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Ford has updated its Ranger pickup with a new diesel engine and more high-tech safety aids.
The primary engine for the Ranger will now be Ford's new 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, which comes with AdBlue injection to keep its emissions of harmful NOx down under the latest EU regulations.
Combine the new engine with the new ten-speed automatic gearbox (shared with the Mustang coupe) and Ford claims you can see a nine per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model - and that's despite the new engine having more power and torque - 213hp and 500Nm for the top-spec BiTurbo model - than the old 3.2-litre engine.
The Ranger will also now be available with more safety technology (and the old Ranger was one of the highest-scoring commercial vehicles on the EuroNCAP crash test). A forward-facing autonomous emergency braking system, called Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and Intelligent Speed Assist, will now be standard on all Rangers. Active parking assistance will also be available.
"The new Ford Ranger provides customers with an unbeatable combination of pulling power, fuel-efficiency and smart driver-assistance technology, and our cutting-edge EcoBlue engine equipped with the latest SCR technology exceeds the new stringent emissions regulations," said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. "Our new Ford Ranger Raptor will ramp up the excitement even further when the thoroughbred desert racer and extreme lifestyle off-roader goes on sale for true enthusiast off-roaders at the same time.
On top of all that, Double Cab versions (Regular Cab and Super Cab models are also available) will get active noise cancelling for better refinement, while there will still be range-topping Wildcat and Limited models for greater sportiness or luxury, depending on what you fancy.
In spite of a greater emphasis on on-road refinement, the Ranger is still a very serious off-roader, capable of wading through 800mm of water, thanks to ground clearance of 230mm. It can tackle a 29-degree approach slope and a 21-degree departure slope, has a maximum payload weight of 1,252kg and can tow as much as 3,500kg.
Aside from the 213hp range-topper, the EcoBlue engine will also come in 130hp, 340Nm of torque and 170hp, 420Nm of torque forms, and its CO2 emissions start from 209g/km.
Ford's high-tech infotainment system, SYNC3, will be available as will full internet connectivity through the Ford Connect app, which allows the driver to remotely monitor items such as oil level, tyre pressures and mileage before setting off, as well as remotely locking and unlocking the car, and tracking it down in a crowded car park. The vehicle can also create its own wifi hotspot - handy when you're working out and about.
There are some minor styling changes too, including a new grille and new front bumper, plus some new paint and interior trim options. Later this year Ford will launch the sporty Ranger Raptor, which will use the 213hp BiTurbo engine and comes with a dramatic bodykit, heavy-duty suspension, and massive off-road wheels and tyres.