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Ford's new Ranger revealed

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The all-new Ford Ranger is making its global debut at the Australian internatkional auto show, hot on the heels of its Mazda BT-50 cousin, with three body styles aand two and all-wheel drive.

The new range will offer basic bakkies and higher specced models, such as the Ranger Limited and Ranger Wildtrak, both yet to be revealed.

Three new engines

Developed in Australia, three new engines will be added to the new Ranger as well as Ford’s compact pick-up range globally:

* A new 2.2 Duratorq TDCi I4 diesel engine with a maximum power output 110kW at 3700rpm and peak torque of 375Nm at 2500rpm.

* A 3.2 Duratorq TDCi I5 diesel engine capable of 147kW at 3000rpm and 470Nm at 2750rpm

* An enhanced 2.5 Duratecpetrol engine running 122kW at 6000, its torque improved to 226Nm.

The Ford Ranger XLT double cab model showcasing the new 2.l TDCi engine is the new range's flagship.

Engines will be mated to six-speed auto or manual transmissions on both the 4x2 and 4x4 versions. The new transmission has two driving modes – Normal and Sport.

In Normal mode, the calibration focuses on comfort and fuel economy. Sport provides later shifts and the driver can select gears manually. Ford also introduces its "grade logic control" which automatically downshifts when travelling downhill.

Selected all-wheel-drive models can also be equipped with either an electric locking or limited-slip differential. Fuel economy certification will take place closer to the start of production.

New suspension

The suspension has a new coil-over-strut at the front that allows for better tuning of the upper and lower wishbone design. At the rear, the leaf suspension has been tuned for better handling on varying road surfaces.

A new braking system includes emergency brake assistance to work with the anti-lock system and is automatically triggered during panic-stop situations. The hazard lights are activated automatically when an ABS stop is triggered.

The new Ranger will also get rear parking aid and a rearview camera and the loadbox has been lengthened to 1560mm.

Inside, Ford designers claim to have taken inspiration from "power tools", hoping that drivers will see the new interior as being both exciting and practical.

The interior trim panels were designed to be interchangeable and 20 stowage locations are placed throughout the vehicle. A convenient hidden storage area for electronic items and small packages is provided under the seats and, on some double-cab models, an armrest in the centre rear includes two cupholders.
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