Ford Ranger

Overview

With its nearly a century old legacy, the Ford Motor Company certainly needs no introduction when it comes to manufacturing high quality automobiles across the globe. The most respected American auto giant has got vehicles in nearly every segment and for each class of buyers worldwide. Among all the relatively conventional vehicles under its name, there is one vehicle that has got numerous facets and due to its practicality it suits no label. The name is Ford Ranger. Though this nameplate has been one of the long running in the pickup truck segment, however, in the recent years it has transformed itself drastically. And now due to its versatility aspect it has got features of a proper SUV, muscularity of a truck, spaciousness of a van, drivability of a car, etc. It has grown by leaps and bounds since inception as a mere from ‘pickup truck’. Besides being used as pickup vehicle, it is also put forth itself as lifestyle ‘weekend’ SUV for many. The multitalented and robust platform of Ranger is shared with Ford Everest, which is one of the leading SUVs in its segment. Ford Ranger soared to more popularity when the ‘Wildtrak’ series hit the showrooms. The sporty-theme oriented urban truck was aimed to fit in the active lifestyle of the buyers. The Ranger is offered in diesel guise of Dura TORQ TCDi 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre engines that pumps out high power and torque values together with better mileage. Besides its flamboyant exterior design, the interior design too is catchy with most of its premium features borrowed from Everest SUV. The double cabin pickup truck comes with adequate room for all alongside some more open space at the back for business purpose in week days and partying on the move in weekends. The bold stature vehicle has got sensible off-roading ability with 4X4 mechanism and on-road agility with its efficient handling. Furthermore, the Ranger is equipped with class-leading safety features for all occupants. In Philippines, the Ranger locks horns with the likes of Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Strada, Chevrolet Colorado and Isuzu D-Max. Priced wisely, it is presented in as many as 7 exterior paint options to choose from.

Interior & Features

Though Ranger falls in the pickup category but still the American car major has bestowed the interiors with a laudable piece of work. The two row cabin is spacious and at the same time has got no-nonsense seating arrangement for all the passengers inside. The inspiration of interior design comes from Ford Everest and has  a very similar looking dashboard, steering wheel and center fascia, etc. The large dashboard and wide windscreen ahead sets up the mood. The big grey-colour center console has cool and clean looking switches and controls and well-shaped air conditioner vents alongside an elegant multi information display reading out important information related to the vehicle. Then comes the large illuminated instrument cluster with different dials, and on the other side of the dash is large illuminated and lockable glove box. The smart design steering wheel with grey/silver garnish and composed gear shift knob sense elegance. The material used at dash panel and door trims is of premium quality.

Interior Comfort

The most comfortable feature in the new Ranger is the air conditioner with powerful blowers that provide all around cooling or heating and make life easy on the go for the occupants. The front and rear seats inside the cabin of Ford Ranger provide enough cushioning to the occupants and adequate headroom and legroom. Some of the comfort and convenience elements include power door locks, remote keyless entry, one touch power windows, power side view mirrors, etc. The front seat comes with seat back pockets, while rear seat has center armrest. Other handy features comprise of double lid console, auxiliary power point, ashtray/cup, cup and bottle holders, day and night rear view inside mirror, cigar lighter, lower panel storage bin, chrome inner handles, passenger side sun visor with vanity mirror, etc.

Interior Measurements

The best part about the Ford Ranger lifestyle truck is that it has got fantastic space inside the cabin for occupants and an incredible bed at the back, courtesy the longer wheelbase. The bed measures about 1550 mm long, 1480 mm wide and 500+ mm deep making a convenient spot to sleep during those nighttime excursions in the wild. The bed size is largest in its segment and can gulp in any outsized luggage/ goods/ load.

Stereo and Accessories

The entertainment element inside Ford Ranger is here to keep the occupants engaged on the long routes and amid city traffic. The advanced audio music system fits cleanly at the centre console and can play AM, FM, MP3 and comes with a 6 CD changer. The audio player supports aux-in, whilst the music is streamed via 6 speakers and tweeters. Moreover, there is automatic volume level control (ALC) system that gives hassle free uninterrupted driving.

