With Ford having revealed their next generation of the Ranger pick-up truck, Volkswagen is also releasing more details and images of its new Amarok. Why, you may wonder, is Volkswagen associated with Ford’s model reveal? It’s because the two carmakers have been working together on their new pick-up trucks. Ford had previously been collaborating with Mazda for its earlier Rangers, with Mazda’s version known as the BT-50. However, the two companies decided to end that collaboration and Mazda has teamed up with Isuzu, while Ford teamed up with Volkswagen.
Like the Ford-Mazda collaboration, a similar arrangement is now with the German carmaker’s Commercial Vehicles subsidiary. Just how much each party contributes is not known, just as it was never known with Ford and Mazda which had worked together since the first Ranger in the mid-1990s. However, Ford probably brings much truck expertise to the collaboration since it has been making such vehicles for more than 100 years, and it also makes the bestselling truck on the planet (albeit largely in North America).
Volkswagen has not had a strong presence in the truck market and even back in the 1990s, it was taking the Toyota Hilux and rebadging it to sell as a Volkswagen Taro. It developed its own model, the Amarok, ten years ago but that has not made a big impact in the time it has been in the market (over 800,000 sold globally). Now, with the new model to be adapted from the new Ranger, Volkswagen will have a more capable truck to sell. The carmaker is certainly expecting it to impress with numerous innovations.
New Amarok to be built at Ford plant
The Ranger was mainly developed in Australia and Volkswagen adds that there were also project teams in Europe. The Ford models will be built at two production hubs – in Thailand and in South Africa – and Volkswagen says its product will be built in South Africa (at Ford’s plant) as well in Pacheco, Argentina, where the current generation is built. Volkswagen has plant in South Africa as Uitenhage but it is not set up as a truck plant (it makes only the Polo and Cross Polo). Incidentally, Mazda’s new BT-50 is also made at the Isuzu plant in Thailand rather than the original facility which is jointly owned with Ford.
This is considered as the third generation and unless Volkswagen plans on entering more markets with the new Amarok, it will be sold in considerably less than the 180 markets the Ranger is in. It is mainly on sale in South America, Europe, South Africa, Mongolia and there are plans to sell it in North America.
The new Amarok will be built at Ford’s factory in South Africa (above) which was upgraded this year for the new Ranger. Another production site will be at Volkswagen’s factory in Argentina (below) which builds the current Amarok.
Premium truck
To go on sale in late 2022, the new Amarok is presented as a premium truck and will have ‘clear Volkswagen DNA’, the company stresses. This probably refers largely to aesthetics and perhaps some specific equipment or features. The new vehicle has significantly more driver assistance systems and connectivity than before, which the Ranger is already well known for.
As is the case with shared models, the designers can only individualise areas like the lights and grille, and perhaps some of the bodywork as many of the structural ‘hard points’ are fixed. To alter them means additional engineering work and cost, defeating the benefit of joint development.
The new Amarok will get Volkswagen DNA at the front end and looks a lot more muscular than the model it will replace (below).
‘X design’ and Volkswagen DNA
In the case of the Amarok, Volkswagen is giving it a striking front end with defining ‘X design’, according to Albert-Johann Kirzinger, Head of Design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “We’ve given the strength and power of the new Amarok an unambiguous expression – with clear Volkswagen DNA, inside and out.”
“The Amarok makes possible what in many places appears impossible at first sight: it makes things easier for its users by assisting them in their work and everyday lives,” said Dr. Lars Krause, Brand Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “That’s because the Amarok provides solutions that enable our customers to achieve their goals – especially when things get difficult.”
To know more about Volkswagen models available in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is a well-equipped, value-for-money version of the popular pick-up truck sold by Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), Now, there’s an even better Wildtrak and only a limited number of units have been imported from the factory in Thailand.
Known as the Ranger WildTrak Sport, this special edition is priced from RM158,388 (excluding insurance, Peninsular Malaysia private registration). Each new unit is backed by Ford’s manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or 160,000 kms (whichever comes first). Customers will also get an 18-month free service package if they purchase the vehicle before December 31, 2021.
Exclusive features inside and outside
As a special edition, the Ranger Wildtrak Sport has exclusive features on the exterior as well as inside the double cab. On the outside, the two available colours of Saber and Absolute Black identify the Wildtrak Sport. The dominant grille area has a new design while the door mirrors are finished in Ebony Black. The door handles and rear lift handle also follow the black theme, and likewise for the alloy wheels which are 18 inches in diameter.
