99 / 116
E L E C T R I C A L CO N N E C T I O N
S UMM E R 2 0 16
9 9
Having closed its Australian manufacturing operations on October
7, Ford has begun a new era in which it is now heavily reliant on
the locally developed but fully imported Ranger one-tonne ute – a
model that now accounts for about half of the company’s sales
volume here.
You can hardly blame the Blue Oval for banking heavily on a
vehicle that Australian buyers have clearly welcomed – Ranger is
now closing in on the previously dominant Toyota HiLux at the top of
the sales charts, particularly in the 4x4 class – and Ford has moved
to bolster its position with a significant 2017 model year update.
Advanced technology is at the heart of the latest upgrade, which
is headlined by the introduction of the new-generation Sync3
infotainment system on high-end XLT and Wildtrak models.
Sync3 brings improved performance, more ‘conversational’
voice recognition, an intuitive smart phone-like 8.0” touch screen
(enabling ‘pinch and swipe’ capability, for example), improved
graphic user interface over the previous Sync2 system and, not
least of all, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity which
includes the ability to access Apple Siri and Google Now.
Wildtrak also now offers a broad range of driver-assist
safety technology as standard equipment, including adaptive
cruise control with forward collision alert, driver fatigue
detection, automatic high beam control, lane keep assist and
lane departure warning.
At the lower end, a rear-view camera and reverse parking
sensors become standard across most of the range – the
exceptions being XL Plus and cab chassis variants – while the
4x4 XL Super Cab Chassis 3.2L variant is now available with an
automatic transmission (six-speed) for the first time.
The latter model, which uses a 147kW/470Nm 3.2L
five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, was previously only available with
a six-speed manual gearbox.
The XLT, which combined with Wildtrak now accounts for almost
two-thirds of all Ranger sales, also now has striking black fog lamp
bezels and adds front parking sensors to its comprehensive list of
standard equipment, while XLS picks up a second key fob.
Rounding out the changes are tweaks to the exterior colour
palette (new shades of black and grey) and a minor powertrain
upgrade to meet the new Euro 5 emissions standard that applies
fromNovember 1 in Australia.
As well as the 3.2 five-pot diesel, Ranger is powered by a
118kW/385Nm 2.2L four-cylinder diesel – also with the choice of
six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
As well as the two diesel engines and transmissions, the
comprehensive range spans single, extended and double cab
bodies, pick-up and cab chassis rear ends, 4x2 and 4x4 drivelines
and various model grades including XL, XL Plus, XLS, XLT and
Wildtrak. Hi-Rider variants are also offered on 4x2 XL and XLT.
Ford
www.ford.com.auFord Ranger
RANGER SPECIAL EDITION
Just as Holden was launching its huge upgrade for Colorado,
Ford weighed in with a Ranger 4x4 XLS Special Edition that
is said to include $4900 worth of factory accessories for an
additional $2500 over the regular 3.2L five-cylinder diesel-
powered double cab on which it is based.
Priced from $49,990 drive-away with a six-speed manual
gearbox, or $52,190 d/a with a six-speed auto, the Special
Edition is based on the MY17 series and includes a sports bar,
tow bar, side steps and bed and tailgate liners