Ford returns with impressive Ranger

Ford has decided to make a statement with this iteration of the Ranger, and perhaps the most obvious design move was to reconfigure the front grille. It now has reverse ‘c’- shaped daytime-running lights with a rectangular fascia that has the Ford emblem in the middle. Around back is an incredibly light tailgate, which can be closed with two fingers and has to be one of the lightest in its class. Also, there are two power outlets in the loading bed. One is a standard 120 volt, which is the same as the ones used in everyone’s home, and a 12-volt socket. It is said that the company conducted thousands of interviews with customers to ensure that they got this model right. This must be one of the reasons they also added a ruler and cup holders to the tailgate.

Interior

The brand has made it clear that they want to go all electric in the coming years, and perhaps this is one of the most impactful changes they have made, by having a 10.1-inch tablet-like centre console. This is governed by Ford’s proprietary system SYNC, which gives access to a host of features. It ushers in a digital frame of mind as everything can be controlled through it, and the interface is smooth, with great transitional graphics, as well as legible font. The same can be said for the 8-inch fully digital dial cluster, which shows responsive RPM and fuel-consumption meters. I am not a big fan of the fuel gas level signals, but we have to change with the time.

Now, Ford is notorious for jampacking their vehicles with buttons, and this new Ranger is no different. For example, the headlight has its own designated switches, which are mounted to the lower dashboard. It gives the driver access to about six lighting options, which ensures optimal visibility.

And perhaps the biggest adjustment is the relocation of the door handle, which is now discreetly tucked away in the handlebar.

Driving Experience

The drive is extremely smooth, and it shows that they have used their experience, in the pickup world, over the years, to create a vehicle that gives a very comfortable ride. Where driver safety is concerned, there is Lane Departure Warning, as well as Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross Traffic Alert, which gives a signal in the side mirrors whenever a vehicle is approaching.

There is also a side light that comes on in whichever direction the steering is turned. This Dynamic Lighting system is extremely convenient when you are going through some dark areas at nights that have many corners. It is also a feature that is found in many higher-end vehicles like Land Rover and Audi.

As for the power, the 2-litre engine sends it on rapidly due to the Bi-Turbo system, which allows the Ranger XLT to churn out 205 horsepower effortlessly. Helping to accomplish this is a 10-speed automatic transmission, which allows the gear shifts to be smooth and fast.

The vehicle feels fully intuitive and might be the best pickup I have ever driven. Everything functions with a certain synergy as if all departments of the company were working hand in hand. It is hard for anyone to drive a pickup like this and not be impressed. So the question will most likely be, “Why should I not buy a Ford Ranger?”

Price of tested model: Ranger XLT Starting At $9.8m, Dynamic Bending

Price Options: Ranger Wildtrak $12.2m

Engine: 2.0L Bi -Turbo, Diesel

Power: 154 kW @ 3,750rpm

Torque: 500 Nm @ 1,750-2,000rpm

Transmission: four wheel drive

Fuel tank: 80 litres

Maximum Braked Towing Capacity: 3500 kg

Gas consumption: 12.9 L/100km

Body Type: pickup

Competition: Mazda BT50, Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Hilux

Vehicle was provided courtesy of Kingston Industrial Garage Ltd, 923-6479, sales@kigjamaica.com