Power | 160 hp @ 3,200 rpm | 180 hp @ 3,500 rpm | ||||
| Max Torque | 385 Nm @ 1,600 – 2,600 rpm | 420 Nm @ 1,750 – 2,500 rpm | ||||
| Price (OTR without insurance) | RM90,888 | RM95,888 | RM103,888 | RM109,888 | RM116,888 | RM124,888 |
| Name | Ford Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4×2 (AT) | Ford Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4×4 (AT) |
| Engine | 1,996cc; 4-cylinder single-turbodiesel | 1,996cc; 4-cylinder bi-turbodiesel |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | |
| Max Power | 180 hp @ 3,500 rpm | 213 hp @ 3,750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 420 Nm @ 1,750 – 2,500 rpm | 500 Nm @ 1,750 – 2,000 rpm |
| Price (OTR without insurance) | RM134,888 | RM144,888 |
EXTERIOR
Starting with the basic XL trim, you’ll find halogen reflector headlamps with daytime running lights (halogen), front and rear fog lamps, black finished front grille, body coloured bumpers, side steps as well as 16-inch alloys wrapped in 255/70 profile tyres.
Stepping up to the XLT and you’ll get automatic function for the headlamps (still halogen reflector units), chrome finished front grille, rain-sensing automatic wipers, turn indicators on the side mirrors and larger 17-inch alloy wheels (265/65 profile tyres).
The XLT+ is where it gets a big jump in equipment levels, featuring automatic HID projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, keyless entry and start, 18-inch alloys wrapped in 265/60 profile rubbers as well as an Easy Lift Tailgate system that incorporates a torsion bar to make lifting and lowering the tailgate an effortless affair. Trust me, one finger is all you need to close the tailgate with this installed.
For those looking for a more rugged pick-up truck, the Wildtrak variant should fit the bill nicely with the additional Wildtrak scheme front grille, front bumper, Wildtrak branding around the truck, dark finish 18-inch alloys as well as a “Bi-Turbo” lettering on the side scuttles.
INTERIOR
The cabin of the Ranger XL is best described as utilitarian, with items such as urethane multifunctional steering wheel, a standard audio head unit with four speakers (two speakers on Single Cab), central locking, fabric seats and manually adjustable front seats.
XLT variants add leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, 4.2-inch SYNC 1 audio head unit with six speakers, auto dimming rear view mirror, rear view camera as well as premium fabric seats. The XLT+ is where you can get very comfortable in with features such as keyless entry and start, 8.0-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, cruise control, dual 4.0-inch TFT instrument cluster display, leather seat and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Lastly, on the Ranger Wildtrak, it builds upon the XLT+ features with GPS navigation, eight-way powered adjustable driver’s seat, cooled centre console storage, 230V three-pin plug for the rear passengers and Active Noise Cancellation – the last item available exclusively on the Wildtrak 4×4.
PERFORMANCE
Powering the Ranger XL and XLT variants is a 2.2-litre TDCI turbodiesel carried over from the previous Ranger, paired to six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The 2.2-litre oil burner is good for 160 hp and 385 Nm of torque.
Under the hood of the XLT+ and Wildtrak 4×2, you’ll find a new 2.0-litre EcoBlue Si-Turbo (single turbo) diesel unit that pushes out healthy outputs of 180 hp and 420 Nm. The new turbodiesel engine is paired to a first-in-class 10-speed automatic transmission for swifter acceleration, superior fuel economy and vastly improved refinement. Fun fact, the same 10-speed auto unit is applied on the F-150 Raptor and Mustang, albeit with different gearing ratios.
The top of the line Wildtrak 4×4 shares the same 2.0-litre EcoBlue Bi-Turbo diesel engine with the Ranger Raptor that pumps out best-in-class outputs of 213 hp and 500 Nm. The Bi-Turbo diesel mill is also paired to the same 10-speed automatic transmission.
SAFETY
As standard, all variants of the updated Ranger come with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Hill Descent Control (HDC) (except Wildtrak 4×2), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Rollover Mitigation (ROM), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Adaptive Load Control (ALC) and ISOFIX mounting points.
Wildtrak variants ups the airbag count to six, while the Wildtrak 4×4 gets first-in-class advanced driver assist systems in the form of Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking with vehicle and pedestrian detection (AEB), Lane Departure Warning and Assist as well as Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking (SAPP).
WHAT ELSE?
The updated Ford Ranger is available in eight colours, subject to each individual variant. SDAC will be offering a 2-Years Free Maintenence (or 40,000 km whichever comes first) to customers who successfully register their new Ranger before 31 January 2019.
IMAGE GALLERY
Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 2.0L Launched in Malaysia
Ford Ranger XLT+ 2.0L Launched in Malaysia
Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L Launched in Malaysia
