Ford presents its new generation of Ranger. The famous pickup gets a makeover and takes the opportunity to improve its practical aspects thanks to customer recommendations.
Ford is renewing one of its flagship pickups, the Ranger. The model, sold in more than 180 countries around the world, is leader in its segment in Europe with 45,539 units sold from January to September and a market share of 39.9%. For this new generation, developed by the Ford development center in Australia, the goal was to do even more for its users, often craftsmen and entrepreneurs.
More tips for owners
Thus, the Ranger evolves significantly on the advice of previous Ranger owners. Ford says more than 5,000 customer interviews and workshops have been conducted to understand the needs and uses of the pickup. Thereby, the chassis is revised with tracks widened by 5 cm, just like the wheelbase which also takes 5 cm. It also visually grows and appears more rugged, with an enlarged grille and new C-shaped headlights flanking it. These can also receive LED matrix technology for the first time.
The lights are also revised at the rear, while steps appear behind the wheels to be able to climb easily into the bucket if necessary. This can also be used as a workbench thanks to the tailgate, and benefits from small touches such as trunk dividers and tie-down points, or even lighting around the pickup.
Modernization welcome
On board, the Ranger is equipped with more qualitative materials and additional technologies. Much more modern, the dashboard incorporates a touch screen in portrait format of 10.1 or 12 inches depending on the options. It is equipped with Ford’s latest Sync 4 multimedia system, with voice recognition. This large screen combines many functions such as the exterior lighting system or the practical 360 ° camera for maneuvering. Behind the steering wheel, the counters are also displayed on a digital panel.
Under the hood, space is increased thanks to a hydroformed structure to accommodate new engines (and perhaps a hybrid or PHEV variant?). At launch, the pickup adopts a new 3.0 turbodiesel V6. The Ranger will also have two other diesels: two four-cylinder 2.0 turbo and biturbo. The powers were not communicated by Ford. Finally, depending on the market, other engines such as a petrol unit could enhance the range.
European marketing at the end of 2022
The next-generation Ford Ranger will be produced at Ford factories in Thailand and South Africa from 2022. Orders will be opened in Europe at the end of 2022. The first copies will be delivered to the Old Continent at the start of 2023. For the moment, no price has been announced.
Photos : Ford.
To read on Auto-Moto.com
Ford Ranger Raptor (2019) review: faster, higher, more Ford!
Ford: the new Ranger Raptor unveiled at Gamescom
