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F
ord’s Australian-developed, Thai-built Ranger utility
has undergone a comprehensive mid-cycle upgrade,
with the PX MkII series offering new technologies and
a host of detail changes to keep it at the top end of the ultra-
competitive market segment.
Easily recognised by its new front-end design, the revised
Ranger adds to its already long list of advanced technology a
number of features not typically seen in the light-commercial
arena, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision
warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and a driver
impairment monitor.
All of these features are consigned to a ‘tech pack’ available
on the top-end XLT (for $1,100) and Wildtrak ($600), which also
add various new high-grade features as standard including a
tyre pressure monitoring system, projector headlamps, dual-
colour 4.2" instrumentation screens and Ford’s latest Sync2
infotainment system.
The latter is controlled via a high-resolution 8" touch-screen
and includes a WiFi hotspot and satellite navigation with traffic
management channel.
At launch, only the Wildtrak came with a reversing camera
as standard.
All Ranger models offer an emergency assistance system
that will automatically dial 000 in the event of a crash, and now
benefit from extra equipment and various mechanical tweaks,
the latter extending to suspension changes – revised dampers
for better pitch control, for example – and the introduction of
electric power steering.
An adjustable speed limiter is fitted across the range,
manual versions pick up a new six-speed cable-shift gearbox,
all manual 4x4 versions and the 4x2 Hi-Rider variants now have
a fuel-saving automatic engine idle-stop system, double and
super cab models come with a 230V inverter, and the fitment of
a sports bar now brings rear box illumination.
Two Duratorq TDCi turbo-diesel engines remain in service,
with the entry 2.2L four-cylinder now producing 118kW of
power (up 8kW) and 385Nm of torque (up 10Nm).
The 3.2L five-cylinder unit delivers an unchanged 147kW
and 470Nm, although Ford Australia claims fuel economy
has improved by up to 20%, depending on the variant. Its
official combined-cycle diesel consumption comes in between
8.2L/100km and 9.2L/100km, while the smaller 2.2 returns
between 6.6 and 7.5L/100km.
A six-speed automatic transmission is a $2,200 option on
most variants across the broad Ranger series, which extends
to 37 configurations once engine, gearbox, drivetrain (4x2 or
4x4), cab style (single, super or double), trim level (XL, XL
Plus, XLS, XLT, Wildtrak) and tray (pick-up or cab chassis) are
factored in.
Prices range from $27,390 plus on-road costs for the 4x2 XL
Single Cab Chassis 2.2L TDCi manual, and top out at $60,090 for
the 4x4 Wildtrak Double Cap Pick-Up 3.2L TDCi automatic.
Ford Australia
www.ford.com.auFORD RANGER