2015 Ford Ranger Offers Driver Assist Technologies Not Found in Hilux
The significantly freshened PX Ranger MkII will have a higher maximum payload and 10 more advanced technologies with the unsurpassed capability to tow 3.5 tonnes#
PX Ranger MkII has drawn comparisons to luxury cars with a suite of safety and driver assist technologies available that includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert, Driver Impairment Monitor, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist.
Leading the growing trend of customers using trucks for work and play, top-of-the-line Ranger 4x4 models are driving another record year in 2015 with sales up 10 per cent as HiLux 4x4 sales have fallen.
MELBOURNE, 12 Jun., 2015 – The 2015 Ranger will offer more technology and capability than the current Hilux when it hits the market in September, building on another record sales year that is helping close the gap to the Toyota pick-up even further.
Ford Ranger sales continue to go from strength to strength, having increased five percent in 2015 as HiLux sales have dropped. The growth has been fueled by 4x4 models that have increased 10 per cent this year as Ford has been ahead of the curve attracting an increasing number of customers who buy light trucks for both work and personal use.
For example, the Ranger Wildtrak Double Cab models continue to have a strong share of overall Ranger sales with a 2015 share currently of 8.5 per cent. Last year Wildtrak sales jumped a massive 131 per cent to almost 2,500 units.
Ranger was the fifth highest-selling overall nameplate in Australia in May, up from 10th in May 2013. Ford also has posted its record segment share; of 16.4 per cent in 2015, up from 15.9 percent in 2014 and 12.6 per cent in 2013.
For 2015, the PX Ranger MkII continues to tough, capable and smart with unsurpassed towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg and ability to wade at depths up to 800 mm^. The Ford Ranger MkII will also have a higher maximum payload than the current Hilux.
Visually, the Ranger MkII has been refreshed on the outside and gained a new interior and improved creature comforts on the inside.
With technology like SYNC (SYNC2 on high-series models), Emergency Assistance, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert, Land Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Impairment Monitor, Wi-Fi hotspot, Tyre Pressure Monitoring and Trailer Sway Control available, the Ranger MkII is a leader in the Light Truck pack and can deliver 10 features not found in the current Toyota Hilux.
“The new technologies and safety enhancements available in the 2015 range will continue to cement the Ranger’s reputation as one of the most technologically advanced and capable light trucks in Australia,” according to Graeme Whickman, Ford President and CEO.
“Ranger continues to win friends and customers across the country, from urban trade’s people looking for a smart workhorse during the week, to rural folks who require a robust, stylish and capable light truck,” Whickman says. “As well, the Ranger is a stylish weekend companion for recreational pursuits.
“You can buy a best-seller or cheaper alternative but nothing as good as the Ford Ranger.”
Ranger MkII tech talk
Significant for the PX Ranger MkII range has been the development of a suite of driver assist technologies that are not currently available in the Toyota HiLux and do not even feature in some $60,000 luxury passenger cars.
Among these features available within the PX Ranger MkII range are: Adaptive Cruise Control + Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, Emergency Assistance, SYNC connectivity, WiFi hotspot, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Sway Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, cooled centre console, Dual Zone Climate Control, heated front seats.
Emergency Assistance, available across the range, is designed to deliver critical information directly to 000 operators, indicating that a Ford vehicle has been involved in an accident advising the vehicle’s GPS location before opening the line for hands-free communication with the vehicle occupants.
Emergency Assistance uses the driver’s own paired mobile phone via Bluetooth®* and runs in the background once the phone is properly paired with SYNC2 and is within mobile phone range.
Importantly for customers, SYNC2 with Emergency Assistance has no additional contracts or subscriptions to maintain the service. It’s free for the life of the car.
Among other smart technologies available within the refreshed Ranger range are Hill Launch Assist, to help the driver confidently start off from a slope, whether in forward or reverse; Hill Descent Control, which uses the traction control system to help the driver descend steep slopes at a constant speed; Adaptive Load Control, which adjusts the Dynamic Stability Control system based on vehicle load; and Emergency Brake Assistance, which provides additional pressure to the brake system to increase braking force when the brakes are applied quickly in an emergency situation.
Looking Tough, Smart
Apart from improved features and content, visually, the acclaimed Ranger design has been improved for 2015 with a bold new grille and headlight treatment, including the Ford signature trapezoidal grille.
