KUALA LUMPUR: Ford Motor Company, together with its local distribution partner, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) today debuted the next-generation Ford Ranger that gets improved road and off-road performance, more premium car-like feel and smart driving features.
The on-the-road with insurance prices for new 4X4 line-up are:
> WildTrak – one variant, from RM168,888 (Peninsular Malaysia), from RM174,388 (East Malaysia)
> XLT Plus – one variant, from RM142,888 (Peninsular Malaysia), from RM148,388 (East Malaysia)
> XLT – two variants, from RM124,888 (Peninsular Malaysia), from RM129,888 (East Malaysia)
> XL – two variants, from RM108,888 (Peninsular Malaysia), from RM114,888 (East Malaysia)
The Ranger Raptor is arriving later this year.
Also making a brief appearance at the launch today was the high-performance Ranger Raptor variant that will be launched in the fourth quarter of the year.
Bearing the familiar Ford global truck DNA, the new Ranger pick-up truck features a defined new grille, signature C-clamp daytime running lights, elegant side creases and bolder wheel arches.
For the first time, the Ranger WildTrak and and XLT Plus are offered with matrix LED headlights with auto high headlamps.
At the back, the taillights are designed in harmony with the signature graphics on the front.
Powering the WildTrak and XLT Plus is a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine with 210PS and 500Nm of torque coupled to a 10-speed automatic with SelectShift tranmsission.
The other XL and XLT variants use a 2.0-litre single turbo diesel engine with 170PS and 405Nm of torque coupled to a six-speed automatic with SelectShift or a six-speed manual transmission.
Aside from a wider track and longer wheelbase to enhance stability, the new Ranger also gets improved the front approach angle to 30 degrees (up from 28.5 degrees) and rear departure angle to 23 degrees (up from 21 degrees).
The rear suspension dampers have also been shifted outboard of the frame rails to give drivers and passengers a more controlled ride whether the Ranger is laden or not.
The Ranger's off-road recovery is also made easier with prominent dual recovery hooks in the front bumper.
The new model also gets more drive modes than before and up to six depending on the variant.
The modes, which adjusts the Ranger's gearshift mapping, throttle response, traction and stability controls, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) among others, are Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul and Slippery for road and Mud/Ruts and Sand for off-road on the WildTrak.
Variants from the XL base to the XLT Plus are equipped with four drive modes of Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery.
Inside, the new Ranger features a premium SUV-like feel with a modern cockpit that features a high level of well-integrated technology, clever functional storage, premium soft-touch materials and visual cues so the environment feels comfortable and spacious.
The dashboard features the first-in-class large 10.1-inch or 12-inch touchscreen that complements the fully digital instrument panel and is equipped with Ford’s latest voice-activated SYNC 4A system that supports Wireless Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Bluetooth And Voice Recognition.
Many of the driving mode controls in the previous Ranger model have been moved from the dashboard and centre console to their own dedicated display on the SYNC screen.
With one button press, drivers can go to Ranger’s dedicated screen for all off-road and drive modes where they can monitor the driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch and roll angles and other controls.
The screen is also linked to a 360-degree camera in the WildTrak to make parking a breeze in tight urban spaces or to assist when negotiating particularly tricky terrain.
Convenience features include wirelessly (on the XLT Plus and WildTrak), a large centre console bin, upper dashboard glove box, door pockets and storage bins under and behind the rear seats.
Also available for the WildTrak is the integrated side-step behind the rear tyres for easier access to the cargo bed.
The XLT Plus and WildTrak also come with a new, tough plastic-moulded bedliner to protect the truck bed from scratches and the owner's knees from kneeling on a steel truck bed.
Aside from cargo tie-down points on strong steel tube rails, the Ranger also gets a new cargo management system designed with dividers to hold various sized items such as timber or toolboxes.
The new WildTrak variant also gets the segment-first Evasive Steer Assist that helps drivers avoid potential forward collisions by assisting the steering when a collision cannot be avoided by braking alone.
The next-generation WildTrak and XLT Plus also come with a new Post-Collision Braking system, which applies the brakes after a collision to reduce the risk of secondary collisions.
Also new are Adaptive Cruise Control with a Stop-and-Go feature, Cross Traffic Alert and Reverse Brake Assist on the WildTrak.
As part of the smart technology safety suite on the next-generation Ranger, the Automated Emergency Braking (AEB) system on the XLT Plus and WildTrak has been enhanced with cyclist and pedestrian detection in addition to providing AEB support at an intersection in some instances.
Available colours are Sedona Orange and Luxe Yellow on the WildTrak – in addition to the existing colours of Arctic White, Meteor Gray, Aluminium Metallic, Lightning Blue and Absolute Black, depending on variants.
Besides the standard five-year/160,000km warranty, customers can extend the warranty period up to seven years for more peace of mind.
Ford Motor Co Asean and Asia Pacific Distributor Markets president Yukontorn ‘Vickie’ Wisadkosin said the Ranger had always been a trusted partner to small business owners, families, adventurers, commercial fleets and so many more in more than 180 markets around the world.
“The trend towards pick-ups for more than just work has been growing in Malaysia.
“This is especially true for the upwardly mobile and affluent who used to prefer SUVs but are now gravitating to the Ranger, particularly WildTrak, for its work capabilities, latest technologies, and premium sedan interior,” she said.
“We are confident the next-generation Ranger will fulfil the needs and wants of an even broader range of customers as an all-rounder vehicle for work, family and play,” said SDAC managing director Turse Zuhair.
Customers who purchase the next-generation Ranger will also immediately be part of the Ford Inner Circle in Malaysia – a community of like-minded individuals who enjoy pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons, contributing back to society or going for excursions like the Ford Ranger Getaways with friends and family.
The latest Ranger is on tour at:
July 23-24 - Kuala Lumpur, Level 5, Pavilion Bukit Jalil Exhibition Centre
Aug 3-7 - Penang, Centre Court, Queensbay Mall
Aug 10-14 - Johor Bahru Toppen Shopping Centre
Sept 7-11 - Kuching, Vivacity Megamall
Oct 5-9 - Kota Kinabalu, Suria Sabah Shopping Centre
Fans can sign up at the “Register” page to score exclusive invitations to the debut tour at a location closest to them.
For details on the Ranger, SDAC and Ford, follow the Ford Malaysia Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and https://www.youtube.com/c/fordmalaysia or visit www.sdacford.com.my.
