The new Ford Ranger has arrived in the UK, with prices starting from £47,220 including VAT. The new Ranger is the fourth generation of the American pick-up to go on sale over here, and the badge has managed to secure a 40-per cent market share in recent years.
The success of the Ranger has been helped by rivals including Mitsubishi, Nissan and Volkswagen leaving the market, although a second-generation VW Amarok will return in 2023, sharing plenty of parts with this Ranger. The Ford is available now, though, with the choice of two powertrains, and a four-cylinder 2.3-litre petrol Ecoboost unit set to join later.
For the time being, customers can choose between the entry-level 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel four-cylinder with 202bhp and 500Nm of torque, and a 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 237bhp and 600Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels. A five or six-speed manual gearbox will be available on lower-spec models in the future.
Both the current Ranger models can only be had in Wildtrak trim, with the double-cab bodystyle. The more expensive V6 model starts from £48,900, including VAT. The V6 can achieve 27.4mpg on a combined cycle, whereas the 2.0-litre is more fuel efficient, offering 32.4mpg.
The new Ranger is 50mm wider than the old model, and Ford has not only re-engineered the Ranger’s suspension (placing the dampers beyond the frame of the vehicle for better ride comfort and performance) but also increased the capacity of the load bed to accommodate pallets and other materials more easily.
Practicality has been at the heart of this new truck’s development, according to the brand, and as a result, the new Ranger’s rear bumper now also incorporates side steps to help with access to the load bed.
Optional extras for the Wildtrak include a powered roller shutter for the bed, a manual roll top, a powered towing pack, 20-inch wheels (18-inchers come as standard) and a ‘Tehcnology Package’, adding various safety features such as lane-change assist, reverse parking aid, speed sign recognition and blind-spot monitoring.
In terms of design, the Ranger features a completely new look similar to the American-market Ford F150 pick-up, with distinctive daytime running lights and optional LED headlights. The tailgate features the ‘Ranger’ stamped across it, unlike the sticker found on the outgoing model.
Inside, the Ranger gets a redesigned dash with new materials; automatic models will feature a cut-down e-shifter’ gear selector with an electronic parking brake. It also features the latest SYNC4 infotainment system displayed on either a 10 or 12-inch portrait touchscreen (the larger screen is standard on Wildtrak models). Wildtrak versions also get partial leather seats with orange stitching and Wildtrak logos.
There’s also a fully digital instrument cluster with customisable views – everything from information on navigation to the pitch angle of the vehicle – as well as the six new driving modes (similar to those found in the current Ranger Raptor) that are programmed into the touchscreen. For safer off-roading and easier parking, the Ranger will also get a 360-degree camera.
Pricing for further models can be expected towards the end of the year, with first deliveries of the new Ranger expected in early 2023.
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