Ford goes after number one

Ford Ranger

The fight to be South Africa’s number one bakkie supplier is well and truly on and it is Ford that is bringing the heat to the Toyota kitchen. Ford outsold Toyota’s long time market leading Hilux with their Ranger in South Africa in November last year.

And this year has started off on the same positive note with Ford selling more Rangers direct to customers through their dealer network in February compared to the Hilux that enjoys the benefit of a larger portion of government and rental sales.

So spin it anyway you want, Ford is on a charge with their Ranger, and to add further momentum to this drive, Ford has just unveiled their new improved Ranger at the Bangkok International Motor Show and Citizen Motoring was right there to cover this story.

“The new Ford Ranger brings a new level of comfort and refinement to its segment without compromising on the rugged capability that our customers demand,” said Brett Wheatley, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford Asia Pacific. “It represents a smarter kind of tough, and will help our customers to achieve more, whether at work or with their families.”

“When we set out to improve upon the Ford Ranger, we knew we had our work cut out for us: The current Ranger is one of the toughest, most capable trucks out there,” said Richard Tilley, vehicle line director, Ford Asia Pacific. “But thanks to our proud truck heritage and global expertise in the utility segment, we’ve made what was great even better, with a bold new look, improved efficiency and a new level of refinement.”

The new Ford Ranger. Picture: Supplied

That all said I have to agree, right off the bat the new Ranger looks the part featuring a bold, more modern look that makes a statement on the road, and immediately conveys a sense of rugged toughness and capability.

Backing this statement up is the fact that the new Ranger features a class-leading ability to wade through water up to 800mm deep, and with 230mm of ground clearance, it is designed and engineered to handle the most extreme terrains with ease thanks to a 28-degree approach angle and 25-degree departure angle.

A robust electronically controlled transfer case allows drivers in 4×4 models to shift on the fly from 4×2 to 4×4 high with a knob on the centre console. For low-speed torque or additional downhill braking, you can also engage low-range 4×4, while an electronic locking rear differential further assists to improve traction in difficult conditions. These off-road strengths are matched by towing capability of up to 3500kg and exceptional payload capacity and a fine-tuned suspension for additional comfort and even better handling when on the go.

The driving experience is said to be further enhanced by an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, which is again said to provide precise steering with a natural and confident feel. The benefits of EPAS is that the steering will be light and manageable at low-speed manoeuvring, such as parking, and then more precise and weighted at higher speeds, while also resulting in a quieter more fuel efficient vehicle.

The engine and six-speed auto and six-speed manual gearbox choices will remain the same as the current model line-up and this means you still get the powerful 3.2-litre Duratorq five-cylinder 147kW / 470Nm TDCi diesel engine but now with a claimed fuel efficiency of up to 18-percent.

The 2.2-litre Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi diesel engine, that now also delivers significantly improved fuel efficiency and refinement and produces 118kW of power and 385Nm of torque or 96 kW in high efficiency models are still there, as is Ford’s dependable 2.5-litre122kW / 225Nm Duratec petrol engine.

The new Ford Ranger. Picture: Supplied

Maximising the efficiency of its engines, the new Ranger is available with Automatic Start/Stop Technology, which saves fuel by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is idling, and this is said to improve fuel economy by up to 3.5-percent along with a longer final drive ratio that further boosts fuel economy at highway speeds.

There is also an array of driver assist technologies that help to make your drive more convenient and are not found in any of the competition like Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid that work together to help to prevent you from unintentionally drifting out of a lane when driving at high speeds.

You also get Adaptive Cruise Control makes use of radar sensors to maintain both a preset speed as well as a preset distance from the vehicle ahead and an adjustable speed limiter helps you avoid unintentionally exceeding their selected speed

Forward Alert works with Adaptive Cruise Control to give you a visual and audible warning when the gap to a vehicle ahead drops below a safe distance along with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System that alerts you when the tyre pressure is too low, and a Electronic Stability Program with rollover mitigation and trailer sway control helps to keep the vehicle under control.

Front and Rear Park Assist uses sensors to detect obstacles and provide audible warnings when the vehicle approaches obstructions at low speeds, such as when parking. A rear-view camera gives a clear view behind the vehicle, giving greater confidence when parking and hitching up a trailer

Driver Impairment Monitor uses the forward-facing camera and on-board sensors to detect if you are drowsy. If it notices signs such as drifting off course and sudden corrective steering inputs, the system warns you with gradually louder signals

Other smart technologies on the new Ranger include Hill Launch Assist, to help you confidently start off from a slope, whether in forward or reverse; Hill Descent Control, which uses the traction control system to help you descend steep slopes at a constant speed; Adaptive Load Control, which adjusts the Electronic Stability Control system based on vehicle load; and Emergency Brake Assistance, which provides additional pressure to the brake system to increase braking force when you apply the brakes quickly in an emergency situation to wrap up a comprehensive package that leaves the competition playing catch up.

