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Written by By Ewan Kennedy/www.autoguide.com.au
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By Ewan Kennedy
Ford used the Sydney motor show to give the public a sneak preview of its upcoming new light commercial range called Ranger.
After selling light commercials called Courier for decades, Ford Australia carried out market research into that name.
And came away horrified to find that no-one wanted to be associated with couriers – other than, presumably, those who actually were couriers!
The Ranger is significantly larger than the Courier and is being pitched against other pickups and cab-chassis that have grown in size in the last few years. In particular Ford plans to take on the market leaders Toyota HiLux and Holden Rodeo at their own game.
There's a big number of choices in the new Ranger range. Everything from a 4X2 single-cab cab-chassis with a recommended retail price of $20,990 to a sporting crew-cab pickup in XLT guise, with an rrp of $45,990. In between there are various engines, transmissions and model grades. Note that on-road charges have to be factored into these prices.
It probably comes as no surprise that all the engines, at least at this stage, are turbo-diesel units.
They use the latest in twin-cam, common-rail design.
Ford has avoided the el-cheapo attention-grabber model, instead beginning its powerplant lineup with a handy 2.5-litre diesel. With 330 Newton metres at only 1800 rpm it probably has more than enough grunt for the average user.
Ford is proud of the fact that despite this engine producing 22 per cent more torque than the diesel it replaces, fuel consumption, and therefore carbon dioxide emissions, has been cut by around 17 per cent.
The only other engine being offered in the Ranger at its launch is a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, this time with 380 Nm, again at just 1800 rpm.
Power output isn’t particularly relevant in diesel engines because of the low revs to which they are restricted, but for the record the 2.5-litre comes in at 105 kW at 3500 rpm, with the 3.0-litre managing 115 kW when it gets to 3200 rpm.
These engine specifications make it no surprise that Ford Australia says the new Ranger will have a one tonne payload capacity in every model. (Bearing in mind that passengers count as mass when it comes to calculating payload.)
Interestingly, the Ranger's 3.0 turbo-diesel can be mated to a five-speed automatic transmission so is aimed at the recreational market as well as the working operator.
The best selling transmission is still likely to be a five-speed manual.
Ranger is a good-looking vehicle with tough lines to provide real street cred. From its bluff front, with a solid hint to the big F Series Fords, through the large cab, to the squared-off tail, Ranger really does look like the sort of pickup that owners will take pride in showing off. Whether it be on worksites or on the road, not to mention outside the pub at the end of a hard working day.
Inside, the Ranger has a contemporary look that makes it almost car like in its ambiance. Ford says it has put a lot of work at getting the ergonomics right to make the Ranger as comfortable a workplace as possible. It certainly felt right when we had a good look over the vehicle at the Sydney show. At this stage we haven’t been able to get behind the wheel for a test drive.
Ford Australia will start to retail some models at the end of December 2006, with others coming on stream early in 2007.
Model Description
Recommended Retail Price (RRP)#
4x2 Single Cab Chassis XL* – 2.5 litre Turbo Diesel $20,990
4x2 Single Cab Pick Up XL – 2.5 litre Turbo Diesel $23,990
4x2 Single Cab Chassis XL – 3.0 litre Turbo Diesel $29,990
4x2 Super Cab Chassis XL – 3.0 litre Turbo Diesel $31,490
4x2 Super Cab Pick Up XL – 3.0 litre Turbo Diesel $33,490
4x2 Crew Cab Pick Up XL – 3.0 litre Turbo Diesel $34,490
4x4 Single Cab Chassis XL* – 3.0 litre Turbo Diesel $33,490
4x4 Super Cab Chassis XL – 3.0 litre Turbo Diesel $36,990
4x4 Super Cab Pick Up XL – 3.0 litre Turbo Diesel $38,990
4x4 Super Cab Pick Up XLT – 3.0 litre Turbo Diesel $44,990
4x4 Crew Cab Chassis XL – 3.0 litre Turbo Diesel $37,990
4x4 Crew Cab Pick Up XL – 3.0 litre Turbo Diesel $39,990
4x4 Crew Cab Pick Up XLT – 3.0 litre Turbo Diesel $45,990
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