Greetings from Impact Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok. The 2015 Bangkok International Motor Show begins tomorrow for the press, but Ford has unveiled the 2015 Ford Ranger facelift for the first time to selected media from the region this morning.
The refreshed Ranger T6 comes with an all-new, more macho face and bold grille, but that's not the only thing new about it - a completely new dashboard is present as well, with a sharper design that echoes the newfound ruggedness of the exterior. This writer likes the new look and I'm guessing pick-up truck fans will do too.
Cosmetics aside, the new Ranger will go on sale with improved diesel powertrains with Start-Stop tech. Coupled with new electric power steering, the Ranger is quieter and up to 22% more fuel efficient, FoMoCo claims.
Three TDCi units will come with Malaysian-spec Rangers - the five-cylinder 3.2 Duratorq (updated EGR system, 197 hp, 470 Nm), a standard 2.2 Duratorq (now with 158 hp/385 Nm) and a new high-efficiency variant of the 2.2 with 129 hp. The latter is the one with the 22% better FC. A 2.5 Duratec petrol engine is available elsewhere.
In my experience, the current Ranger is the best truck to drive on tarmac, but Ford has seen fit to retune the suspension for better ride comfort and handling. New tech available include SYNC 2 connectivity and a suite of high-end driver assists systems such as Lane Keeping Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Impairment Monitor and front/rear parking sensors. Not all would be on all versions of the Malaysian spec, though.
The Ranger will continue to be built in three facilities globally, in Argentina, South Africa and Thailand. Ours will come from the AAT plant in Rayong, Thailand, as before. More to come, but for now, see it for yourself with our full live gallery. What do you think?
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