Editor's Note: click here for the full launch story.
The Ford Ranger re-wrote the pickup truck rules when it made its debut three years ago. Riding on the Blue Oval’s four brand pillars: Quality, Green, Safe, and Smart, it mixes the best attributes of a passenger car with those of a dependable workhorse. Almost overnight, it transformed the pickup into more than something used by utility men and contractors. It made pickups cool.
Three years and the crown of the Philippines’s best-selling pickup truck later, a new version of the Ranger is here. It’s striking and modern, to say the least. Above all, it once again re-writes the pickup truck rules, rules which its rivals are only starting to catch-up up to now. It’s a smarter pickup which is best appreciated inside. These are the seven things you shouldn’t miss about the new Ranger’s interior.
Electronic Power Steering
A feature normally reserved for passenger cars, the new Ford Ranger is the first-ever pickup truck equipped with EPAS or Electronic Power Assisted Steering. This eliminates the use of the traditional hydraulic power steering pump equating to better fuel efficiency, less maintenance cost, and quieter operation. It also promises to give the Ranger better low-speed maneuverability while offering more precise steering at high speeds.
Door Lock Switch Movement
Finally, the biggest gripe of the Ford Ranger’s previous interior has been solved. The center door lock switch migrates from its position in the center console to the more traditional location which is by the interior door handle. And both the driver and passenger side have them. Plus, higher-trim models get the added benefit of the Ford Power start button with a smart key keyless entry.
Dual TFT Instrument Cluster
Seemingly plucked straight out of the Explorer (complete with its warning chimes), the Ranger gets a fancy looking dual TFT instrument cluster. Not only does it look nice, but like its application in the Explorer, it’s customizable depending on what you want displayed. The speedometer is front and center, but the two side screens can display trip information, entertainment, climate, and phone control options. They’re operated, like the Explorer, via two four-directional key pads on the steering wheel.
SYNC 2
Hands on the wheel and eyes on the road have been made even easier with the use of Sync 2. Still powered by Microsoft, Sync 2 uses more naturally spoken commands for the integrated voice command system. You want it to lessen the temperature? Say, “Temperature 20 degrees.” Gone are the days you need to speak up in broken English trying to give instructions to a robot. More than voice commands, Sync 2 also allows a wealth of connectivity such as Bluetooth, two USB ports with smart charging, a SD card slot, and a 3.5-mm auxiliary input jack. And the interface is all done through an 8-inch touch screen.
Power Outlets
Thinking about working on the go? No need to worry too much about battery life as the Ranger provides a 240-volt power socket located at the back of the center console bin to charge gadgets on the go. Aside from this, the Ranger also has three 12-volt sockets (two in the front and one located at the back of the center console bin as well) to keep small devices topped up. For heavy duty items (such as powering a camp site), the Ranger has a 24-volt socket at the side of the bed, even for XLT models.
Rear Center Armrest
Another problem with the previous Ranger is that it compromised somewhat on rear seat comfort by not providing a rear center armrest for occupants back there. Now, it’s there. Plus, it retains its three rear headrest configuration and now adds better child protection with ISOFIX anchors.
Sexy New Stalks
Aside from the steering wheel, one of the most important driver controls is the stalks. Although it wasn’t mentioned anywhere in the presentation, a careful look at the new Ranger’s stalks reveal a re-think. The lights have moved to a rotary-type switch on the dashboard itself (like the Fiesta and Focus) and the cylindrical stalks has been replaced by pointy ones. One side controls the wipers while the other side controls the side indicators as well as what looks to be the Lane Keeping Alert / Lane Keeping Aid.
Seems like this new Ford Ranger is very much wanting to join the party of pickup truck wars.
ReplyDeleteStill in the top of the line ford ranger face-lift,nice look and big improvement.
ReplyDeletewheels seems to be smaller than the current one. 'read some review of the new Nissan pick-up truck they're saying the ride comfort is comparable to an SUV already. cant wait to test drive both...
ReplyDeleteMy first choice before was the Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2 4X4. But since there's no manual trans on that trim last 2013, I bought the Chevy Colorado 2.8 4X4 LTZ M/T 180hp 5 speed on Aug 2013. On Dec. 2013 they launch the Duramax II 2.8 engine now with 200hp and 440 nm and in 6 speed manual trans. On February 2014, Ford launch a manual tranny for 3.2 Wildtrak!@#$#@! (excuse my cursing). I am planning to sell my colorado to a friend whose been waiting for a second hand (I bought it brand new) and will buy the face-lifted Ranger Wildtrak.
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Now the questions:
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1. Does this new 2016 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2 4X4 M/T has a rear LOCKING differentials?
2. Would it be wise to trade-in my old Colorado to get that off-road ready version of their venerable Colorado dubbed the Colorado Tracker? or
3. Would I considered the All-New NP300 Navara 4X4 VL M/T even if the dashboard (non-touchscreen, no gps) looks like a blast from the past?
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Possible answers:
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1. 2016 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2 4X4 M/T DOES NOT HAVE a rear LOCKING differentials nor does the Colorado. NO 12,000 lbs. winch in its bumpers like the Colorado Tracker.
2. Buying a Colorado Tracker is a mistake I think because it is already RIPE for FACE-LIFTING.
3. NP300 Navara 4X4 VL M/T 190hp 450nm? Most 4X4 nuthead will trade their kidney for that additional 10hp and 20-60nm. 5-link rear suspension is a plus.
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Any Suggestions?
Cody
Ooopps! Should have posted this in ...
Deletehttp://www.carguide.ph/2015/04/mias-2015-chevrolet-adds-off-road-ready.html#more
Gonna repost it there.
Cody
Dude, may I answer your question because I sense some of it was wrong.
DeleteAnswers:
1. Ranger 2016 4x4 models are equiped with rear lock differentials as spied in Thailand launched.
2&3. If you are looking for Power, disregarding aesthetic design and suspension plus, just get the 3.2 version of Ranger. Pickups were made as a truck not a sedan like, it's use for hauling, off-roading, climbing, towing and load travelling. So quit mumbling if you just wanted to use it as "pamporma", buy a sports car instead.
i own a 2016 ford ranger wildtrak 3.2 4x4 manual and it doesnt have the rear lock differential. i dont know about the automatic version
DeleteWhen is this coming to ph?
ReplyDeleteAny updates to release dates
ReplyDeleteHow much will this cost
ReplyDeleteFord release it ASAP!
ReplyDeleteStill no release date?
ReplyDeletePlease give us a hint on the release date! My dad want it so bad.
ReplyDeleteThe Ranger is now out.
DeletePlease give us a hint on the release date! My dad want it so bad.
ReplyDeleteIts already out dude. Go check ph website for the prices and hurry tell your Dad
DeleteGreat wagon but crap GPS for off road and highway. No speed or Altitude. You get a nice compass, about as useful as a chocolate fire guard.
ReplyDeleteIt seems next iteration of OS is to be blackberry so one hopes the software writer has more common sense as to what an off road vehicle needs. Maybe they need to check out the $200 Tom Tom for ideas as this GPS code would be far superior to what Ford give in the latest Wildtrak. 18" wheels also a dumb idea for offroad