2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
He has his loyal supporters among the pick-up fans in this country too: the Ford Ranger. Now it has been thoroughly revised and now comes to dealerships with only one powerful diesel engine.
By Jürgen Wolff
In the new edition of the Ford Ranger, a joint production with the BT-50 from Mazda, Ford has packed a clear plus in comfort and functionality. Visually, the facelift is first and foremost noticeable because of the higher bonnet, a large radiator grille that dominates the entire front, and new headlights in clear glass optics. The fog lights are integrated into the two-part front bumper, and the pronounced wheel arches underline the powerful look from the side.
One engine - three equipment options
With a high-gloss polished sports bar on the loading platform, chrome-plated entry sills and a rear underrun protection that is also shiny chrome, the "Limited" model ensures a robust, sporty appearance. There's a lot of leather inside. 16-inch alloy wheels fitted with 245 / 70R16 tires round off the sporty look and also improve grip and handling off the road.
The interior has also been redesigned. New seats with a wider back and shoulder area, firmer upholstery and enlarged headrests improve comfort and safety. In the "Limited" version, the middle section of the dashboard is set off in a metallic silver color. Instruments, air nozzles, gear levers, window switches and door handles have chrome applications.
Significantly more power
Off-road information such as the side slope or the angle of incline can now be read off the dashboard for the first time. The new generation of the Ford Ranger is powered by a newly developed and quieter 2.5-liter Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel with four cylinders and modern common rail injection technology. With 105 kW (143 hp), the Euro-4 engine now not only offers significantly more power - it has also increased its economy thanks to reduced fuel consumption. An exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry ensures a beefy torque of 330 Newton meters at 1,800 rpm.
Not entirely unimportant for a pick-up: One tonne payload and three tonnes of permissible trailer load make the Ranger an effective utility and work tool. Thanks to the 60 millimeter higher side walls of the loading area, it has a considerable loading capacity. In order to be able to transport objects as easily, quickly and above all safely as possible, the position of the securing points was changed and a variable fixing frame was installed on the loading area.
Chassis optimized
The chassis has also been optimized again. The front axle got larger-sized wishbones and coil spring bearings. Larger leaf springs and an anti-roll bar are used on the rear axle. New shock absorbers, a revised braking system and larger wheels in combination with all-terrain tires suitable for off-road and road use round off the revised chassis concept.
Off-road, improved ground clearance makes driving easier, even in deep ruts, and enables obstacles to be crossed. The generously designed slope angles at the front and rear allow steep climbs and descents to be negotiated without touching the ground. The all-wheel drive can be switched on and off while driving. The new Ranger will be available from Ford dealerships as a single cabin with two doors and two seats from 23,740 euros. The double cabin costs 3510 euros extra. Otherwise, the equipment list moves in packages: the XLT version costs 6069 euros on top of the basic price, the limited version based on it costs another 2796 euros.
