FORD plans on taking back the number one spot from the Toyota Hilux as the battle of the bakkies rages on.
The blue oval badge has officially revealed the new Ranger and it’s said to be the smartest, most versatile and most capable Ranger ever.
In building this bakkie, Ford collaborated with customers around the globe to create a bakkie and ownership experience that next-gen Ranger owners would rely on for their businesses, family lives and adventure.
“With Ranger, we’ve had a big extended family for decades,” said president and CEO of Ford, Jim Farley.
“This truck has always been a trusted partner to small business owners, farmers, families, adventurers, commercial fleets and so many more in more than 180 markets around the world. And with the new Ranger, this is our moment to deliver,” Farley said.
“When we reimagined the Ranger, we set out to create more than just a great new pickup truck. We set out to design a great experience as well,” said president of Ford’s International Markets Group, Dianne Craig.
Visually, the next-generation Ranger is bold and confident, with a focused exterior that shares Ford’s global truck design DNA.
The design features a defined new grille, and signature C-clamp headlight treatment at the front while a subtle shoulder line down the sides incorporates bolder wheel-arches that gives Ranger a sure-footed stance.
For the first time, Ford Ranger offers matrix LED headlights. At the back, the tail lights are designed in harmony with the signature graphics on the front.
Inside, the car-like cabin steps up, using premium soft-touch materials, and prominent portrait-style centre touch-screen with Ford’s signature SYNC®i 4 connectivity and entertainment system.
The reveal models – the stylish XLT, rugged Sport and adventurer Wildtrak – reflect this customer input both inside and out.
“Customers told us the Ranger needs to look tough and needs to inspire confidence,” said chief designer for Ranger, Max Tran.
“They were very clear in what Ranger should be, both in the way it looks, and the way it makes them feel,” Tran said.
Customers wanted a choice of more power and torque for towing heavy loads and extreme off-roading, so Ford’s proven 3.0-L V6 turbo diesel was added and developed for the Ranger.
It is one of three turbo diesel engine options available at launch, depending on market.
The next-gen Ranger will also come with a choice of proven Single-Turbo and the Bi-Turbo 2.0 inline four-cylinder diesels.
The Single-Turbo comes in two different performance levels and delivers power, torque and fuel economy.
