Ford Ranger II (2006 - )

What's Good
In UK September 2006. New Ranger built in same Thai Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate factory. First shown as 4-Trac concept in November 2005. Increased loading and towing capacity over old Ranger. More power with all-new 2.5-litre 143PS common-rail diesel engine. Improved driving quality. Attractive new 16" alloy wheels with 245/70R16 tyres (15" on base models). New 2.5-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine also offers 330Nm torque at 1,800 rpm.

Significantly quieter cabin. Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) provides an earlier and broader torque delivery as well as reduced turbo lag. Transmission is the proven Durashift five-speed manual transmission. Reduced Noise, Vibration and Harshness. Idle vibration cut thanks to stiffer engine and body mounts and a stronger chassis frame. A new door seal system, carpet and panel insulations also help reduce engine and road noise. Interior completely redesigned. Seats have new sculpted seatback, wider shoulders, improved bolster and larger headrest.

Angular centre console is finished in silver and chrome detailing continues on the instrument cluster, ventilator grilles, gearshift, window switches and inner door handles. Numerous stowage areas in the cab, including five cupholders and an industry first instrument panel pull-out tray to keep stationery in place. Additionally, a two-bin centre console has the capacity for storing up to 10 CDs, mobile phones and small personal items such as gloves and sunglasses. All new Rangers feature an integrated radio with an in-dash CD player and MP3 compatibility: an in-dash six-CD player and additional speakers are also available.

The pick-up box side wall height has been increased by 60mm to provide class leading load box capacity. In addition, cargo tie-downs have been moved to a lower position to give greater load security and an innovative new shelving facility has been built into the load area. The Ranger is capable of carrying a one tonne payload and an increased, substantial THREE TONNE TOWING CAPACITY - enough to comfortably tow a double horse box, small boat or motorcycle.

To deliver improved ride quality, it gets larger suspension upper control arms and spring bushing, larger wheels and all-terrain tyres, larger diameter shock absorbers, and increased leaf spring length to optimise ride quality. There is also a new rear stabiliser, and an improved hydraulic braking system. The new Ranger provides safe and precise handling both laden and unladen thanks to use of progressive damping and carefully tuned spring rates.

Vehicle approach and departure angles have been optimised to tackle the steepest of climbs, while electronic 'shift on-the-fly' allows easy and quick 4x4 engagement whilst driving. The new Ranger is equipped with standard front airbags for driver and passenger, plus optional side impacts airbags for the front seats. Seatbelts are equipped with pre-tensioners to ensure maximum passenger protection in an accident. Child seat anchors are also available.

Four wheel ABS anti-lock braking is standard across the Ranger model range, helping to avoid a collision even when towing at full gross train weight. The new Ranger has undergone one of the toughest testing regimes ever undertaken for a vehicle of this type. Proving grounds in Arizona, Japan, Australia, and South Africa were used, in temperatures ranging from -25 to 57 deg C. For those looking for the ultimate Ranger, the popular 'Thunder' package is available for the new model, with a bright tubular sports bar, chrome side sill bar and rear chrome underbar which complement the Ranger's sporty and tough look. Buyers of the Thunder package can enjoy the comfort of leather seats, scuff plates, off-road gauges, six- CD player, air conditioning.

UK models have the new 143PS common rail 2.5-litre engine. Prices from £11,650 to £17,450 + VAT.

New 156PS, 3.0-litre TDCi engine On sale August 2007. Thunder model costs £19,972.

EURO NCAP 2 stars passenger protection, 3 stars child protection, 2 stars pedestrian protection.

NEW FORD RANGER PICK-UP DEBUTS IN EUROPE

* Fresh new look for Ford's popular Ranger pick-up
* "Tough Truck" capability and seating for up to five
* Renowned driving dynamics and high build quality
* Best-in-class towing capacity
* Choice of fuel-efficient 2.5 or 3.0-litre TDCi turbo diesel engines
* Available with automatic transmission paired with the 2.5-litre TDCi engine
* Four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive, on sale in the UK late 2009

Refreshed ahain 24-2-2009: A new Ford Ranger pick-up, on sale later in 2009 mad its first public appearance in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Designed in Australia and built at the Mazda/Ford Alliance factory in Thailand. Exterior design features include a large horizontal three-bar grille at the front, large headlamps that wrap around each front corner and bigger door mirrors for better visibility. At the rear the Ranger debuts a new clear tail-lamp design. The facelifted Ford Ranger is available in 10 high quality paint choices, five of which are new: Highland Green, Winning Blue, Lagoon Blue, Copper Red and Desert Bronze. The interior offers car-like comfort thanks to ergonomically crafted seats, climate control and MP3-compatible audio and a bodyshell engineered to isolate road noise from the cabin. Clever stowage solutions include a centre stack sunglass binnacle and a front door stowage bin. A pull-out sliding tray above the glove compartment is ideal for use as a work surface. New Ranger’s large centre console features a two-level design. Its top bin is ideal for smaller items such as a mobile phone, while its lower bin can house larger objects, including up to 10 CD cases. Choice of four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive models. Powertrains include fuel-efficient 2.5 and 3.0-litre TDCi turbo diesel engines with five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions. The new Ranger offers class-leading towing capability. With either the 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre TDCi Duratorq engine, loads of up to 3,000kg can be towed. Three body styles – Regular Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab. The new Ranger also has a comprehensive choice of trim and equipment levels, from the entry-level XL to the range-topping Thunder and Wildtrak.