Saturday, October 27, 2018

Ford Launches the New Ranger Line-Up For Malaysia - A Variant For Everyone


Ford Motor Company, together with Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), their official distributor in Malaysia, have launched the new Ford Ranger. The New Ranger gets a slightly refreshed up exterior, more features inside and out and most variants also feature the new Ford 2.0liter turbodiesel engine and new 10 speed automatic gearbox. 



Like its slogan, the ‘Built Ford Tough’ Ranger builds on the pickup truck's already renowned capabilities and off-road credentials.  The new Ranger lineup in Malaysia consists of nine different variants, including the XL, XLT, new XLT+ Wildtrak, and the much anticipated Ranger Raptor. The latter will be launched officially at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 this November. With this nine variant line-up, Ford Malaysia feels that they have a Ranger for every type of person here. 

The exterior of the new Ranger isn't that different from the previous one. There seem to be only minor changes with a slightly different grille and lights with LED daytime running lights (DRL). There are different wheel designs for some variants (the WildTrak) and it is only the upcoming Ranger Raptor which looks super aggressive compared to the other variants. It has wider arches front and rear for its wider tracks, wider and larger wheels and it is also taller. But that will not be launched till later.

Inside, and underneath, Ford have added more active safety features to the higher priced variants. There are more safety features like Ford’s Pre-Collision Assist feature using Inter-Urban Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection for some of the variants. There are also the usual creature comforts that we are used to in 2018 like USB charging ports and the rather good SYNC 3 infortainment system.

The chassis has also been tweaked by Ford as they claim to have improved both on-road and off-road performance. There are geometry changes to the suspension for an improved ride, a reduction in body roll as well as improved steering precision. According to Ford, the suspension changes do not impact on Ranger’s equal class-leading towing and payload capabilities - it may add to it actually, making the Ranger even a more capable towing machine. 


Some of the higher specced variants also feature the new 2.0liter turbodiesel in either single or biturbo setups. These also come with the new 10 speed automatic transmission which shifts seamlessly as it is a traditional torque converter 'box. Base models still come with 2.2liter turbodiesel and either the 6 speed automatic or manual transmission setups. 

In short, the new Ranger is very much improved inside and out.

“With the new advanced features and the new generation powertrain 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 revolutionise 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 lineup 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 (seen above  right with Denis Ho, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion).

The following variants of the new Ranger are available at the following prices:
  • Wildtrak –  two variants , from RM134,888.00 (4X4 with the 2.0 bitrurbo 213PS 500Nm & 4x2 2.0 single turbo 180PS 420Nm - both with the 10 speed automatic selectshift)
  • XLT+ –  one variant, from RM124,888.00 (4x4 2.0 single turbo 180PS 420Nm - with the 10 speed automatic selectshift)
  • XLT –  two variants, from RM109,888.00
  • XL – three variants, from RM90,888.00 (Both XLT and XL variants come with the 2.2liter 160PS 385Nm in either 6 speed manual or 6 speed automatic)

The New Ranger will be available in eight colors, including the three new colours - Saber (Wildtrak only), Magnetic and Lightning Blue colours, as well as Cool White, Meteor Grey, Aluminium Metallic, Frozen White and Absolute Black.


In conjunction with the launch, SDAC is offering an early bird offer where 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.

Aside from the above, SDAC 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. T&Cs apply...of course!

 XLT, XL, XL Single Cab
 XL Single Cab

XLT 4X4

The New Ford Ranger Product Brief (more photos also)- 

Engines & Transmissions 

The new Ford Ranger offers a choice of three diesel powertrains to deliver greater versatility and to match consumer demands for a wider variety of requirements. These include 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 uses 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 4x4 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 turbocharging to deliver greater responsiveness, drivability and maximum efficiency. A pair of turbochargers are employed for maximum performance and efficiency. A variable geometry turbocharger is employed 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’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 4x2 and new Ranger XLT+ variants, is also fitted to the new 10-speed automatic transmission to deliver 180PS and an impressive 420Nm of torque.

The XLand XLT variants are equipped with Ford’s proven 2.2L turbodiesel engine, which offers 160PS/385Nm and comes with a six-speed automatic and manual transmission.

Convenience and Safety Features
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 3.6km/h.

The First and only in-class Lane Departure Warning& Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning will carry over to the new Ranger.  Semi-Automatic Parrallel Parking (SAPP) is available on the Wildtrak 4x4. The driver need only to apply the gear changes and brakes, and the system will automatically steer the Ranger into the parking space.

Loading is easier than ever on the Wildtrakand XLT+ models with the introduction of the first and only in-class, Easy Lift Tailgate. With a new internal 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 Facelifted Looks
The new Ranger’s rugged good looks see styling changes that carry on the off-road stance and visual appeal of the current model. Lead by a cleaner new grille, which features the distinctive ‘nostrils’, the more chiseled lower bumper now offers a broader intake for a more balanced look. 

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak and XLT+ boast LED daytime running lights and HID headlights for better visibility. The Wildtrak variants will also come fitted with LED front fog lamps.

There is also more distinction between models visually, with bumper treatments and colours reflecting the unique character of each model – be it a  Ranger XL or a go-anywhere Wildtrak. Chrome brightwork on the Ranger XLT and 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 are distinctive and makes it look different from the other variants.

Interior and equipment
The Ranger is now equipped with keyless entry and push-start buttonon the XLT+ and Wildtrak.

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 spacious Ranger now sports a black themed interior - which is actually a favourite colour theme among Malaysian car buyers. 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.

Improved Suspension 
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.










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