THE SAFEST PICK-UP EVER

The all-new Ford Ranger has made motoring history by becoming the first ever pick-up to achieve a maximum 5 Star rating under the Euro NCAP crash test protocol. Ranger scored 89 per cent for overall safety – the best score ever earned by a pick-up.

This third generation model was designed and engineered by Ford Australia and marks a significant improvement over the 2 star adult occupant rating of the previous Ranger in 2008. In particular, the Ranger’s 81% pedestrian score is the highest score recorded for pick-ups tested by Euro NCAP so far and therefore sets a new standard in this area. This performance is the result of a softer and well-engineered front end, absorbing the impact energy and better protecting pedestrians. Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, says: ‘with such pedestrian protection the Ford Ranger is undoubtedly raising the bar of safety in the category of pick-up trucks, which had until now not proven to be the safest.’

“Vehicle safety is a core value at Ford Motor Company and these independent test results confirm that not only is Ranger the highest rated vehicle in its class, it is also one of the highest rated vehicles ever assessed by Euro NCAP,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “No one wants to be involved in an accident but if the worst were to happen, the new Ranger is proven to provide outstanding protection to occupants of all ages as well as pedestrians."

Using sophisticated computer modelling, engineers assessed more than 9,000 virtual crash tests before any of the 110 actual vehicle crash tests or 410 system sled tests were undertaken. These virtual simulations allowed the engineers to optimise the vehicle structure and safety systems to provide the maximum levels of protection possible in a wide-range of real-world collisions. All this was achieved before any real prototype vehicle was built and subjected to crash testing.

Established in 1997 and backed by several governments, motoring, consumer and insurance organisations, Euro NCAP is the largest and most respected independent authority on crash testing in Europe. This month’s top scorers with five stars among the announced twelve new vehicles are also SUVs Audi Q3, Chevrolet Captiva and Mercedes M-Class.

BANGKOK RANGERS

After its worldwide debut in Sydney last October, the all-new Ford Ranger made its ASEAN debut today, just 2 days prior of the 32nd International Bangkok Motor Show, where the wraps come off a complete family of the new models.

The new Ford Ranger will be produced from a highly robust single global platform that replaces the two platforms currently in production regionally. Designed and developed in Australia, it is the first truck to be built under the One Ford strategy as part of a global product programme. It will be manufactured in Thailand, South Africa and Argentina for more than 180 markets worldwide.

Ford’s newest global compact pickup will be offered in three cab bodystyles – Regular, Super and Double – along with an extensive list of practical features that are available in up to five series choices depending on the market.

Three new engines are available to suit every purpose and pocket: a new 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi four-cylinder diesel engine with peak torque output of 375Nm and power output of 110kW (150PS); a highly responsive and efficient new 3.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi five-cylinder diesel engine with a substantial 470Nm of torque and power rated at 147kW (200PS); and a 2.5-litre Ford Duratec four-cylinder petrol engine with 226Nm of torque and outstanding power at 122kW (166PS), which can be upfitted to run on LPG.

Six-speed transmissions are rare in the compact pickup market and Ranger is the first truck of its kind to offer an automatic one. The Sequential Shift Control in the automatic gearbox offers a host of adaptive and performance modes as well as manual control through sequential manual shifting. A smart 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. The new six-speed automatic and manual transmissions are available on the diesel engines while the 2.5-litre petrol engine is offered with the proven five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment.

Ranger also comes in 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains. It is a tough truck with towing capacity of up to 3350kg on selected models with diesel engines. Certain variants also have an outstanding payload capacity of up to 1500 kg.

The four-wheel drive models are equipped with a sturdy electronically controlled transfer case – for both manual and automatic transmissions – that allow drivers to shift on the fly from 4x2 to 4x4 anytime via a switch conveniently located on the console. Selected models can also be equipped with either an electric locking rear differential or a limited slip rear differential to improve traction control.

The ground clearance of up to 241mm is enhanced by having the driveline components mounted above the frame rail so that items like the transfer case and oil pan are protected by strong crossmembers. To improve Ranger’s water-wading capability, the truck’s key electrical components and air inlets are strategically placed high in the engine compartment, enabling the pickup to wade through up to 800mm of water.

With the Hill Launch Assist feature, a fully-laden Ranger, which weighs about 3200 kg, is able to stop and then pull away on a 60% grade. When going downhill, the Hill Descent Control feature automatically applies the brakes to slow the vehicle down to a set speed without locking the brakes and without the need for the driver to apply the brakes.

Built to last, Ranger has gone through extreme testing around the world to make sure it could stand up to the rigours of punishing terrains and temperatures. Tested in Australia, Dubai, Thailand, North America, South America, Sweden and South Africa, it had to face severe heat and cold, monsoon rains, high altitudes as well as rushing rivers, arid deserts and potholed roads. Prototypes clocked more than a million kilometres on the road, supported by countless hours of exhaustive testing in laboratories.

ALL-NEW FORD RANGER

The all-new Ford Ranger makes its worldwide debut today at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney as the latest addition to a wave of global vehicles being introduced by Ford.

With an all-new chassis frame, front and rear suspension and steering system, Ranger delivers more payload and outstanding towing capability. It is powered by a choice of two new fuel-efficient common rail Ford Duratorq TDCi diesels and new fuel-efficient six-speed automatic and manual transmissions. A new Dagenham-built 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi I4 diesel engine with peak torque of 375Nm and power output of 110kW (150PS). A highly responsive and efficient new 3.2-litre, Ford Duratorq TDCi I5 diesel engine with a powerful 470Nm of torque and power rated at 147kW (200PS).

The all-new Ranger four-wheel drive models are equipped with electronically controlled transfer case that allows drivers to shift from 4x2 to 4x4. If extra torque or additional downhill braking is needed, low range gearing can also be enabled.

Off-road performance has been improved with a stiffer frame, ground clearance of up to 232mm and driveline components that have been strategically mounted above the frame rail. Despite an increased 3,220mm wheelbase and wider track 1,560mm for the 4x4 model, and 1,590mm (front and rear) for the 4x2 model – the all-new Ranger's turning circle makes it easily manoeuvrable. 

Built on innovation, it boasts a list of technologies and features including a new rear-view camera system, Voice Control, Trailer Sway Control and Adaptive Load Control. The new Ranger will be available in three different cab body styles, 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, two ride heights and four series choices.

New Ranger will be manufactured at three sites with production ramp-up scheduled to begin next summer, firstly in Rayong, Thailand. Ford is also transforming plants in Argentina and South Africa for additional capacity. The new manufacturing strategy for the single global compact pickup platform will drive new levels of product commonality for the Ford Ranger all around the globe.