Moving inside the Ranger, the deliberate move to an even more car like luxurious experience once again puts the new Ranger ahead of the competition. The vehicle is fitted with advanced sound-deadening materials and improved insulation for one of the quietest and most comfortable cabin interiors in its class.

And this has been combined with a stylish new interior that features the likes of a new dual-TFT instrument cluster that provides you with information about the vehicle, as well as entertainment and climate control details at a glance.

The new Ford Ranger. Picture: Supplied

You also get a host of cutting edge technology to keep you connected and in control with SYNC 2, the latest generation of Ford’s in-car connectivity system. Using natural voice commands you can control the car’s climate controls and entertainment system more easily than ever before. An eight-inch touchscreen places more controls at your fingertips, with colour-coded corners for easy menu navigation.

The bottom line is that this new Ford offers a class leading and advanced technical package with a luxurious car like interior and family comfort without compromising on the off-road toughness and ruggedness you have come to expect from Ranger and it will be here before the end of the year.

Ford Everest

Also show at the Bangkok International Motor Show was the all new Ford Everest and here is an SUV that must be taken more seriously when it comes to market also before the end of this year.

The all new Ford Everest comes back with a bold new design, advanced technology, stunning claimed off-road and on-road capability, and a refined, premium interior for up to seven passengers and will be available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variants.

The all new Ford Everest was designed from the ground up with the durability to take on the most inhospitable environments. One of the toughest SUVs in its segment, the Everest has a true body-on-frame design, assuring the torsional strength required for challenging terrains. Together with an intelligent four-wheel drive system, an active transfer case with Torque on Demand, Terrain Management System, and best-in-class ground clearance of 225mm and water-wading capability of 800mm, the Everest helps you navigate difficult terrain with ease.

For ultimate capability, the advanced, first-in-class Terrain Management System gives you four preset settings – Normal, Snow/Gravel/Grass, Sand and Rock– that alter the vehicle’s throttle response, transmission, intelligent four-wheel drive system and traction control to confidently tackle any situation. For extreme off-road environments, you can manually lock the transfer case in low-range four-wheel drive mode for increased control.

These impressive off-road credentials are paired to a new level of ride quality and dynamic handling beyond what you have come to expect in a rugged SUV. Thanks to its coil spring front and rear suspension and a Watt’s linkage on the rear axle, the Ford Everest is said to provide a comfortable, stable ride with agile and predictable handling on the road.

SYNC 2 is found in the Everest as well and the and the entertainment system features a first-in-class 10-speaker sound system with an integrated subwoofer, providing accurate and precise sound reproduction and deep, rich bass.

The new Ford Everest. Picture: Supplied

Other segment-first technologies in the Everest include Curve Control, designed to help you maintain control when approaching turns too quickly, and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert, which informs you when there is a vehicle in your blind spot while driving or when preparing to reverse out of parking spots.

The vehicle also offers other advanced features, including Roll Stability Control and an Electronic Stability Program that works with traction control to help you stay in control. To reduce parking anxiety, Active Park Assist enables you to parallel park hands-free, requiring only accelerating, shifting and braking from you – another first in segment.

The capabilities of the all new Ford Everest are made possible by the same 3.2-litre and 2.2-litre diesel engines mated to durable and efficient six-speed automatic or manual transmissions. Obviously subject to confirmation closer to local launch this year.

The bold exterior is paired with a modern interior that makes use of refined materials and emphasises horizontal lines to create a comfortable, harmonious environment for up to seven adult occupants. Interior features balance ride comfort with ultimate practicality, including a dual-panel moon roof, a first-in-class powered liftgate, more than 30 cleverly designed stowage spaces, multiple power outlets and flexible seating and cargo arrangements – including fold-flat second- and first-in-class power-fold third-row seating – to achieve a perfect balance between passenger demands and packing efficiency.

The all new Everest is a massive improvement over the old Everest in terms of styling, technology and comfort features and just like the Ranger, it is going to be right at the top of its game and you will do well to check it out before making your mind up on anything else.