New Ford Ranger Set to Redefine the Pick-Up Segment in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, 25 October, 2018 – The new Ford Ranger, launched today by Ford Motor Company, together with its local distribution partner, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) looks set to redefine the Pick-Up truck market in Malaysia with several class-leading and unique features. With nine variants, costing from RM90,888.00 to RM134,888.00, and eight colour options, the Malaysian buying public is spoilt for choice. The icing that is right at the top would be the Ranger Raptor which will be launched officially at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor show 2018, scheduled for this coming November.
“With the new advanced features and the new generation power train offering even greater capability, the new Ranger will build on its already strong and widening appeal in the market,” said Truong Kim Phong, managing director, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company.“The new Ranger will help continue to revolutionize the pickup truck segment, and we are proud that so many customers are choosing Ford.”
“We know that Malaysian customers want their pickups to have the toughness of a truck as well as the comfort and advanced features of a passenger vehicle. We are confident that the new Ranger line up will offer customers unmatched versatility, helping them achieve more, whether at work or with their family,”said Syed Ahmad Muzri Bin Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion. With the launch of this new Ranger, it seems that SDAP is reviving the “Built Ford Tough’ tagline.
New 2.0 litre Turbo / Bi-turbo Engines and 10-speed automatic Transmission
The new Ford Ranger offers a choice of three diesel power – the new generation 2.0L Single-Turbo and 2.0L Bi-Turbo engines, and the Ranger’s proven Duratorq 2.2L.
Ford’s new generation of diesel engines use advanced materials and boasts sophisticated construction. Compact, lightweight, powerful and efficient, they feature common-rail direct fuel-injection, an integrated intake manifold, and a belt-in-oil primary drive.
Available exclusively on the Wildtrak 4×4 is the new-generation 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine, coupled with an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission to bring greater torque, improved flexibility and a quieter, more comfortable drive.
The 2.0L Bi-Turbo takes advantage of sequential turbo-charging to deliver greater responsiveness, driveability and maximum efficiency. Basically, two turbochargers are employed for maximum performance and efficiency. For low engine speeds, a variable geometry turbocharger is used to deliver greater throttle response and eliminate lag by spooling up quickly at low speeds. The second unit is a fixed geometry turbocharger with a high flow capacity to deliver maximum power and performance.
With 500Nm from a low 1750rpm, the Bi-Turbo engine delivers a greater torque spread, with the 10-speed transmission’s close ratios reducing gaps in power and acceleration to make steep, slippery hill-climbs much easier. The Wildtrak model optioned with the new engine maintains Ranger’s equal class-leading payload and 3500kg towing capability.
The 2.0L Single-Turbo engine, available on the Wildtrak 4×2 and new Ranger XLT+ variants, is also mated to Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission to deliver 180PS and an impressive 420Nm of torque.
The XL and XLT variants are equipped with Ranger’s proven 2.2L turbo-diesel engine, which offers 160PS/385Nm and comes with a six-speed automatic and manual transmission.
Car-like Advanced Safety features
Responding to the increasing trend of ‘city slickers’ converting from passenger cars to SUV’s and also to pick-up trucks, Ford has moved some key variants up several notches in terms of safety features, technology which it has from its previous ownership of the Volvo brand. Many of the features that were found in Volvo vehicles have already permeated into the Ford passenger cars, and it is again no surprise that it is appearing on Ford’s trucks. Kudos, though, to the design and market team, who must have deliberated quite a bit on this matter, as it means much safer trucks.
Ford’s Pre-Collision Assist feature using Inter-Urban Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection is available on the new Ranger. The system is designed to detect pedestrians as well as vehicles to bring the Ranger to a complete stop to help mitigate potential rear-end collisions and road-traffic collisions with pedestrians. The system functions at speeds above 3.6 km/h.
Ford’s first and only in-class Lane Departure Warning & Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning will carry over to the new Ranger. Ford’s segment-first Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking (SAPP) is available on the Wildtrak 4×4. The driver needs only to apply the gear changes and brakes while the system automatically steers the Ranger into the parking space.
