Ranger cleans up for the road

Ford claims the Ranger, launched last week at the Sydney Motor Show, is 24 per cent more efficient than the previous model. Photo / Supplied

The new Ford Ranger pick-up truck will be available in the Asia-Pacific region with one petrol and two diesel engines - but it is not known yet if Ford New Zealand will offer all three powerplants.

The Ranger was launched at the Sydney Motor Show last week, a world-first appearance ahead of its arrival in New Zealand next year.

It sits on a longer wheelbase and boasts wider tracks. Its mechanical twin, the Mazda BT-50, also made its world debut in Sydney. Both vehicles will be built in Thailand.

Ford NZ public affairs manager Tom Clancy says more details about the Ranger will be released closer to launch. There are believed to be some still-secret innovations to come.

"All I've being told so far is that New Zealand can expect Ranger in the second half of next year," he said.

Under Ranger's bonnet is a choice of three engines, some meeting Euro V emissions standards. Again, Ford will reveal fuel consumption, emissions outputs and performance figures for all Ranger engines closer to launch. Tank size is 80 litres.

The entry-level engine will be a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder Duratec petrol unit producing 122kW of power at 6000rpm and 226Nm of torque. Ford claims it is 24 per cent more efficient than the previous model.

It also says its two common-rail turbodiesels are better than current offerings. There's a 2.2-litre four-cylinder that delivers 110kW at 3700rpm and 375Nm between 1500 and 2500rpm, and a 3.2-litre inline five-cylinder from the current Ford Transit van developing 147kW at 3000rpm and 470Nm at 2750rpm.

Diesel models will be mated to six-speed transmissions in manual or automatic forms. There is a spread of final drive ratios - from 3.31 to 5.3:1 - depending on which drivedrain is chosen.

Four-wheel-drive models feature an electronically controlled transfer case, low-range gearing and ground clearance of up to 232mm.

The electronic transfer allows drivers to switch from two- to four-wheel drive on the move.

Major driveline components are located between the Ranger's frame rails to prevent off-road damage and key electrical components and air inlets are placed up high for better water-wading capabilities.

An electric-locking rear differential is available on diesel two- and four-wheel drive models, in combination with an anti-lock brake and electronic stability control package.

The rack-and-pinion steering offers an 11.8m turning circle for two-wheel-drive models and 12.4m for four-wheel-drives. The front suspension consists of coils and wishbones, and the rear set-up offers a leaf-spring design for maximum workhorse capability.

Ford claims the Ranger's brakes - discs up front and drums at the rear - are the biggest in class.

Other safety-related gear includes side and curtain airbags, a reversing camera, rear parking radar and electronic aids to monitor trailer sway and load control.

Ranger double-cab's cargo box measures in at 1549mm long, 511mm high and 1560mm wide (more than 100mm wider than before), giving a total volume of 1.21 cubic metres.

Ford says the Ranger's cabin is its best design yet.