The passenger car-like cabin gets illuminated front scuff plates with a logo and the seats have embossed leather upholstery, along with the steering wheel which has stitching.
Same technical specifications
The technical aspects are the same as the regular Ranger Wildtrak so under the bonnet is the proven 2-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The output of 213 ps/500 Nm means the vehicle can go anywhere easily, especially with its robust and capable 4×4 system.
Besides its performance, the Ranger WildTrak Sport also has smart safety technologies that make it safer when driving. Active safety systems include Autonomous Emergency Braking with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning and Assist. Airbags are installed on the front and sides of the cabin to provide additional protection during collisions.
Test-drives are also available at the event in 1Utama as well as at showrooms of authorised Ford dealerships nationwide.
“As the country transitions to normalcy, we see the introduction of our New Ford Ranger WildTrak Sport Special Edition timely, being a perfect addition to our already renowned Ranger portfolio where customers use it for work, family or play,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
Take part in the challenge
The Ranger Wildtrak Sport Special Edition is being introduced to the public at Ford’s first ‘new normal’ roadshow from today until December 12 at the Ground Floor of the Luxe Wing in the 1Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Activities will be broadcast from the event daily so those who cannot be there can still ‘participate’ and stand a chance to win Ford exclusive merchandise. The broadcast is on Facebook Live on Ford Malaysia’s Facebook page.
The public can also participate in the #FORDeverysecondcount social challenge to win Ford exclusive merchandise. This challenge aims to inspire people by asking them to make a montage of 1-second footages expressing the type of life they want to live from now on as we progress towards normalcy, and to include the #FORDeverysecondcount and #fordmalaysia hashtags.
Special offers
Normally, special offers are only available to those who visit events, but authorised Ford dealerships nationwide will also be giving the same offers as the roadshow during the 5-day period. Customers who buy the Ranger WildTrak Sport during this period stand a chance to win with a local Getaway package.
To know more about the Ranger WildTrak Sport and other versions available, WhatsApp Chat a Ford Ranger Specialist or visit www.sdacford.com.my.
The Ranger nameplate has been used by Ford since the late 1950s (for a sedan at that time) although it is only since the 1990s that the name gained prominence globally. This was when Ford used it on a new pick-up truck which it developed as an ‘Asian Car’ – in contrast to the low-priced sedans that Toyota and Honda developed (the Soluna/Vios and City). Ford had developed it as a ‘compact’ (by American standards) truck primarily for the ASEAN and emerging markets.
The Ranger was to be produced at a brand new factory built in Thailand in preparation for the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) which would enable vehicles from one country to be imported into another ASEAN country with no import duties imposed. In other words, AFTA would be a single trading bloc with over 550 million potential customers.
The new model was developed jointly with Mazda, which called its model the BT-50. The vehicles would be built at the Auto Alliance Thailand factory which was also jointly owned by the two companies. Since the late 1990s, three generations have been produced there and today, Ford has revealed the fourth generation that should start going on sale early next year.
Three generations of the Ranger.
New product development partner
Apart from a generation change, this new Ranger is also no longer a joint development by Ford and Mazda. The partnership ended with the third generation and Mazda has been working with Isuzu for its next BT-50 while Ford teamed up with Volkswagen, which will use the new model as the basis for its next Amarok.
From what reports suggest, Ford’s expertise in trucks (its first purpose-built truck was introduced in 1917) has given it a lead role and much of the new Ranger will be used by Volkswagen, although the German carmaker has been quick to also say that its model will have unique ‘Volkswagen DNA’.
Sketch of Volkswagen’s new Amarok which will be adapted from the new Ford Ranger (below)
It won’t be the first time that Volkswagen is working with another company for its trucks. Back in the late 1980s, the carmaker signed a deal with Toyota for the supply of its Hilux model which would be assembled in Germany as part of the VW range. The model was called the Taro and it was produced from 1989 till 1997. With Ford, Volkswagen is probably involved in a more meaningful way than was the case with the Hilux Taro. However, it is Ford that is giving the new truck its global debut first, and VW will probably unveil its new Amarok sometime next year.