For 2015, the key exterior design features include:
- New front grille with trapezoidal design
- New headlamps which are mounted high up out of harm’s way and shaped to flow into the front mudguard and the bush guard on the lower part of the bumper design
- Recessed driving lamps
- New wheel designs
- Cargo light (Pick-up only) – mounted on the sports bar, this light enables the customer to view items in the load box in low light condition
The Ranger MkII continues to offer customers a choice of two efficient powertrains; the latest-generation of Ford’s proven and refined 3.2-litre TDCi engine that delivers a robust 147 kW and 470 Nm for excellent towing performance; or a frugal, practical workhorse 2.2-litre TDCi engine that delivers 118 kW and 385 Nm. Both engines are available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
The range-topping Ranger Wildtrak will be available with DAB radio, Reverse Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert, Driver Impairment Monitor, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, making it one of the most advanced light trucks available in Australia. DAB radio will also be standard on XLT models. XLT customers will also be able to option the driver assistance features as part of an optional Tech Pack.
Customers will be able to choose from the range entry 4x2 Single Cab Chassis 2.2-litre TDCi, right through to the range-topping 4x4 Wildtrak Double Cab Pick-up 3.2-litre TDCi. The 2015 model range continues with XL, XL Plus, XLS, XLT and Wildtrak.
Australia’s Product Development and Broadmeadows-based Design Centre took the lead in the design and development of the refreshed 2015 PX Ranger MkII, as well as the original PX Ranger. The acclaimed Ranger is now sold in more than 180 countries.
Ford in Australia is investing more than any other car company in Australia – more than $300 million in 2015 on top of almost $2 billion over the past six years, to ensure its world-class design and development facilities continue to play a lead role in Ford globally.
Interior Update
The interior of the PX Ranger MkII has been further enhanced to deliver a car-like environment that is more innovative and functional. The PX Ranger MkII features a strong horizontal dash design that incorporates a new instrument cluster and centre panel with a clear distinction between models. Buyers will also appreciate new soft-touch materials.
The broad aspect of the new ‘beam’ style dash design lends a fresh new feel to the interior while retaining and enhancing the latest in-car integrated technology that sets Ranger apart from its competition.
A lot of development work has also been put into making the Ranger interior quieter with improved levels of noise, vibration and harshness.
In the Wildtrak, orange is used as a strong accent colour to add a sense of sportiness to a strikingly modern and car-like interior. The ‘beam’ spanning from driver to passenger door emphasises the cabin’s width and houses a dual-TFT instrument cluster, a high-resolution 8-inch touchscreen and air conditioning registers.
Off-road Capability
As with any Ford Ranger, the refreshed range is engineered and built to take on the world. With an unsurpassed water wading ability of up to 800 mm deep^, and with 230 mm of ground clearance, the refreshed Ranger can handle the most extreme terrains with ease.
A robust electronically controlled transfer case allows drivers in 4x4 models to shift on the fly from 4x2 to 4x4 high with a knob on the centre console.
For low-speed torque or additional downhill braking, drivers can also engage low-range 4x4 gearing, while an electronic locking rear differential helps to improve traction in difficult conditions. These off-road strengths are matched by towing capability of up to 3,500 kg# and exceptional payload capacity.
Impressive off-road credentials are matched with on-road manners that improve on the current Ranger – which already sets the standard in its class – thanks to fine-tuned suspension for additional comfort and even better handling.
The driving experience is further enhanced by an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, which provides precise steering with a natural and confident feel. With EPAS, steering is light and manageable for low-speed maneuvering, such as parking, and precise at higher speeds – with assistance varying as necessary based on speed, steering wheel angle, cornering forces and acceleration or deceleration.
By eliminating the power steering pump used in a traditional power-steering system, EPAS also results in a quieter vehicle and improves fuel efficiency by about 3 per cent.
With the 3.2-litre TDCi engine putting out 147 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque for excellent towing performance, this engine features upgrades including an updated exhaust gas recirculation system. In the range-topping Wildtrak, customers can choose between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, carefully calibrated to maximise performance, refinement and efficiency.