The Wildtrak and XLT+ models get the first and only in-class, Easy Lift Tailgate. With a new internal torsion spring mechanism, the Ranger’s tailgate is now lighter to lift, with a 70 percent reduction in initial force required to raise it for closing. Not only does this system require less effort to lift, it also means that it’s easier to lower.
The Ranger has added the light and nimble Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) to the entry level XL variant – making it the first-in-segment to offer this feature as standard across all models – and providing even more capability to these workhorse trucks that tackle the daily demands of construction sites and agricultural fields across the country.
Ranger’s Fresh Face
The new Ranger’s rugged good looks see styling changes that carry on the off-road stance and visual appeal of the current model. Led by a cleaner new grille, which features the disti
nctive ‘nostrils’, the chiseled lower bumper now offers a broader intake for a more balanced look. Ranger Wildtrak and XLT+ get LED daytime running lights and HID headlights for better visibility. The Wildtrak variants will also come fitted with LED front fog lamps.
“A successful design should communicate its intent at-a-glance,” said Ford Asia-Pacific Director of Design, Todd Willing. “With Ranger’s reputation as an amazingly capable and versatile vehicle, it is our responsibility to create a design that clearly signals those attributes in combination with a handsome and appealing aesthetic.”
There is also clearer distinction between models visually, with bumper treatments and colours reflecting the unique character of each model – be it a hardworking Ranger XL or a go-anywhere Wildtrak. Chrome accents on the Ranger XLT and Monument accents on the Ranger Wildtrak reflect each model’s unique position in the line-up. Exclusive to Wildtrak is the new ‘Saber’ hero colour, a rich orange with blonde accents which contrasts strongly with the dark grey grille surrounds. The Wildtrak’s sports-bar and two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels further differentiate it from the pack.
Convenience and other upgrades
The Ranger is now equipped with keyless entry and push-start button on the XLT+ and Wildtra
k.
Its interior hosts an array of upgrades to help tackle the working week, the long weekend road trip, and the off-road adventure. With durable, tactile surface finishes ensuring a long lifespan, the Ranger now sports a black themed interior. Contrasting detail elements including shadow chrome and silver accent stitching help give its interior a premium feel.
SYNC® 3 on the Ranger XLT+ and Wildtrak is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and includes Bluetooth and an 8.0-inch full colour touchscreen. The Wildtrak is also equipped with in-built satellite navigation system for when the Ranger is beyond mobile coverage areas.
On-road Comfort, Off-road Conquered
The new Ranger’s suspension had been upgraded for improved control roll, to enhance the driving experience when fully-laden and when towing.
The new packaging also enables geometry changes for an improved ride, a reduction in body roll as well as improved steering precision. The suspension changes do not impact on Ranger’s equal class-leading towing and payload capabilities.
“We’ve further improved how Ranger behaves when carrying a load, towing a boat or when taking a caravan around the country,” said John Willems, Chief Program Engineer, Ranger. “The Ranger is now better to drive when it’s working at its hardest. It is easier to handle, so you can really make the most of its payload and towing capabilities. It helps reduce fatigue on long trips, too.”
Pricing, Colors and Service
The following variants of the new Ranger are available at the following prices:
- Wildtrak – two variants, from RM134,888.00
- XLT+ – one variant, fromRM124,888.00
- XLT – two variants, from RM109,888.00
- XL – three variants, from RM90,888.00
The Ranger is available in eight exciting colors, including the three new; Saber (Wildtrak only), Magnetic and Lightning Blue colours, as well as Cool White, Meteor Grey, Aluminium Metallic, Frozen White and Absolute Black.
As an early bird offer, the first 888 customers who register their new Ford Ranger will each receive an electrical goods voucher worth RM1,000. The early bird offer ends either when the 888th registration is reached or at 31 December 2018, whichever comes first. On top of that, Sime Darby Auto Connexion will be offering new Ranger customers up to 2 years free maintenance or up to 40,000km for customers who successfully register before 31 January 2019, whichever comes first.
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