The updated Ford Ranger has been revealed, with refreshed engines, improved connectivity and driver aids introduced to the range alongside a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Ford have given the Ranger a trio of 2.0-litre EcoBlue, four-cylinder diesel units. There are two single turbo variations, producing either 130bhp and 251lbf.ft or 170bhp and 310lbf.ft, with the units capable of 35.3 and 34mpg respectively. The range-topper features both a variable-geometry high-pressure and a low-pressure fixed geometry turbo, which results in figures of 213bhp, 369lbf.ft and can cover 30.7 miles on a gallon.
Some clever features have been engineered into the engine to reduce friction within the unit, such as a 10mm offset crank design that reduces chafing against the cylinder walls of the iron block. The valve-train has been optimised and features a single-piece camshaft module.
As well as a six-speed manual transmission, Ford are offering the 10-speed automatic ‘box from the irrepressible F-150 truck. You know, the one that is driven by nigh on all Americans… It sounds like overkill, but the extra notches are designed to give the Ranger more adaptability, as real-time adaptive-shift scheduling alters the transmission depending on the situation. This means it’ll behave differently when you’re towing a trailer to when you’re dropping the little ‘uns off at school.
An on-board modem enables the Ranger to function as a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the FordPass mobile app makes it easy for the driver to keep on top of vehicular status. Oil level, tyre pressure and mileage can be checked remotely, whilst there is also a vehicle locator for those who are either forgetful or victimised and it is also possible to toggle the vehicle’s central locking from the app.
The third version of Ford’s Sync multimedia system can be voice activated or by using the 8-inch touchscreen and is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enabled. The Ford MyKey system allows fleet managers to limit the driver’s speed and radio volume, plus it can permanently switch on all of the Ranger’s safety features.
Those safety features include pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection and intelligent speed-limiter as standard. The latter of these monitors road signs, and if the speed limit is lower than the set speed of the adaptive cruise control, it will slow down and then speed back up again in line with the speed limit. The 2019 Ranger also features lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, parking sensors both front and rear, a rear view camera and electronic stability control that features both rollover mitigation and trailer sway management.
On the updated version, both Wildtrak and Limited spec will include a new easy-lift tailgate with a torsion bar that increases the ease of closing it back up.
There is no word on pricing as of yet, but the updated one-tonner will be arriving in mid-2019.
