6

TRUE BLUE

THE FORD RANGER IS AUSTRALIA’S SECOND-BEST-SELLING 4X4, AND

IT’S CLOSING IN ON THE EVER-POPULAR HILUX.

T

HE Ford Ranger PX first appeared in

late 2011, and despite carrying over the

name of its predecessor it was in fact an

all-new ute. Most significantly, its design

and development was headquartered

here in Australia.

The Ranger underwent a major facelift in

mid-2015, with revised front-end styling and

interior changes including a new dashboard

and larger multi-function touchscreen. More

significant were the mechanical upgrades,

including a more efficient turbo for faster

spool-up, new fuel injectors, changes to the

cylinder head, and various other measures

to improve engine performance and NVH.

Electric power steering also replaced the

previous hydraulically assisted unit, while

the electronic control of the 4x4 system was

significantly enhanced. For example, when

you engage the rear locker the electronic

traction control remains active on the front

axle, whereas before it was cancelled both

front and rear.

Interestingly, none of these changes were

made to the Mazda BT-50. Initially the

BT-50 was a near identical twin to the Ford

Ranger, but it’s now notably different and

not as good.

Ford also successfully addressed the crook

shift action of the six-speed manual with the

2015 upgrade, but our choice is still the six-

speed automatic. For spec level we would then

go for the XLT, as it brings sat-nav, a bigger

eight-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate, a

centre-console cooler, rear parking sensors,

auto wipers, sports bar and a 12-volt outlet in

the tub.

The most notable thing about the Ranger

is that it’s a big ute in just about every sense.

Along with the BT-50 it has the longest

wheelbase, the longest cabin and the biggest

engine: a 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel

where smaller four-cylinder turbo-diesels are

the class norm. It also has a class-leading GVM

and tow rating.

On the road the engine delivers effortless

performance without having to rev hard, and

it has a particularly relaxed and smooth gait

at highway speeds. The engine mates nicely to

the six-speed auto.

By ute standards the Ranger handles and

rides well on-road, while the new electric

power steering makes for much easier low-

speed manoeuvring both in car parks and in

tight off-road situations.

The Ranger is right up there at the pointy

end of the field when off-road, thanks in

part to its recent revisions. If you want a big

ute that can do it all, it’s hard to go past the

Ranger XLT auto.

PRICE $56,390 ENGINE 3.2-litre 5-cyl turbo-diesel

FORD RANGER XLT AUTOMATIC

ENGINE: 3.2-litre 5-cyl turbo-diesel
POWER: 147kW
TORQUE: 470Nm
GEARBOX: six-speed automatic
4X4 SYSTEM: dual-range part-time
FRONT SUSPENSION: independent/coil
springs
REAR SUSPENSION: live axle/leaf springs
KERB WEIGHT: 2159kg
GVM: 3200kg
TOWING CAPACITY: 3500kg
FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 80 litres
ADR FUEL CLAIM: 9.2L/100km

52 http://www.4X4australia.com.au

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