Sime Darby Auto ConneXion has unveiled the next generation Ford Ranger pickup truck today, which comes with a tough yet futuristic front face that features a signature brand new C Clamp DRL light, it is also packed with advanced safety features and in-car tech that current pickup trucks and segments in the market do not offer.
Powered by either a Single-Turbo or Bi-Turbo 2.0 inline four-cylinder diesel engine, the Single Turbo Engine delivers 180PS at 3,500 rpm and 405 Nm maximum torque from 1,750-2,500 rpm, while the Bi-Turbo delivers 210PS at 3,750rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1,750-2000rpm, the new Ford Ranger will most certainly deliver joy in off-road driving as these are proven engines that has gone through rigorous tests with over millions of kilometers, and operating in extreme temperatures from -40 degrees Celsius to more than 50 degrees Celsius.
In terms of transmission, the new Ford Ranger will be available in six-speed manual, six-speed auto and a class leading 10-speed auto transmission, which the latter will be mated exclusively to the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo engine variant.
On the tech side of things, Ford claims many first of it in a pickup truck and the same segment, such as having a 10.1 or 12-inch vertical touch-screen infotainment system powered by the company’s SYNC 4A operating system, it supports both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a customizable split-screen setup with an information-on-demand panel always available at the bottom of the screen, which shows key information, like native or connected navigation, the user’s connected smartphone and more.
The huge display will also guide drivers on off-road driving with an off-road screen, with just a press of a button, drivers can monitor the driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch, roll angles and other controls, a 360-degree camera is also fitted to make parking easier on tighter parking zones.
Drivers will also be able to keep their phone connected to the SYNC 4A and charged wirelessly at the same time with a Qi wireless charging pad, the infotainment system has both USB-C and USB-A ports that supports fast charging, while there’s also 12/240V sockets and a 150W inverter, there is also a high windscreen mounted USB outlet that is made for connecting external GPS or dash cams with a 5V output.
Also a first in a pickup truck and segment, the Ford Ranger has done away with a physical instrument cluster and has replaced it with an 8-inch digital instrument panel that can be customized and shows intuitive animations, such as a start-up and farewell animation, a digital speedometer and tachometer, and different themes when switching between on and off road driving modes.
As for lighting and safety features, the Ford Ranger takes the former to the next-level with full LED lighting for both front and rear, while the top WildTrak variant features the first-in-class Matrix LED headlights and anti-glare high beam, it comes with a suite of ADAS suite including Automatic Emergency Breaking, Pre-Collision Assist, Evasive Steer Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, Post-Collision Braking, Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go.
The Ford Ranger is currently open for bookings and can be viewed at the Ranger debut tour happening nationwide, it will be available in XL, XLT, XLT Plus and WildTrak variants with the following OTR prices without insurance:-
- Ranger 2.0 XL (MT and AT) – from RM108,888
- Ranger 2.0 XLT (MT and AT) – from RM124,888
- Ranger 2.0 XLT Plus – RM142,888
- Ranger 2.0 WildTrak – RM168,888
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion has also taken the opportunity to give us a sneak peak of the Ford Ranger Raptor, which is expected to arrive later this year.
