Ford
unveiled its new tough and smart Ford Ranger, setting a new
benchmark in the pickup truck segment with an uncompromised blend of
robust capability, craftsmanship and advanced technology.
Starting later this year, an updated range of the truck will take on the world 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," said Brett Wheatley, vice president, Marketing, Sales
& Service, Ford Asia Pacific.
"It represents a smarter kind of tough, and will help our customers to achieve more, whether at work or with their families."
Featuring a new look front end, and a stylish, smart and functional
new interior, the new Ranger builds upon a reputation of capability,
innovation and comfort that has helped the Ranger to stand apart from
traditional pickup trucks.
It also boasts an array of new cutting-edge technologies that enable new and more practical solutions to everyday challenges.
"When we set out to improve upon the Ford Ranger, we knew we had our
work cut out for us: The current Ranger is one of the toughest, most
capable trucks out there," said Richard Tilley, vehicle line director,
Ford Asia Pacific.
"But thanks to our proud truck heritage and global expertise in the
utility segment, we've made what was great even better, with a bold new
look, improved efficiency and a new level of refinement."
Tough and modern design
The changes to the Ranger begin with an
updated exterior design. A bold, more modern look lends Ranger a
powerful presence on the road, and immediately conveys a sense of
capability.
A more muscular hood flows into a strong new trapezoidal grille,
while imposing projector headlamps make the truck instantly
recognizable, with a bold, technical look.
"When you look at how our customers use their vehicles, it's
important that a Ranger looks and functions as a tough, dependable
tool," said Dave Dewitt, exterior design manager, Ford Asia Pacific.
"We saw an opportunity to give the design extra tension, and to
emphasize Built Ford Tough design elements like the outboard nostrils -
all while maintaining the Ranger's excellent aerodynamic
characteristics."
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. Strong horizontal lines run
across the width of the cab, giving a sense of openness, and framing the
central eight-inch touchscreen.
Behind the steering wheel, a new dual-TFT instrument cluster
provides drivers with information about the vehicle, as well as
entertainment, navigation and climate control details at a glance.
"The interior of the new Ranger is sleek and modern, with a strong technical aspect to it," said Dewitt.
"Accentuating the design, we've chosen materials that are stylish and
attractive while being durable enough to handle the harsh life of a
work truck. The interior may look more car-like, but it's as practical
as ever."
Capability and refinement
The Ford Ranger remains one of the most
capable trucks in its class. With a class-leading ability to wade
through water up to 800 mm deep, and with 230 mm of ground clearance, it
is designed and engineered to handle the most extreme terrains with
ease.
Thanks to a 28-degree approach angle and 25-degree departure angle,
drivers in the new Ranger can feel confident when taking on steep
obstacles.
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
center 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 exceptional payload capacity.
The Ranger achieves all this with a level of refinement not usually seen in the pickup truck segment.
While the current Ranger already sets the standard for ride and
handling, Ford engineers fine-tuned its suspension for additional
comfort and even better handling.
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
maneuvering, 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.
Engineers also fitted the new Ranger with advanced sound-deadening
materials and improved insulation for one of the quietest and most
comfortable cabin interiors in its class.
Advanced Technology
A host of cutting edge technology is available on the new Ford Ranger to help drivers stay connected and in control.
SYNC 2, the latest generation of Ford's in-car connectivity system, gives drivers smarter and safer ways to stay connected.
Using natural voice commands, like "temperature 20 degrees", "play
AC/DC" or "I'm hungry", the driver can control the car's climate
controls, entertainment system and navigation system more easily than
ever before.
An eight-inch touchscreen places more controls at the driver's fingertips, with color-coded corners for easy menu navigation.
For extra convenience, the new Ranger features a 240-volt power
socket that can be used to power a laptop computer anywhere, from a work
site to a family road trip.
There is also an array of driver assist technologies that help to make your drive more convenient.
Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid work together to help to
prevent the driver from unintentionally drifting out of a lane when
driving at high speeds. If the forward-facing camera detects the vehicle
is straying from its lane, Lane Keeping Alert warns the driver with a
vibration in the steering wheel.
