New Ford Ranger revealed at motor show
New Ford Ranger revealed at motor show
Asean countries and other regions joined the new Ford Ranger global reveal at the 36th Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand from March 23-24.
Starting later this year, an updated range of the truck will take on the competition in more than 180 markets worldwide.
“The new Ford Ranger brings a new level of comfort and refinement to its segment without compromising on the rugged capability that our customers demand,” Vice President, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford Asia Pacific, Brett Wheatle y, said on Monday at the event.
“It represents a smarter kind of tough, and will help our customers to achieve more, whether at work or with their families.”
The changes to the Ranger begin with an updated exterior design which Ford says gives the vehicle a bold, more modern look and lends the Ranger a powerful presence on the road.
“When you look at how our customers use their vehicles, it's important that a Ranger looks and functions as a tough, dependable tool,” Exterior Design Manager, Ford Asia Pacific Dave Dewitt, said.
“We saw an opportunity to give the design extra tension, and to emphasise Built Ford Tough design elements like the outboard nostrils - all while maintaining the Ranger's excellent aerodynamic characteristics.”
A ccording to Ford the updated exterior has been combined with a stylish new interior that creates an even more comfortable, contemporary and car-like environment for the driver and passengers.
The Ford Ranger remains one of the most capable trucks in its class with the ability to wade through water up to 800 mm deep, and with 230 mm of ground clearance it can handle most extreme terrains with ease.
A robust electronically controlled transfer case allows drivers in 4x4 models to shift on the fly from 4x2 to 4x4 high with a knob on the centre console. For low-speed torque or additional downhill braking, drivers can also engage low-range 4x4 gearing; while an electronic locking rear differential helps to improve traction in difficult conditions. These off-road strengths are matched by towing capability of up to 3,500 kg and good payload capacity.
The driving experience is further enhanced by an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, which provides precise steering with a natural and confident feel.
With EPAS, steering is light and manageable for low-speed manoeuvring, such as parking, and precise at higher speeds - with assistance varying as necessary based on speed, steering wheel angle, cornering forces and acceleration or deceleration. By eliminating the power steering pump used in a traditional power-steering system, EPAS also results in a quieter vehicle and improves fuel efficiency by about three percent.
