Ford UK has confirmed the next generation of its pick-up truck, the Ranger. will be unveiled in 2015. The next 18 months is set to be a busy one for the pickup market, with the 2015 Mitsubishi L200, 2016 Toyota Hilux, 2016 Nissan Navara, and new pickups from Renault and Fiat Professional set for release.
There has previously been speculation the new model would appear at the UK Commercial Vehicle (CV) Show in April, but Ford has now confirmed that is not the case. Sources inside the company hint the Ford Ranger’s first appearance will be at Germany’s IAA Show in September.
The Ranger is expected to retain its 2.2 and 3.2-litre diesel engines from the previous generation, although this is likely to change from 2016. The veteran 2.2-litre diesel, which has been powering the Ford Transit since 2006 and the Ranger since 2011, is anticipated to retire after Euro-5 to pave the way for the Dunton-engineered, 2-litre ‘Panther’ engine.
Front end styling is expected to replicate the Ford Everest (on sale in Australia), with which the Ranger shares the production line. Since the unveil of the Everest occurred earlier in the year, it’s likely the Ford Ranger will look very similar particularly at the front.
The styling will be more in-line with the Transit range, adopting the distinctive hexagonal grille and the ‘smile’ integrated into the bumper.
Keep checking with Parkers Vans for all the latest news or click here to read the full review of the current generation Ford Ranger.
