Ford Ranger REVIEW 2016 Australian Launch – Ford’s Tough Truck Still The Benchmark
The skinny: Ford’s new Ranger makes the best in the segment, better again. Its new styling will do it no harm, this is a terrific-looking ‘truck’, but it’s underneath where the real improvements lie.
The new Ranger is quieter, smoother and more comfortable – but retains its robust drivetrains, hard-grafting towing ability, and work-truck capability. Improved on-road, and improved off it, it remains, for the moment, the benchmark in the sector. (But HiLux is coming…)
Vehicle style: Dual-cab 4X4 and 4X2 ute
Price: from $27,390 - $60,090 (full model-range price list below)
Engine/transmission: 2.2 litre Duratorq diesel, 3.2 litre Duratorq diesel/6-spd manual, 6-speed auto
Power/torque: (2.2 litre) 118kW/375Nm; (3.2 litre) 147kW/470Nm
Fuel consumption:
- 2.2-litre 4X2 (claimed) 9.4 l/100km | (tested): 9.5 l/100km
- 3.2-litre 4X4 (claimed) 9.6 l/100km | (tested): 11.1 l/100km
OVERVIEW
In the current Ranger, on the market now for four years, Ford already has the sharpest knife in the drawer.
And, of its competitors, neither the top-selling but war-weary HiLux, nor the new Triton and NP300 Navara have bridged the gap to the Ranger.
For on-road finesse, and for its special ‘tough truck’ feel, the Ranger rules.
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