- Entry-level Ranger XL hybrid for Australia at a Shark-beating price.
- Still unconfirmed for NZ, but current XLT is no longer in production.
- New Ranger diesel lineup now on sale, including Wolftrak and Tremor.
A Ford New Zealand spokesperson says the company has "nothing to share at this time" on potential changes to the model lineup and pricing of the Ranger PHEV, despite confirmation of a new entry-level model in Australia that will be cheaper than the BYD Shark 6.
Ford has launched a revised "MY26.5" Ranger diesel lineup, with the new 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel replacing the biturbo, wider availability of the turbo-diesel V6 and new special-edition models such as Wolftrak and the return of the Tremor. Click here to read more.
The PHEV/hybrid (it's badged as the former, but Ford commonly refers to it as the latter) is not included in that update, with a new model expected in the third quarter.
Ford Australia has already confirmed a new XL PHEV variant at A$59,000, which replaces the A$71,990 XLT. The company also confirmed at a recent media event that the XLT will no longer be produced for the Australasian market.
The new Ranger XL PHEV includes 17-inch alloy wheels, tray bedliner, 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, 12-inch multimedia touchscreen, and dual-zone climate control with rear air vents.
The Sport PHEV (not sold in NZ) continues in Australia, as does the Wildtrak version, but the flagship Stormtrak has also been dropped.
Ford NZ's Ranger PHEV lineup currently comprises the $82,990 XLT and $89,990 Wildtrak. The Stormtrak no longer appears on its website. DRIVEN Car Guide understands there's another shipment of current-model Ranger PHEVs on the way to NZ, following increased interest from dealers and customers in the midst of rising fuel prices.
If Ford NZ launches the new XL PHEV at a similar 17% price reduction from the outgoing XLT (as in Australia), that would equate to a local retail just under $69,000. The BYD Shark 6 starts at $69,990.