The facelifted Ford Ranger will be making its European debut next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Shown in the attractive top-spec Wildtrak trim, the 2015 Ford Ranger reveals a bold new design, cutting-edge technologies and improved fuel efficiency ahead of the model’s sales introduction in late 2015.
Overview
Since going on sale in late 2011, the third generation Ford Ranger has greatly increased Ford’s pickup market share in Europe. In the UK, 4,659 Rangers were sold in the first eight months of 2015 – a 36.5 per cent increase for the same period last year.
With new models arriving in the next couple of years, Ford has taken the decision to ‘spruce up’ its offering by integrating the distinctive hexagonal grille into the Ranger. The new model also boasts updated engine and will also host new technologies and safety systems.
“The stunning new Wildtrak is the pinnacle of the line-up”, said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe.
“The new Ford Ranger provides customers with an unbeatable combination of four-wheel drive capability, stand-out styling and premium features like SYNC 2 connectivity. The Ranger is ready for any challenge – offering optimised fuel efficiency, towing and payload capacity, and class-leading wading capability”.
The 2015 Revision
The new and more efficient powertrain range offers outstanding fuel economy, which is enhanced by Auto-Start-Stop technology, new final drive ratio options and the introduction of Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS). All amount to fuel saving of up to 17 percent.
Making its debut in the Ranger is the 158bhp variant of Ford’s veteran 2.2-litre TDCi engine, in addition to the existing 123bhp and 148bhp engines and the powerful 198bhp five-cylinder 3.2-litre TDCi unit.
Considering its impressive output, the new 158bhp engine isn’t too bad on fuel either. It achieves 43.5mpg on the combined cycle and 171g/km CO2 emissions for reduced running costs.
New technology
A host of cutting edge technologies are available on the new Ranger to help drivers stay connected and in control, including Ford’s voice-activated SYNC 2 connectivity system, which features an eight-inch touchscreen with colour-coded corners for easy menu navigation.
An array of driver assistance technologies deliver greater comfort and convenience, including Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, Rear View Camera, and a standard Electronic Stability Control system with rollover mitigation and trailer sway control.
Parkers Vans will be on hand at the Frankfurt Motor Show to bring you all the latest new on pickups. The Ford Ranger isn’t the only pickup due to be unveiled there; Nissan will be showcasing the new Nissan NP300 Navara and Renault may be bringing along their Renault Alaskan pickup concept.
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