The facelifted model is set to build on the current model’s rising sales in Europe, which increased 40% in 2014 over 2013, with market share rising by 4.5% to 21%.
Design changes see a new front end that brings it line with the rest of the Ford range. The interior has been updated with more car-like styling based around the central eight-inch touchscreen and a new instrument cluster design with dual colour digital displays.
New technology features include Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system, which enables the driver to control the car’s climate controls, entertainment system and navigation system with simple commands.
There is also an array of driver assist technologies including Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid; Adaptive Cruise Control; Forward Alert – which 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, and Driver Alert, which uses the forward-facing camera and on-board sensors to detect if the driver is drowsy and warn them.
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 include Hill Launch Assist; 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.
The engine line-up comprises three diesel engines paired to either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. This includes the latest generation of the 200PS 3.2-litre TDCi five-cylinder diesel engine, which gains an updated exhaust gas recirculation system to increase efficiency.
The new Ranger also offers 130PS and 160PS variants of Ford’s latest 2.2-litre TDCi four-cylinder diesel engine, delivering improved fuel efficiency and refinement, while also providing increased output compared to the 125 S and 150 S engines in the outgoing model.
The new Ford Ranger is also available with Auto-Start-Stop technology, helping to achieve fuel consumption improvements of over 15% in some cases.
The Ford Ranger also remains one of the most capable trucks in its class, able to wade through water up to 800mm deep, and with 230 mm of ground clearance. It also brings a 28-degree approach angle and 25-degree departure angle.
And robust electronically controlled transfer case allows drivers in 4×4 models to shift on the fly from 4×2 to 4×4 high with a knob on the centre console. For low-speed torque or additional downhill braking, drivers also can engage low-range 4×4 gearing, while an electronic locking rear differential helps to improve traction in difficult conditions. It also offers towing capability of up to 3,500kg.
The new Ranger will be offered in more than 180 markets worldwide, and will be available in Europe from early 2016.
