BANGKOK RANGERS

After its worldwide debut in Sydney last October, the all-new Ford Ranger made its ASEAN debut today, just 2 days prior of the 32nd International Bangkok Motor Show, where the wraps come off a complete family of the new models.

The new Ford Ranger will be produced from a highly robust single global platform that replaces the two platforms currently in production regionally. Designed and developed in Australia, it is the first truck to be built under the One Ford strategy as part of a global product programme. It will be manufactured in Thailand, South Africa and Argentina for more than 180 markets worldwide.
Ford’s newest global compact pickup will be offered in three cab bodystyles – Regular, Super and Double – along with an extensive list of practical features that are available in up to five series choices depending on the market.
Three new engines are available to suit every purpose and pocket: a new 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi four-cylinder diesel engine with peak torque output of 375Nm and power output of 110kW (150PS); a highly responsive and efficient new 3.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi five-cylinder diesel engine with a substantial 470Nm of torque and power rated at 147kW (200PS); and a 2.5-litre Ford Duratec four-cylinder petrol engine with 226Nm of torque and outstanding power at 122kW (166PS), which can be upfitted to run on LPG.
Six-speed transmissions are rare in the compact pickup market and Ranger is the first truck of its kind to offer an automatic one. The Sequential Shift Control in the automatic gearbox offers a host of adaptive and performance modes as well as manual control through sequential manual shifting. A smart innovation is the automatic transmission’s ability to recognise when the vehicle is on a gradient. Using Grade Control Logic, the transmission will automatically downshift during downhill driving to provide additional braking from the powertrain when it senses the driver is applying the brakes. The new six-speed automatic and manual transmissions are available on the diesel engines while the 2.5-litre petrol engine is offered with the proven five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment.
Ranger also comes in 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. It is a tough truck with towing capacity of up to 3350kg on selected models with diesel engines. Certain variants also have an outstanding payload capacity of up to 1500 kg.
The four-wheel drive models are equipped with a sturdy electronically controlled transfer case – for both manual and automatic transmissions – that allow drivers to shift on the fly from 4×2 to 4×4 anytime via a switch conveniently located on the console. Selected models can also be equipped with either an electric locking rear differential or a limited slip rear differential to improve traction control.
The ground clearance of up to 241mm is enhanced by having the driveline components mounted above the frame rail so that items like the transfer case and oil pan are protected by strong crossmembers. To improve Ranger’s water-wading capability, the truck’s key electrical components and air inlets are strategically placed high in the engine compartment, enabling the pickup to wade through up to 800mm of water.
With the Hill Launch Assist feature, a fully-laden Ranger, which weighs about 3200 kg, is able to stop and then pull away on a 60% grade. When going downhill, the Hill Descent Control feature automatically applies the brakes to slow the vehicle down to a set speed without locking the brakes and without the need for the driver to apply the brakes.
Built to last, Ranger has gone through extreme testing around the world to make sure it could stand up to the rigours of punishing terrains and temperatures. Tested in Australia, Dubai, Thailand, North America, South America, Sweden and South Africa, it had to face severe heat and cold, monsoon rains, high altitudes as well as rushing rivers, arid deserts and potholed roads. Prototypes clocked more than a million kilometres on the road, supported by countless hours of exhaustive testing in laboratories.