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Summer 2017 ACROSS THE TRADES
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F
ord 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.
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.
The current series is due to be replaced in 2019 by a
fully redesigned model currently in development at Ford’s
Australian-based Asia-Pacific Product Development Centre.
A variety of test mules have been spotted on Victorian roads
in recent months that indicate substantial improvements
with the new generation such as a sophisticated new multi-
link rear suspension on top-end versions – the latter set to
include a high-riding, wide-track, muscular F150-style ‘Raptor’
flagship – along with a front suspension overhaul and disc
brakes at all four corners of the vehicle.
Also count on major changes to the exterior design
and more sophisticated driver-assist safety technology
aided by 360-degree cameras that will help with low-
speed manoeuvring .
FORD RANGER
UPDATED
VOLKSWAGEN
AMAROK SPORTLINE
V6 ANNOUNCED
V
olkswagen has introduced a more affordable ‘Sportline’
version of its top-performing V6 diesel-powered Amarok
one-tonne utility, bringing the entry price point down to
$55,490 plus on-road costs – $4,500 below the Highline version
and a hefty $12,500 under the Ultimate flagship.
The Sportline has fewer features but remains a highly
specified 4x4 dual cab ute with no mechanical changes to
the headline act: a 3L V6 turbo-diesel that produces 165kW
of power from 2,500-4,500rpm and 550Nm of torque from
1,500-2,500rpm.
An overboost function also pushes up the engine’s output
to 180kW/580Nm for short periods.
The V6 drives all four wheels on a permanent basis via an
eight-speed automatic transmission, enabling the German
brand’s workhorse ute to reach 100km/h from standstill in a
claimed 7.9 seconds. Combined-cycle fuel economy is listed
at 9L per 100km.
For those who prefer to do the shifting themselves,
Volkswagen Group Australia is planning to launch a six-speed
manual gearbox option for the Sportline V6 in 2018, most
likely with a selectable 4WD system.
Four-wheel disc brakes are on board the Sportline,
along with plenty of other handy bits of hardware
including a mechanical diff lock, electronic stability and
traction control, ABS brakes (with electronic brake-force
distribution and brake assist), an active rollover prevention
system, hill-hold function, trailer sway stability control
(when a towbar wiring kit is installed), front and rear
parking sensors, a rear-view camera, and front and side
airbag protection for the driver and front passenger.
Other notable features on the new variant include 18” alloy
wheels, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, a 6.33”
‘Composition’ multimedia unit with app-connect and Apply
CarPlay compatibility, tinted rear windows and four 12V USB
sockets (including in the tray).