All-New Ford Ranger Previewed in Chiang Rai Thailand

Here we are, fresh from a quick dash to the north of Thailand to attend a media preview of the new Ford Ranger, first previewed at the Bangkok Motor Show earlier. This is the replacement of the Ford Ranger 2.5 litre TDCi first launched in 2007 and face-lifted a couple of years later. It comes in a completely new body and has new engines and drive trains. It also is longer, wider, and taller than the outgoing model – unfortunately, we only get to see it around the middle of next year – the original launch was to be around now, but the flood situation in Thailand, although it did not do any damage to the Ford plant in Rayong, did affect parts of the supplier chain.

We did a circuit of 145 kilometres that started out from the Le Meridien in Chiang Rai, and went into the mountains north of the city for a cup of excellent coffee up in the mountains, 1,280 metres above sea level. Our drive took us on a mixture of highway, country roads and winding roads up into the hills, including a short dirt stretch and a water crossing.

In terms of looks, the new Ford Ranger is totally different – whether it looks better or worse depends on whether you like a more ‘macho’ look or prefer a somewhat ‘softer’ look. Personally, I like the new shape, which some may say is not as macho as the previous one, but it is the improvements that impress.

The engines are all new, and make more power, thanks to variable geometry turbo chargers for the diesel power plants, supplemented by variable valve timing. The 2.2 litre diesel makes 150 PS, and 375 Nm of torque which is higher than the 143 PS available on the outgoing 2.5 litre engine. The 3.2 litre engine makes 200 PS and 470 Nm of torque. Six-speed transmissions, either in automatic form or in manual form, are also available. With the new gearboxes, it is now possible to do shift-on-the-fly from 2H to 4H at speeds up to 120 km/h.

The new engines are claimed to be more economical – we did not have a real chance to check out actual fuel consumption, but on the road trip, the fuel gauge only moved down about a quarter although we generally drove quite hard. With the new drive train configuration, the engine turns at a lower speed for the same speed in relation to the current model, which in itself will contribute towards fuel economy. An 80 litre fuel tank extends the range considerably – you can get close to a thousand kilometres per tank of diesel.

Driving the new Ford Ranger, I note that the interior is very quiet, thanks to excellent sound-proofing and also newly designed door seals that really cut out wind noise. You can drive at 140 km/h on the road and still carry out an intelligent conversation without having to raise your voice. At 100 km/h, your engine is just ticking over at 1900 rpm, which also helps.

We drove the 3.2 litre automatic, 2.2 litre 4 X 2, and the 2.2 litre 4 X 4 manual. Acceleration is slightly faster in the 3.2, but the 2.2 models are just as perky. I suspect the final drive ratios are slightly different in the two models. The variable geometry turbochargers give the Ranger flexibility at low engine revolutions, and more power at the top. The variable valve timing on the exhaust cams also contribute in this area.

Overall handling is very good, thanks to a new rack and pinion steering system, and some good tuning of the suspension system. Pushing the Ranger quite hard around a couple of bends, I note the handling is very car-like. Even the steering wheel size has been reduced by about an inch or so. The handbrake, which used to be the umbrella type, is now changed to the regular type placed in the centre console. Interior controls are more car-like now, and you do tend to forget it is a truck.

Engineering-wise, the new Ford Ranger is a very user-friendly machine that is more car than truck – although it will still be as tough as nails when the going gets tough. The higher specked models now come with traction control, hill start assist, and Hill Descent Control. In addition, a neat reverse camera is tucked under the Ford emblem on the tailgate. The front wishbones come with camber and caster adjustment cams. One feature that would be greatly appreciated would be the wading depth, which is now 800 mm.

Overall, I would say that the new Ford Ranger is a worthy replacement for the current Ranger – it certainly sets new standards for others to follow.