If no action is taken to correct the
drift, Lane Keeping Aid applies steering torque to guide the vehicle
back into its lane.
Adaptive Cruise Control makes use of radar sensors to maintain
both a preset speed as well as a preset distance from the vehicle ahead.
When the system detects a vehicle ahead, it decelerates automatically
to maintain a safe distance. It accelerates back to the driver's preset
cruising speed when the road ahead clears. An adjustable speed limiter
helps drivers avoid unintentionally exceeding their selected speed.
Forward Alert works with Adaptive Cruise Control to give drivers
a visual and audible warning when the gap to a vehicle ahead drops
below a safe distance. The system also charges the brakes to ensure
optimum braking performance.
Front and Rear Park Assist uses sensors to detect obstacles and
provide audible warnings when the vehicle approaches obstructions at low
speeds, such as when parking. A rear-view camera gives a clear view
behind the vehicle, giving greater confidence when parking and hitching
up a trailer.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System helps drivers to stay safe and save fuel by alerting them when tire pressure is too low.
Electronic Stability Program with rollover mitigation and
trailer sway control helps to keep the vehicle under control even in
adverse conditions.
Driver Impairment Monitor uses the forward-facing camera and
on-board sensors to detect if the driver is drowsy. If it notices signs
such as drifting off course and sudden corrective steering inputs, the
system warns the driver with gradually louder signals.
In markets where it is available, Emergency Assistance uses a
Bluetooth-paired and connected phone to call local emergency services in
the event of a serious collision. The system communicates details of
the accident and your vehicle's location, and then opens the line to let
you speak directly with responders.
Other smart technologies on the new Ranger include Hill Launch
Assist, to help you confidently start off from a slope, whether in
forward or reverse; Hill Descent Control, which uses the traction
control system to help you descend steep slopes at a constant speed;
Adaptive Load Control, which adjusts the Electronic Stability Control
system based on vehicle load; and Emergency Brake Assistance, which
provides additional pressure to the brake system to increase braking
force when you apply the brakes quickly in an emergency situation
Efficient Power
The new Ranger's impressive power, capability, and
payload and towing capacity are made possible thanks to powerful and
efficient engines paired to either a six-speed automatic or manual
transmission.
All four engines available provide Ranger customers a winning
combination of power and efficiency in all conditions, and help to
underscore Ford's fun-to-drive promise.
For maximum power and torque for heavy-duty towing, Ford is offering
the latest generation of its globally proven 3.2-liter Duratorq
five-cylinder TDCi diesel engine.
Upgrades including an updated exhaust gas recirculation system help
to improve fuel efficiency by up to 18 percent, while still putting out
147 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque.
Equipped with the latest generation of Ford's 2.2-liter Duratorq
four-cylinder TDCi diesel engine, the Ranger delivers significantly
improved fuel efficiency and refinement while also providing the power
Ranger customers demand.
Depending on the market, Ford will offer a standard 2.2-liter engine,
which generates an improved 118 kW of power and 385 Nm of torque, or a
high-efficiency (96 kW) variant for up to 22 percent improvement in fuel
economy.
The new Ranger is also available with Ford's dependable 2.5-liter
Duratec petrol engine, providing 122 kW of power and 225 Nm of torque.
Maximizing the efficiency of its engines, the new Ford Ranger is
available with Automatic Start/Stop
Technology, which saves fuel by
shutting off the engine when the vehicle is idling, such as at a stop
light, improving fuel economy by up to 3.5 percent.
On the move, an available longer final drive ratio boosts fuel economy at highway speeds.
Ford will manufacture the new Ranger at its AutoAlliance Thailand
facility in Rayong, Thailand for distribution throughout Asia Pacific,
its Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, South Africa for distribution
in Africa and Europe, and its Pacheco Stamping and Assembly Plant in
Argentina for distribution in Latin America.
The new Ranger will be launched in South Africa in the fourth quarter
of 2015. SA specs and pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.
Source: www.theghanaauto.com
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