NEW FEATURES
The PX Ranger MkII range comes with a wealth of new standard features, the most notable of which include:
- SYNC2 with a high-resolution 8-inch touchscreen (XLT and Wildtrak)
- Navigation with Traffic Management Channel (XLT and Wildtrak)
- Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
- Adjustable Speed Limiter
- Cable shift manual transmission
- Auto Stop/Start on manual transmission (4x2 Hi-Rider and 4x4 models)
- 230V Inverter (Double and Super Cab models)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Projector headlamps (XLT and Wildtrak)
- Rear box illumination (when Sports Bar equipped)
- Dual colour 4.2” instrumentation screens (XLT and Wildtrak)
Additionally, the following high-tech features are available as part of the Tech Pack Option on XLT and Wildtrak:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keep Assist
- Driver Impairment Monitor
- Reverse camera (standard on Wildtrak)
PRODUCT RANGE
The PX Ranger MkII will continue to offer a broad range of variants to cover all manner of customer requirements:
Drivetrains
The PX Ranger MkII will continue to be available with a choice of two highly efficient turbo diesel engines, coupled with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission:
FORD PX RANGER MkII FEATURES
ENGINES & TRANSMISSION
2.2-litre turbo diesel engine delivering:
Power: 118 kW @ 3,200 rpm
Torque: 385 Nm @ 1,600-2,500 rpm
6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission with sports shift mode standard
3.2-litre turbo diesel engine delivering:
Power: 147 kW @ 3,000 rpm
Torque: 470 Nm @ 1,750-2,500 rpm
6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission with sports shift mode standard
Ranger XL
Exterior:
16-inch steel wheels
Seating:
Bucket seats
4-way manual driver’s seat adjustment with lumbar support
Instrumentation and controls:
Auto headlamps
Comfort and Convenience:
Air conditioning – manual single zone
Floor coverings – vinyl
Power windows
Day/night inside rear view mirror
230 V inverter (Double and Super Cab)
Audio:
Bluetooth® with voice control
AM/FM stereo radio
Single MP3 compatible CD player
AUX/USB/iPod integration
4.2” colour multi-function display
SYNC™1
Safety, Security and Driver Assistance:
Locking rear differential (4x2 Hi-Rider and 4x4 models)
Alarm with perimeter, interior motion and vehicle movement sensors
Cruise control with steering wheel mounted buttons
Adjustable Speed Limiter
Exterior Body and Box Elements:
Inner and outer tie downs (Pick-up)
Load rest (Pick-up)
Ranger XL Plus – XL features plus:
Exterior:
17-inch steel wheels with all-terrain tyres
Daytime running lamps
Plastic side steps
Instrumentation and controls:
Expanded wiring harness with 4-switch auxiliary bezel
Second battery
Audio:
3.5” ice blue multi-function display
Ranger XLS – XL features plus:
Exterior:
16-inch alloy wheels
Front fog lamps
Comfort and Convenience:
Floor coverings – carpet
Front floor mats
Ranger XLT – XLS features plus:
Exterior:
17-inch alloy wheels
Towbar
Chrome exterior trim
Plastic side steps with bright inserts
Sports bar with load box illumination
Privacy glass
Rear step bumper - accent steel
Power fold mirror
Projector headlamps
Comfort and Convenience:
Dual-zone climate control
Cooled console
Leather wrapped steering wheel & gear knob
Electrochromatic rear view mirror
Audio:
SD Card Slot
8" Colour touch screen
Satellite navigation with Traffic ManagementChannel
SYNCTM 2
DAB Radio
Mobile WiFi Hotspot
Safety, Security and Driver Assistance:
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Rear park assist
Exterior Body and Box Elements:
Bedliner with 12V socket
Tech Pack Option:
Reverse camera
Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert
Driver Impairment Monitor
Lane Keep Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Ranger Wildtrak – XLT features plus:
Exterior:
18-inch alloy wheels
Plastic side steps with brushed inserts
Wildtrak sports bar
Rear step bumper - chrome
Seating:
8-way power driver’s seat adjustment with lumbar support
Leather heated front seats
Comfort and Convenience:
Front and rear floor mates – Wildtrak
Ambient Lighting
Safety, Security and Driver Assistance:
Front Park Assist
Reverse Camera
Exterior Body and Box Elements:
Roller shutter
Tech Pack Option:
Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert
Driver Impairment Monitor
Lane Keep Assist
Lane Departure Warning
EXTERIOR COLOURS
Seven appealing colours are available across the PX Ranger MkII range including Aluminium and Pride Orange, both new additions for 2015.
2015 Ford Ranger Offers Driver Assist Technologies Not Found in Hilux
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