Iconic features with F-150 inspiration
To most people, the new Ranger probably looks pretty much like the previous one. After all, with a truck, how different can the design be and it is more of the styling in certain areas that usually receive the radical changes. For this new model, the design team looked at the much larger F-150 truck and also considered the iconic features that have evolved with the Ranger over the years.
“Some of us looked to nature, some to architecture and some others to art for inspiration. We didn’t hold back. We let our designers loose to really go for it,” said Max Tran, the chief designer for the new Ranger who was based in Australia.
The bold looks are maintained and the evolutionary changes can be seen in the surface treatments that are stronger and more muscular. The most obvious change is in the ‘face’ and ‘eyes’, ie the grille and the headlights flanking it. The ‘C-clamp’ daytime running lights at the edges of the headlights provide the truck with its unique signature, a feature which you will also see in the smaller Maverick.
All the pictures released today show a double cab with 4 doors, the most popular bodystyle. It’s not known if Ford will also have a 2-door version which is popular in some markets as a workhorse vehicle. There are pronounced wheelarches and a stronger shoulder line running along the sides.
With the second generation, Ford’s designers began to enlarge the brand logo so it would be more visible from a distance and also appropriate to the size of the vehicle. For this new generation, there is also a large sculpted ‘RANGER’ name stamped on the lower portion of the tailgate. The tailgate, with a hint of an aerodynamic spoiler, is flanked by lighting units designed to harmonize with the headlight style.
Longer wheelbase, wider track
Ford has not released any detailed technical data and while the overall size looks the same, there is mention of a 50 mm increase in track and 50 mm longer wheelbase. The wheelbase extension is achieved by moving the front wheels forward, which gives a better approach angle and outboard for better off-road articulation.
The platform is essentially the same traditional ladder-frame chassis which is tough and good for carrying heavy loads. While some carmakers have begun moving towards a monocoque structure, Ford probably realizes that most of its customers want the ‘Built Ford Tough‘ capability and the ladder frame is better.
A hydro-formed front-end structure creates more space in the engine bay and helps future-proof the Ranger for other propulsion technologies (a hint of a hybrid or even a BEV powertrain?). It also opens up the front of the truck to allow more airflow to the radiator, which helps keep running temperatures low when towing or carrying heavy loads.
More focus on ride and handling
However, with truck usage having changed from off-road workhorse duties to daily transportation and leisure, ride comfort and handling have become more important. To improve this, the engineers shifted the rear suspension dampers outboard of the frame rails while retaining the same layout.
“On the Next-Generation Ranger, we’ve increased the tuning range to give our customers the best of both worlds – think of this as ‘Built Ford Tough Plus’ – so you’ve got the capability, toughness and durability that Ford trucks are known for, plus comfort and a more car-like ride that Ranger is known for,” said Graham Pearson, Ranger vehicle program director.
Three turbodiesel engines
At launch, Ford has three engine choices for most of the new Ranger’s markets outside the USA (which may also want petrol engines). These are all turbodiesels, with a new 3-litre V6 to meet customer requests for more power and torque to tow heavy loads or for serious off-roading. It’s not the first 3-litre that the Ranger is having as it has had this engine size before, but with 4 cylinders. Output numbers are not provided but if it is similar to the engine in the F-150, then it would be in the region of 250 bhp and almost 600 Nm.
2-litre Bi-Turbo diesel 4-cylinder engine is carried over from the current Ranger.
The other two engines are familiar units which power the current generation. These are 4-cylinder commonrail engines with a 2-litre displacement and either a single turbo or a bi-turbo. If not improved, the outputs will be 210 bhp/500 Nm and 178 bhp/420 Nm, respectively.
Transmission choices include an updated 10-speed automatic, with the current 6-speed automatic (depending on variant and market). The e-shifter has a short and stubby design with manual selection done using buttons on the side of the shifter – Ford’s preferred way of doing it. Manual transmission isn’t mentioned but this is likely to also be available for those markets that want it.
There will be 4×4 as well as 4×2 drivetrains with electronic rotary shifters that allow switching between high and low ranges on the move. Some versions will be available with an advanced full-time 4×4 system, giving the same sort of experience as a SUV.
Incidentally, in future, the Ranger will be able to receive over-the-air (OTA) updates for software so that the updates can be done without going to a service centre. These save the customer time and also keep the vehicle running at its best with the most current software.
