New Ford Ranger Is Most Capable, Powerful, Smartest Pickup in Malaysia
Ford Motor Company and its local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) today launched the tougher, smarter, more efficient new Ranger in Malaysia, which is available in Ford showrooms nationwide starting tomorrow. The new Ranger sets a new benchmark in the pickup truck segment with an unmatched blend of capability, safety and advanced technology. The Ranger’s suite of new technologies are complemented by a stylish, smart and functional new interior, as well as best-in-class water-wading, towing and payload capabilities. Under the hood, significant improvements in Ford’s latest generation 3.2-litre Duratorq five-cylinder and 2.2-litre Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi diesel engines help the new Ranger deliver up to 12 percent better fuel-efficiency.
Capability and refinement
With a class-leading ability to wade through water up to 800mm deep, and 230mm of ground clearance, the new Ranger is the most capable pickup in Malaysia. Thanks to a 28-degree approach angle and 25-degree departure angle, the new Ranger was designed and engineered to handle even the most extreme terrains with ease. An 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 can also engage low-range 4×4 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 of up to 1,200kg.
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 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.
Powerful and more fuel efficient
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. For maximum power and torque for heavy-duty towing, Ford is offering the latest generation of its globally proven 3.2-litre Duratorq five-cylinder TDCi diesel engine. Upgrades including an updated exhaust gas recirculation system help to improve fuel efficiency by up to 12 percent, while putting out a best-in-class 200 PS of power and 470 Nm of torque.
Customers can also choose the latest generation of Ford’s 2.2-litre Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi diesel engine, which delivers significantly improved fuel efficiency and refinement while providing 160 PS of power and 385 Nm of torque – an increase in both power and torque over the current 2.2-litre Ranger.
The smartest of its kind
Equipped with an array of smart technologies, the Ranger’s intuitive features make any task a breeze. The high performance WildTrak variant features SYNC 2, the latest generation of Ford’s in-car connectivity system that boasts an eight-inch colour touchscreen to operate phone, entertainment and climate control using a simple voice command system. With Ford’s advanced hands-free technology, drivers are able to safely observe the rules of the road while staying connected. The popular XLT variant also features SYNC with a 4.2-inch display.
Another first-in-segment for the new Ranger is Ford’s exclusive MyKey system, which allows the programming of various features, such as setting the maximum speed limit, a seatbelt reminder and the maximum volume of the audio system. A host of other convenient features have been designed with the driver in mind. The new Ranger is the only pickup in Malaysia to include audible parking sensors in both the front and rear. It also features Front and Rear Park Assist and a rear-view camera, which gives a clear view behind the vehicle and is especially handy when parking and hitching up a trailer.
Two other convenient features are a light installed in the cargo tray, which gives all the light needed to complete a job, and a 230-volt power socket that can be used to power a laptop computer anywhere, from a work site to a family road trip. Both handy features are exclusive to the Ranger in the pickup segment.
New advanced safety features
New advanced safety features and driver assist technologies help the driver stay in control, even in the toughest road conditions. The Ranger’s reinforced safety cell is supplemented with the protection of frontal impact airbags for the driver and passenger in all variants, and a class-leading six airbag configuration in the WildTrak variant, which also features side and curtain airbags.
The Ranger also comes fitted with Forward Alert, a smart driver assistance feature that gives drivers a visual and audible warning if the vehicle in front gets too close. In addition, the Wildtrak features Adaptive Cruise Control, an intelligent feature that uses radar sensors to detect traffic ahead, and automatically adjusts the cruise control speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front.
Complementing this is Lane Keeping Aid, which uses a front-facing camera located behind the rear-view mirror to read lane markings and detect if the driver unintentionally leaves their lane. Lane Keeping Aid uses a smooth steering torque intervention to gently pull the driver back on course. If the driver continues to drift off course, Lane Departure Warning can warn the driver by vibrating the steering wheel.
Ford’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and ISOFIX child safety mounts also come standard, making Ranger the only pickup truck in the Malaysia to offer these two important safety features across all variants. ESC is an active safety system that improves driver control under all conditions and maximises vehicle traction and stability both on- and off-road, and automatically reduces engine torque and/or applies a braking force to individual wheels if it senses the vehicle is turning more or less than intended.
Other smart technologies across all variants include Hill Launch Assist – which holds the Ranger in place for up to three seconds when the driver removes their foot from the brake – Adaptive Load Control, which maximises control when carrying heavy loads, and Emergency Brake Assist.
Tough and modern design
The new Ranger’s bold, modern look lends it 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 recognisable, with a bold, technical look. The Ranger’s updated exterior design stays true to its purpose as a tough and dependable truck, while the stylishly sleek and modern interior, packed with an array of smart technologies, gives both driver and passengers much needed comfort and a sense of openness they expect from this large vehicle. While the interior is more car-like, the materials used are extremely practical and durable to handle the harsh life of a work truck.
From today until 11 October, customers can experience all the capabilities of the Ford Ranger for themselves at the ‘Tough Done Smarter Experiential Test Drive’. Each visitor will be paired with a professional driver, who will lead them through an exciting course that simulates tough driving environments, like wading through water and navigating steep terrain. A variety of the new Ranger’s features will be demonstrated, including driver assist technologies like the e-Locking Rear Differential, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, and Forward Collision Warning, as well as Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system.
The ‘Tough Done Smarter Experiential Test Drive’ will be held at the Central Park Avenue outdoor area of the new wing (use the main entrance on the Ground Floor) at 1Utama Shopping Centre. No advance bookings required. Admission is free.
Pricing and Colours
Official pricing for the Ranger in Peninsular Malaysia includes the Ranger XL priced from RM91,588 on-the-road, the Ranger XLT priced from RM101,388 on-the-road, and the 3.2L Ranger WildTrak priced at RM132,188.
Ranger customers can choose from six colours, including Pride Orange, Cool White, Metropolitan Grey, Aluminum Metallic, Black Mica, and Aurora Blue.
About the Author
Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.
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