Ford New Zealand has confirmed the Ranger line-up will be refreshed later this year with a fresh face, the company's latest safety technology and next-generation 2.0-litre diesel engine.
The new 2019 Ford Ranger will go on sale from October 2018 and is set to build on the capabilities that made the ute New Zealand's most popular new vehicle for the last four years.
“The Ford Ranger has proven to be a great fit for all aspects of the Kiwi lifestyle,” said Ford New Zealand Marketing Manager, Jeremy Nash.
“The Ranger’s solid workhorse credentials combined with class-leading refinement and capability have pushed the Ranger to the top of the charts in New Zealand, and has attracted many new customers to the ute segment. The 2019 model builds on that and with new powertrain options it will appeal to even more customers for a wider variety of uses.”
The top of the line 2019 Ranger Wildtrack will be offered with Ford’s new-generation 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine as an option, the same engine powering the all-new, off-road-focused Ranger Raptor.
Despite its smaller capacity, the new engine has a wider torque curve than the 3.2-litre engine. Ford say the new engine is built with more advanced materials and prototypes have completed over 5.5 million kilometres of testing.
“The new BiTurbo delivers 500Nm from 1750rpm, giving customers access to more torque, more of the time,” said Chief Program Engineer of the Ford Ranger, John Willems.
The new engine will be coupled to a 10-speed torque-converter automatic with close ratios, taking advantage of the engine's increased pulling power.
Wildtrak models optioned with the 500Nm BiTurbo engine maintain Ranger’s payload and 3500kg towing capability.
The Ranger’s proven 3.2-litre engine will remain unchaged in other Ranger models. The 3.2-litre turbo diesel produces 147kW of power and 470Nm of torque, offering a 3500kg towing capacity.
2019 Ford Ranger XLT. Photo / Ford New Zealand
Ford’s Pre-Collision Assist with Inter-Urban Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian and Vehicle Detection will all become standard on the 2019 Ranger Wildtrak, too. The system works at speeds above 3.6km/h and can bring the ute to a complete stop to mitigating rear-end collisions and road-traffic collisions with pedestrians.
Wildtrack also gains Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert and keyless entry with push-button start.
In a segment first, the 2019 Ranger Wildtrak also features include Active Park Assist, enabling semi-automatic parallel parking. With this system the driver only needs to apply the throttle and brakes.
Loading has been made easier in the 2019 Ranger with the introduction of an easy-lift tailgate on all models. With a new internal mechanism, the Ranger’s tailgate is now lighter to lift and will not drop suddenly when lowered or if accidentally dropped. Instead, it lowers itself under its own weight.
The 2019 Ranger’s see styling changes that carry on the off-road stance and appeal of the current model. A cleaner front grille retain;s the Ranger's distinctive ‘nostrils’ and new lower bumper offers a broader intake for a more balanced look.
There’s also clearer distinction between models visually, with bumper treatments and colours reflecting the character of each model. Chrome brightwork on Ranger XLT and Ranger Wildtrak reflects each model’s top position in the line-up, while exclusive to Wildtrak is the new ‘Sabre’ orange hero colour. The Wildtrak can also be spotted with its sports-bar and optional black-finish 18-inch alloy wheels.
The 2019 Ranger’s interior will feature Ford's SYNC 3 infotiainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Autocompatibility continues as standard on XLT and Wildtrak, including Bluetooth, 8.0-inch full colour touchscreen and reversing camera.
For the 2019 Ranger, the suspension has been upgraded across the range to reduce and control roll, with an emphasis on improving dynamics when fully-laden and towing.
“We’ve further improved how Ranger behaves when carrying a load, towing a boat or taking a caravan around the country,” said Willems.
“The Ranger is now better to drive when it’s working its hardest. It makes it easier to handle, so you can really make the most of its payload and towing capabilities, and helps to reduce fatigue on long trips, too.”
2019 Ford Ranger pricing is still to be announced.
-Driven
