KEY POINTS:
Ford New Zealand has unveiled the Ranger, which will spearhead its light commercial vehicle line-up next year. It will replace the Courier line-up and the Ranger name falls into line with Ford's worldwide markets.
Ford NZ managing director Richard Matheson said the name was changed after exhaustive customer
research.
"It was a tough decision to change a name that has been part of the Ford New Zealand family since 1982, but the research was overwhelming,"he says.
"The Ranger brand is used by Ford around the world and, with an all-new vehicle for 2007, we saw this as the ideal time to introduce a new light truck with a bold new name," says Matheson.
The Ranger comes in three variants - single cab, super cab and double cab - and has a bolder look than the Courier.
There is a choice of two and four-wheel-drive and two common-rail turbo-diesel engines.
Engineers have improved ride and handling and given the Ranger increased load and towing capacity.
"We listened to the market and then we focused our improvements on a rugged exterior, a more refined interior, turbo-diesel performance, and improved driving feel," Matheson says. The engines are 2.5-litre and 3-litre four-cylinder Duratorq units mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic.
The 2.5-litre engine delivers 105kW at 3500rpm and 330Nm of torque at 1800rpm. The 3-litre engine produces 380Nm at 1800rpm and 115kW of power at 3200rpm - and uses 5 per cent less fuel than the outgoing Courier's 2.5-litre unit. A taller cargo box - 60mm higher than that of the Courier - boosts storage to 1266 litres. "The larger load area is also more flexible and secure with the introduction of a shelving system and the relocation of cargo tie-down hooks," Ford says.
Inside, the cabin gets more efficient switchgear and improved storage. The front seats have been restyled for improved comfort.
A centre console, angled towards the driver, has restyled controls. The audio system has AM/FM radio and in-dash CD and MP3 capability.
Ford says the Ranger's stronger and more durable chassis and suspension have been tuned todeliver sharper handling and a more refined ride.
At the front, 2WD and 4WD models are fitted with independent double-wishbone suspension with a longer and larger torsion bar and larger-diameter dampers for greater driver control and ride comfort.
At the rear there are longer and stronger leaf springs. A stabiliser bar has been added to improve handling and support load and towing capabilities.
Brakes are ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear. All models have seatbelt pre-tensioners.
"The light commercial segment is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing in the New Zealand market," Matheson says.
"The new Ranger gives Ford New Zealand a fantastic vehicle to enhance our Built Ford Tough light-truck reputation."
The line-up starts at $34,390 for the 2WD entry-level 2.5-litre single cab to $53,990 for the 4WD double cab.
