Tough Ranger

MANILA, Philippines — Here’s a little backgrounder on the all-new Ranger: Prototypes of this pickup were tested in 15 countries around the world, from the Australian Outback to the German autobahn. The model was subject to severe heat and cold, as well as the worst roads imaginable. This truck had to pass every test because it will be sold in 180 markets. You could say that the Ranger is probably the most “global” in the entire Ford lineup. Throughout the course of its creation, there were some cool developments:

The all-new Ranger is now much bigger than its predecessor, but is no less maneuverable. It can also wade through 800mm of water, even when loaded to capacity with passengers and cargo. Its beltline has also been raised, and this makes the cargo area much deeper. Ride height is now 237mm. Combine this towering ground clearance with short front and rear overhangs, and the Ranger is ready for any sort of off-road challenge.

Comfort is optimized of course, thanks to the new hydro mounts between the cabin and chassis. While on the subject of the chassis, major driveline components are tucked into the frame rails to prevent damage during off-road excursions. This is good thinking in the part of the engineers. For those who will use this pickup as a heavy-duty hauler, payload capacity is actually more than 1,400kg. That’s pretty impressive.

The biggest engine is the new Duratorq TDCi 3.2L with a variable-geometry turbo. It generates 200PS and a whopping 470Nm of torque. The smaller Duratorq TDCi 2.2L variable-geometry turbo engine offers 150PS and 375Nm of torque — still quite considerable for an engine of smaller displacement. We hope both options will be readily available.

We were able to drive the all-new Ford Ranger a few months ago, but during that time its specifications for the Philippine market have not yet been finalized. This anticipated pickup will be launched next week during the Manila International Motor Show (I’m sure some have seen the huge billboard on C5), and we hope that all of the clever innovations that are available abroad will find their way here. I know, I guess you can say that we are being a bit spoiled, but the nevertheless, it would be great to sample these cool features. 

We’d like to see tech like the electronic locking rear differential; traction control system; hill-descent control and hill-launch assist; adaptive load control that optimizes stability when the cargo area is fully loaded; and the roll-over mitigation system that helps prevent a situation where the Ranger will end up on its side. And who wouldn’t want an 80-liter fuel tank?

One of the best things about the all-new Ranger is its cabin. It has been designed from the ground up, and it looks great, very much like what’s found in its Fiesta sibling. Surprisingly, the look works very well in a large pickup such as this. But there’s more than just appearances. Ford’s designers also addressed the shortcomings inherent in the design of pickup, the most annoying of which is the lack of storage areas within the cabin. 

That won’t be the case if the Philippine-spec Ranger will be fitted with all 20 stowage areas, with pockets on each door; a large console bin with upper and lower receptacles; driver-side storage areas; and under-seat storage trays. We’re certain that the passenger glovebox, that can also fit a 16-inch laptop computer, will be a hit, though. 

Whatever the spec package that becomes available, the Ranger already has a very huge following. We can’t wait to drive one on local roads, because once it arrives, the pickup wars are bound to heat up.