Ford Australia has made a series of running changes to its Ranger utility in a bid to keep its top-selling model front of mind for customers as it continues to close in on the market-leading Toyota HiLux.

The Blue Oval brand says that customer and dealer feedback have led to several new features and upgrades for the Australian-developed MY2017 PX Mark II Ranger, including fully reworked front and rear seats on top-spec Wildtrak variants that aim to better resist staining and soiling and improve comfort.

There is no change to pricing with the new seats, which now carry less piping and have a shorter front cushion overhang, while a new $1,650 black leather-accented trim option also becomes available on all Ranger 4×2 and 4×4 XLT dual cab variants, covering front and rear seats and door trim inserts.

Among other minor changes, an external temperature display (and outside temperature monitor) with frost/ice warning is now fitted standard on all models bar the XL Plus – it was previously only available on XLT and Wildtrak – and redesigned cup holders that better hold drink containers of various sizes in place are now fitted across the range.

XLS models have also had the outer tie-down hooks removed for a ‘sleeker’ appearance.