Ford has updated its Ford Ranger pick-up truck with an overhauled engine range and new tech features, with sales beginning later this year.
The Mitsubishi L200 rival is the latest beneficiary of the Blue Oval's EcoBlue diesel engine, following on from the recently facelifted Mondeo. Ford claims a fuel economy improvement of up to 9% compared with the 2.2 TDCi, which will be phased out along with the five-cylinder 3.2-litre unit.
It's available in three states of tune: an entry-level 128bhp version, making 251lb ft of torque emitting 209g/km, with claimed economy of 35mpg. A 168bhp version, with 310lb ft of torque, emits 216g/km and claims 34mpg. A range topping twin-turbo version, sharing its motor with the new Ranger Raptor, makes 210bhp and 369lb ft of torque, emits 228g/km of CO2 and claims 31mpg.
All variants come with a six-speed manual gearbox, but the two most powerful units can be mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission, shared with cars such as the Ford Mustang. Ford claims this gearbox contributes 5% of the efficiency boost over the old engines.
Minor styling revisions include a redesigned front bumper and grille, a xenon headlamp option for top models and fresh colour schemes. The interior receives trim colour revisions and a new gear selector for the automatic gearbox. A new 'easy-lift' tailgate also features.
Elsewhere, there are new technology additions such as an on-board modem offering a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices, a new mobile app that can locate, lock or unlock the car, and active park assist. New active safety features include pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection (said to be a class first) and an intelligent speed limiter.
Read more:
Ford Ranger Wildtrack 2018 review
210bhp Ford Range Raptor confirmed for UK launch in 2019
