SYDNEY: It is too early to determine if the extra technology means that Ford Ranger buyers will get a better deal on insurance; the premiums for Ute are customarily higher than they are for passenger cars because they are over-represented in crashes, insurance industry data shows.
The new Ford Ranger 2016 modle set to be released in Australia in the third quarter of this year. The new Ford Ranger pick-up technology includes radar cruise control, forward collision warning, blind zone alert, and a lane keeping system that beeps at the driver if they wander from their lane.
Starting with the design, the 2016 Ranger features a new front end with the most notable highlight being the more prominent American-style grille. The surrounding headlights are also a bit smaller while the rest of the body remains mostly unchanged, aside from minor trimmings and the bonnet.
Not only does the new Ranger show off a tough new face, there’s also many technology updates. The 3.2-litre turbo-diesel five-cylinder engine gets a new exhaust recirculation system which helps to reduce fuel consumption by 18 per cent. Output remains unchanged, at 147kW and 470Nm.
As for the entry-level 2.2-litre TDCi turbo-diesel, it’s also revised and now produces 118kW and 385Nm (up from 110kW/375Nm). Economy is improved by 22 per cent. The petrol 2.5-litre continues on in the same 122kW/225Nm specification.
Inside, Ford has introduced its new SYNC2 user interface and 8.0-inch touch-screen system. There’s also radar cruise control for some variants, lane-keeping assist, forward collision alert, adaptive load control, and front and rear parking sensors.
Off-road and towing specs remain unchanged for the four-wheel drive variants, with a 230mm ground clearance, 800mm water wading capability, and 28-degree approach and 25-degree depart angles. The maximum towing weight is 3500kg.
Ford Australia is set to launch the new model locally during the third quarter of this year. It will go up against a number of new utes being launched this year, including the Mitsubishi Triton arriving in April, and the updated Colorado and new Toyota HiLux later on.