Exterior

Looking at the new age exterior design of swayed Ford Ranger, the first thing that comes to mind is, whether, it’s an SUV or a pickup truck, as the hefty looks fit the truck cordon while the elite design aspect plugs the SUV thought. And with its extended wheelbase, it stands as the longest and also tallest in its segment. The hood line is large, while the aggressive front has rectangular radiator grille featuring three thick chrome slats, here on the top, the slat has the name R A N G E R engraved in a stylistic design and the middle slat features company emblem proudly. The slightly swept headlamps with mounted side indicators bestow it a futuristic posture. The muscular looking front bumper is large and provides Ranger the butch image. The bumper is crafted very well has got wide air intakes, whilst on the two corners are the clear circular fog lamps. The fearless appearing side profile has visibly large wheel fenders and sporty roof rails at the top giving it a true athletic feel. Moreover, the chrome door handles, chrome/black combination wing mirrors, blackened B pillar and tidy aluminium side step imitates premiumness. The rear has huge open bed/space and the tail lamps are ideally placed at sides, whereas there is high mounted stop lamp and roof mounted antenna. The tailgate has ‘Ford’ emblem and sticker job proclaiming R A N G E R.

Exterior Measurements

The dimensions of Ford Ranger are quite large, its length measures 5172 mm and width scales to 1789 mm, while its height is of 1762 mm. The key reason of such long measurements is none other than an extensive wheel base of 3000 mm.

Wheels

The Ford Ranger has been fitted with classy set of wheels that looks stunning from any angle. Depending upon the variants, the tyres are basically of size 245/70 R16 all-terrain wheels and 215/70 R15C. Furthermore, the wheels are 16-inch aluminium alloys and 15-inch steel wheels.

Mileage Running Cost

The fuel economy of Ford Ranger is reasonably good. The 3.0-litre engine delivers a city mileage of 8-9 kmpl and on the longer route it can achieve 10-11.5 kmpl. Moreover, when it comes to lower displacement engine i.e. the 2.5-litre mill, the fuel economy increases to about 9.5 kmpl and 12 kmpl in city traffic and highways respectively.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

There are two diesel displacement engines at offer by Ford Motor Company. Starting with the mightier of the two is 3.0L, Dura TORQ 4-cylinder, 16 Valve, double over-head camshaft (DOHC), direct injection with common-rail turbo with intercooler. This engine is equipped with variable geometry turbo charger (VGT) and yields out a maximum power of 156 PS at 3200 rpm alongside a highest torque of 380 Nm at 1800 rpm. This authoritative engine is outfitted with 4X4 mechanism and comes with a choice of 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission gearbox. The younger 2.5L Dura TORQ is a 4-cylinder, 16V DOHC, direct injection common-rail turbo with intercooler engine. The powertrain is equipped with a 4X2 mechanism and is able to pump out 143 PS of max power at 3500 rpm and 330 Nm of high torque at 1800 rpm. As 3.0L mate, this refined diesel engine too comes with option of 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission gearbox.

Power

The power numbers of the Ford Ranger pickup truck are phenomenal. The bigger 3.0L Dura TORQ engine churns a maximum power of 156 PS at 3200 rpm and peak torque of 380 Nm at 1800 rpm. On the other hand, the 2.5-litre engine pulls out 143 PS of supreme power at 1800 rpm and high torque of 330 Nm at 1800 rpm.

Acceleration & Pickup

The acceleration with the advanced diesel engine is fine in city drives and on the highways. The younger 2.5-litre Ranger is able to touch the 100 kmph barrier in just 9-10 seconds and has top speed of 150-160 kmph. Whereas, the bigger 3.0-litre version attains the 0-100 kmph mark in mere 10-12 seconds, along with it has a top speed of 165-170 kmph.

Braking & Safety

The braking and handling is far superior against the competition. There is little body roll observed at high speeds and while cornering in city areas. The braking is adequate on the slippery and rough surfaces, while it gets steadier with the assistance of anti-lock braking system (ABS). The front suspension is independent double wishbone, torsion bar springs and rear gets leaf springs. Whereas, the front and rear brakes are ventilated discs and leading and trailing drums.

Safety and Security

The active and passive safety features provided for the occupants are ample. The long list of protection features include dual front SRS air bags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and G-sensor, two-way limited slip differential (LSD), side door impact beams, engine immobilizer, anti-theft alarm, 3-point ELR seat belts with pretensioners and many more. The safety gears equipped by the company are sufficient considering the category in which the Ranger pickup falls.