The new generation has landed in New Zealand, and FleetTalk.co.nz was the first media outlet to take a look.
Three pre-production units, a Wildtrack, and XLT with the new V6 turbo-diesel, and a Sport model have arrived, and are on-show from today at the Hutchwilco Boat Show.
The Wildtrak and XLT will be on display at the Ford Stand EX26 while the Sport will be on display with the team from NZ Fishing News Media in Hall #1, stand 177.
The Ranger’s new Power Stroke 3.0-litre V6 diesel, which will feature in the Sport and Wildtrak, is set to produce 184kW of power and 600Nm of torque. A healthy step up from the former flagship bi-turbo 2.0-litre’s 157kW/500Nm.
Ford has also confirmed the power outputs for its other engines; the revised bi-turbo 2.0-litre and the entry-level single-turbo 2.0-litre.
Interestingly, in spite of the 100Nm bump in torque, the Ranger’s towing rating hasn’t changed. Even with the 600Nm 3.0-litre selected, most models are still rated to tow 3500kg braked. The Raptor is the exception, being rated to tow 2500kg braked.
The entry-level XL comes with either the single- or bi-turbo 2.0-litre; the former only available with two-wheel drive models and the latter only available with four-wheel drive models. It will be sold in single cab chassis, super cab chassis, double cab chassis, super cab pick-up, and double cab pick-up formats.
Standard kit in the XL includes halogen headlamps with LED day-time running lights, drum rear brakes, climate control, 10.1-inch touchscreen with Sync 4A, an 8-inch digital cluster, nine airbags, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and more.
The XLT adds features like disc brakes all round, an electronic parking brake, body coloured wing mirrors and door handles, side steps, a power-locking tailgate, dual-zone climate control, Sync 4.0 Hi with satnav, a six-speaker sound system, rain-sensing wipers, and more.
The Sport, which is relatively close to the XLT on detailed specs, adds in wireless phone charging, the 3.0-litre 600Nm engine, a power driver seat, and numerous aesthetic changes.
Finally the Wildtrak gets all-terrain tyres, puddle lamps, sports hoop, power roller shutter, ambient lighting, USB ports for second-row passengers, a 12-inch touchscreen, power passenger seat, 360-degree camera, parking assist, heated seats, and more.
So what is it like? In the flesh, impressive. Despite being in-part based on the old model, the updated vehicle looks all-new, with the bold front and rear-ends big standouts.
The tray is particularly smart. The Wildtrack has a hard lid that opens at the touch of a button. It is capable of carrying a payload of just under a tonne, including a full Euro pallet between the arches. There are great touches like a power point, insert points for dividers, a range of tie down points including sliding mounts, capped bed sides for protection, load bearing side rails and even mounting points in the bed edges.
Inside, the new soft finishes make it feel far more premium. It feels roomier, and the seats allow a lower driving position – better for larger drivers. There are great touches like both USB A and C power, new controls for the permanent four-wheel drive system, a new shifter, rear seat air vents and new storage spaces.
The huge LCD is responsive and functional, and adds features like the ability to monitor the four-wheel drive system and take notes. It does drive the climate controls a little further from the driver’s reach, but it is not unworkable.
Overall the interior is a big step up in comfort and quality – even in these early build models.
Actual production vehicles still appear to be one to two months away, with order books building up already.
