Ford has revealed the new Ranger at a global launch in Thailand, with the segment-winning ute on sale in New Zealand later this year.
The Ranger knocked Toyota’s Hilux from its 32-year spot as New Zealand’s top selling ute last year and continues to dominate the segment.
The new Ranger has an all-new front including a more masculine bonnet and redesigned grille.
Inside, the vehicle gets more car-like details and advanced safety features including front and rear parking assist, lane keeping aid, adaptive cruise control and driver impairment monitor.
Rear view camera will standard in the top spec Wildtrax and XLT and dealer fitted option on XL.
Ford New Zealand spokesman Tom Clancy told Driven exclusively at the Bangkok event that “New Zealand’s number one ute just got better, I think that it would make a big impression on Kiwis.
“The Ranger set the bench mark and our competitors are trying to catch up, and now we’ve reset the bench mark.”
Last year 6330 Ranger utes were sold, and so far this year 797 have been registered, giving it the top spot in the pick-up/truck segment.
The new Ranger will be built in three international plants and sold in 180-plus countries.
“We won’t have a full year of sales until next year but we still expect very strong performance,” said Clancy.
The revamped Ranger will maintain its current engine line up, including the 3.2-litre diesel, two versions of the 2.2-litre diesel, and a 2.5-litre petrol.
Clancy told Driven that the engines will be 15-20 per cent more fuel efficient.