Ford Ranger in Malaysia 2012_Drives Like A Car, Looks Like A SUV and Priced Like A Pickup
The all-new global Ford Ranger delivers more while sipping less, thanks to highly fuel-efficient engines that give the truck the power and torque to get the job done without burning a hole in the owner’s pocket. These engines are at the heart of Ranger’s exceptional capability and have been developed to suit a spectrum of uses.
There are two new Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engines – a 2.2-litre four-cylinder with peak torque output of 375 Nm and power output of 110 kW (150 PS); and a 3.2-litre five-cylinder engine with a stump-pulling torque of 470 Nm and power rated at 147 kW (200PS). The 2.5-litre Ford Duratec four-cylinder petrol engine produces 226 Nm of torque and outstanding power of 122 kW (166 PS).
For the first time, selected Ranger diesel models will be available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission to provide reduced engine rpm and extend its range on long highway trips or in city traffic. This also makes Ranger the first pickup of its class to get a six-speed automatic transmission. Petrol models have a standard five-speed manual transmission.
The all-new Ranger comes in 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains and two ride heights with the 4×2 Hi-Rider sharing the same frame as the 4×4 model. A variety of final drive ratios, from 3.31 to 5.3, will be available depending on the drive configuration and whether the vehicle is a low- or high-ride model. This helps owners configure Ranger when it is heavily loaded, provides strong off-the-line acceleration and excellent pulling characteristics, and optimises fuel economy.
Delivering low fuel costs
Each Ranger engine can more than hold its own among competitors when it comes to fuel consumption.
The 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine achieves best-in-class fuel economy, with a two-wheel drive model consuming just 9.8 L/100 km in a combined cycle[i]. Utilising variable intake cam geometry to provide the optimal balance of power output and fuel economy, its power output increased 24 percent over the previous-generation engine to 122 kW (166 PS) at 6000 rpm.
Numerous refinements have also been made to the new diesel engines, including the implementation of the latest in fuel delivery technology with a new high-pressure fuel system. The fuel system has been precisely tailored and calibrated for combustion efficiency and achieves exceptional fuel economy ratings without affecting power levels.
The 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine comes with three different power outputs and can be mated to either the five- or six-speed transmissions, giving customers even greater choice. When fitted to a 4×2 model, it consumes as little as 7.6 L/100 km in a combined cycle1, making it one of the most fuel-efficient pickups in the segment.
The 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel engine that starred in a Ford experiment where Ranger towed a 160-tonne steam locomotive proves that it can be as fuel-efficient as it is powerful. Its fuel consumption in a combined cycle is among the leaders in this area, ranging from 8.4 L/100 km on a 4×2 variant to 9.6 L/100 km on a full-option 4×4 model1. These exceptional figures will give Ranger – fitted with an 80-litre fuel tank – a range of more than 1000 km on selected models before having to stop for a fill-up. All the engines have also been calibrated to meet the most stringent emission standards in the markets where Ranger will be sold.
New six-speed transmissions for Ranger
The all-new Ranger features new automatic and manual six-speed transmissions for increased responsiveness and fuel efficiency. The automatic gearbox provides drivers various modes as well as manual control through sequential manual shifting. In Normal mode, the calibration focuses on comfort and fuel economy. For sportier driving, a quick flick of the shifter changes the transmission into Performance mode. This provides later shift points and the driver can also manually select gears through a forward (downshift) or rearward (upshift) movement. Another 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.
Moreover, the transmission also has the ability to adapt to the driver’s style through Driver Recognition software. By determining the current driving style, including acceleration and deceleration rates, brake and throttle applications and cornering speeds, the transmission ensures the vehicle is in the right gear at the right time without undesired gear shifts.
“The aim of this feature is to match the customer’s expectation of the gearing with his or her driving style,” said Tim Postgate, transmission calibration supervisor.
“So someone who is concerned about getting the best fuel economy would be satisfied with the early upshifting of the gearbox while a young enthusiast would be impressed by the pickup’s responsiveness.”
For those who prefer greater involvement, the six-speed manual transmission provides crisp, precise shifting with its short, car-like gear shifter positioned ergonomically for the driver. An upshift indicator in the instrument panel helps coach drivers on the best gearing for fuel economy.
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