After a long time of wait, Ford had been teasing the crowd snippets of their upcoming all-new Ranger. Now, the long wait is over. The Australian-developed Ranger stakes a major claim to be the best in the business. Ford also announced that they’re targeting the celebrated and the most sold of Toyota’s Hi-Lux range. Recently, the Hi-Lux also gained competitors in terms of luxuriousness: the Amarok, Mitsubishi’s Triton, Colorado, Navara, Isuzu’s D-Max – but none have the armory of the Ranger. Classified as strong, tough, refined, and quieter than all, the all-new Ford Ranger is engineered generation ahead.

With optional of six-speed auto, 470Nm of torque and a 3.35 ton brake towing capacity for the 3.2 liter diesel that has been tested, it is maybe two generation ahead of that of the Hi-Lux. But the question is, will it outsell Hi-Lux?  Only the classified as brave would only take on that call. The Hi-Lux also being able to patent its toughness, and a reliable work-companion, has never been defeated before. Try to put the Ranger XLT and XL twin-cab 4x4s off-road and to the most challenging tracks and trails, it would be impossible if one is not impress. It is engineered, in fact, for practical work-horse capability and refinement.

The Engine

The Ford Ranger XLT has employed the well-known 3.2-liter engine, five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, who are used by Ford, Land Rover and Peugeot. Armed with the 147kW at 3000rpm and a peak torque of 470Nm from 1500-2750rpm, Ford’s five-cylinder turbo-diesel leaves its rivals on the dusts. The XLT Double Cab, on the other hand, drove via six-speed automatic transmission and Ford’s 4×4 system with its new electronically-controlled transfer case and a more compact front differential. The combined fuel cycle consumption of the Ford Ranger XLT double cab automatic is rated at 9.21/100 kms. The fuel tank capacity is 80-liters.

The Interior

The Ranger XLT Double Cab is proud with its roomy interior, thus knocking out possible rivals. In fact, Ford stated that in can comfortably accommodate six-foot people in a seat simultaneously in the front and in the rear – a great news for the tradies. The interior style of the new Ranger is aligned with other contemporary designs like that of the acclaimed Ford Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo. So that means, one could imagine a stylish center stack console for the climate control and audio, which comes in six-speaker MP3/CD/Bluetooth system with voice control and 4.2 inch multi-functional display screen, lots of storage bins and a nice four-spoke steering wheel. Some may like a the steering wheel with side support from the front seats, but the Ranger is armed with the adjustment rake only, which gives it the premium interior look, punctuated with high standards, giving you an airy feel.

The Exterior and Styling

The Ranger’s styling triumphs in the road with its strong styling presence. Ford trucks looks start in the front with its hallmark three-bar grille and modern headlights. Both side and rear designs are clever enough to highlight its curves and raked windscreen though it is not just for the looks but also for aerodynamics purposes. The box in the Ranger Double Cab XLT is measured 1.21 cubic meters.

Safety

The Ranger is loaded with some expected features, and some unexpected. The expected includes the front, side and curtain airbags, pretensioning seat-belts and child restrain anchorages. Also expected is the electronic stability control, ABS, EBD and traction control.

Unexpectedly is the adaptive load control, the trailer sway control – a potential life-saver for those towing large caravans, with roll-over mitigation control.

Knowing the Ford Ranger, can it surpass the celebrated Toyota Hi-Lux?

Feel free to browse the All-new Ford Ranger gallery of images.