Ford engineers have tuned all systems in the new Ranger to deliver a superb driving experience, with everything designed to work in harmony. The powerful engines, strong chassis and body, car-like front suspension, load-bearing rear suspension, precise steering and cornering, potent stopping power and advanced safety features all work in conjunction with one another to give a superior driving experience.
KEY FEATURES:
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Superior driving experience
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Optimised steering
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Improved craftsmanship and ergonomics
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Reduced noise, harshness and vibrations
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Lower operating costs
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New service plan – 5 years / 90 000km’s as standard
Comprehensive line-up
The new 2007 Ranger is available in various different trim levels including: Base, XL, XLT and XLE.
The Base models are readily identifiable by the following features: 15” steel wheels, cloth trim, cab protector, body coloured front bumpers, sliding rear window, interior sliding tray situated above the cubby hole, headlamp warning buzzer and low fuel warning light.
The XL models feature the following equipment over and above the Base models: Rear step bumper with towing hook, chrome grill and styled steel wheels.
The XLT models offer additional features such as: remote central locking, remote locking on pull off, air conditioning, 16” alloy wheels, tonneau cover, electric windows, electric mirrors, side sill protectors, sports bar, body coloured wheel arch mouldings as well as dual airbags and ABS brakes.
Topping the line-up is the XLE which offers the following specification over and above the XLT models: side airbags, stainless steel fittings over black, 6 CD player, 2 extra speakers, front fog lamps and leather trim.
Suspension: strength and comfort
The Ranger’s tougher and more durable suspension is also designed to improve ride comfort with car-like double-wishbone front suspension and revised rear leaf springs.
A longer and larger torsion bar at the front helps provide a more comfortable ride while the stabilizer bar prevents excessive pitching and rolling. Large diameter (32mm) dampers have been used to improve rigidity, driver control and confidence.
At the rear, new leaf springs are longer than the previous model’s (1320mm vs. 1200mm) and feature a linear spring rate for enhanced ride comfort and durability. A two-stage set-up allows the second set of leafs to engage only when demanded by heavier loads.
Leaf-spring positioning is optimized to suppress roll steer, and stiffer rear spring shackles and brackets deliver greater rigidity.
Optimized steering
The new Ranger delivers balanced steering response with a robust ball-and-nut system.
The density of the natural rubber bushings has been increased by 15 percent to make it stronger and to provide more responsive steering. At the same time, handling characteristics have been optimized to make low-speed maneuvers such as parking easier while still ensuring greater stability at high speeds.
Improved aerodynamics for the new Ranger also result in more precise high-speed handling with less susceptibility to strong cross-winds.
Craftsmanship
In a dramatic leap forward, the new Ranger matches many passenger cars for its high standards of craftsmanship. Superior quality materials are used, particularly in seat fabrics, door trims and the centre console to make the interior more relaxing, particularly over long trips. Not only do these materials add a refined ambience to the interior, they also have a more up-market feel that adds to the overall impression of comfort and quality.
Controls have been designed so they are easier to use. They have been placed more intuitively to improve ergonomics in the cabin, making driving more pleasant and less tiring.
Improved craftsmanship is also revealed in the external design with the front bumper beam concealed under the body-colour fascia. This provides a significantly reduced gap between the bumper and the front end.
Reduced noise, vibration and harshness
The new-look Ranger delivers a substantially quieter environment with less noise, vibration and harshness from the engine, road and wind.
Common-rail direct-injection technology in Ford’s new TDCi engine dramatically reduces combustion noise and engine knock under heavy acceleration. This is achieved by precise multiple injections of fuel, making the cabin interior much quieter.
The new variable geometry turbocharger, cooling fan and front-end accessory drive belts also reduce noise as well as being more efficient. Further gains were realized with the manual transmission: its dual-mass flywheel and triple-cone synchronizers cut vibration and noise from the transmission gear and driveline. Even the Ranger’s new air-cleaner design lowers induction noise and helps to make Ford’s newest pickup a quieter, more pleasant place to spend time.
The determination to reduce noise, vibration and harshness did not stop with the engine. Ranger’s stiffer frame, improved body and suspension and new engine and transmission mounts all contribute to reduced noise, vibration and harshness. The cabin construction has been optimized to prevent undesirable vibrations, giving the driver confidence and comfort for long cross-country driving even with a full load.
Improved seals around the doors and glass and new door-latching mechanisms have dramatically cut wind noise, along with better air flow over the new external mirrors to reduce buffeting.
Other actions to reduce road noise include new all-terrain tyres, thicker and more widespread use of floor damping and a new dash insulator.
Lower operating costs
The new Ranger’s operating costs are improved, largely due to clever design, reduced repair costs and improved fuel economy.
The long-life design of the engines also cuts the cost of ownership with reduced engine wear and oil deterioration. The timing belt, for example, is made of a more durable material and is equipped with an auto-adjuster, extending its expected life by one-third to 120 000km on the 3.0 TDCi only.
Changes to reduce powertrain stress and wear include a wider grille opening to increase air flow and cooling plus a new highly efficient cooling fan with extended shroud for lower engine and transmission temperatures.
Another example of Ford’s effort to reduce operating costs can be found with the innovative two-piece design of the front bumper. If there is accidental damage, the entire bumper does not necessarily need replacing. Rather, the Lower half of the bumper is designed to absorb the energy of an impact. The system then allows convenient and cost-effective repairs by replacing only the damaged Lower portion of the bumper.
Additionally, all 4×2 Hi-Trail and 4×4 models feature a large under-body protector to shield the engine and other components when travelling over rough terrain.
Ford, through its substantial dealer network, offers quality genuine replacement parts at competitive prices that result in lower overall repair costs.
For the first time on a Ford commercial one-tonne vehicle, Ford has introduced a comprehensive 5 year / 90 000km service plan as standard on all workhorse, single, super and double cab derivatives. This supports Ford’s brand Built Ford Tough heritage, offering customers the peace of mind and confidence to experience the Ranger’s go anywhere, do anything ability.