Leadership in safety
Nothing is said about safety and it could be that the Ranger’s leadership in this area (in its segment) has equipped it with many advanced systems that Ford can just continue with the present provisions. In fact, even from the first Ranger, Ford showed that even truck drivers’ lives were valuable and provided safety features that most other trucks did not have.
Even in the current Wildtrak, there is Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking and Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as airbags at the front and sides of the cabin. These would surely continue to be included and perhaps with improved performance as well.
Customer-influenced interior design
For the cabin, customer input was key to what was expected and this was drawn from more than 5,000 interviews and dozens of customer workshops around the planet. They wanted a flexible, modern cockpit that would cater to both work and family duties. To provide this, Ford provides smart and connected features with more comfort and storage options than ever before.
“We know our customers are looking for a smart and functional interior space that feels comfortable. So, we set about designing it with a high level of well-integrated technology, clever functional storage and visual cues so the environment feels comfortable and spacious,” Tran said.
The heart of the Ranger’s connectivity experience is the large 10.1-inch or 12-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard, a styling feature which is also used in recent Ford models. It complements the fully digital instrument panel and uses Ford’s latest SYNC4 system. This system has voice-activated communications and infotainment, allowing the driver to keep hands on the steering wheel as much as possible.
Many of the traditional driving mode controls have been moved from the dashboard and centre console to their own dedicated display on the SYNC screen. With one button press, drivers can go to Ranger’s dedicated screen for all off-road and drive modes where they can monitor the driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch and roll angles and other controls.
The screen also is linked to a 360-degree camera to make parking easy or even to assist when driving over particularly tricky terrain. In addition, customers can control Ranger’s new exterior zone lighting system via the touchscreen, which means they don’t have to work, camp or do anything in the dark.
Functional and practical
The design team also created clever storage and useful features for owners. There are not only places to store a phone or charge it wirelessly but also a large centre console bin. In addition, the door pockets are designed to carry more, the wide dash conceals an upper glovebox and there are storage bins under and behind the rear seats.
Watching how owner use their trucks gave the designers ideas on how to improve some areas. For example, people were observed stepping on the tyres or pulling themselves up to get onto the open tailgate. This led to an integrated side-step behind the rear wheels, giving a more stable way for them to get into the cargo bed.
In addition, the Ranger team worked on making a wider variety of cargo fit and stay secure in the load box. “Widening the truck by 50 mm may not seem like a lot, but it makes a huge difference, especially in the cargo box. It means that customers will be able to load flat some pretty fundamental items, such as a sheet of building plywood or a full-size pallet,” said Anthony Hall, Ranger vehicle engineering manager.
Cargo bed as a workplace
Additional thoughtful, customer-focused touches include a new, tough plastic-moulded bedliner that helps protect both the truck bed from scratches and owner’s knees from kneeling on a steel truck bed. Extra cargo tie-down points – on strong steel tube rails – provide convenient points to secure loads. Durable, flexible load box caps around the sides of the box and across the tailgate conceal structural attachment points for canopies and other aftermarket accessories.
There’s a new cargo management system designed with dividers to hold various sized items – like timber or toolboxes. Owners also can create smaller compartments to store objects, which would otherwise have to go in the cab, using a system of ultra-strong spring-loaded cleats that clip into rails bolted to each side of the cargo box. The tailgate can also double as a mobile work bench with clamp pockets to measure, grip and cut building materials.
On some versions, zone lighting can give owners better visibility around the vehicle. Load box lighting is provided under the left and right rails and provides plenty of light for finishing up jobs in low light or finding things in the cargo box at night.
The Ranger will be built at Ford’s global production hubs in Thailand and South Africa and exported to some 180 countries. Production will begin in 2022 which is just around the corner so we can probably expect to see the new Ranger in Malaysia during the second or third quarter as the model is imported in CBU form from Thailand.
It will still be a while before the new Ranger arrives in Malaysia but you can inform an authorised Ford dealership of your interest and be updated. Or if you prefer the current Ranger, visit www.sdacford.com.my to locate a showroom where you can test-drive one.
Back in earlier years, car companies had only to worry about professional spy photographers capturing images of their next model. The occasions when ordinary members of the public happened to spot and know what they were seeing were few and usually, they saw but could not record anything. The cameraphone changed all that and with it also came social media which had an image up within seconds and seen around the world within minutes.
Furthermore, with sophisticated editing software, it was also possible to ‘strip away’ simple camouflage like the black tape that was commonly used. Even in earlier days, some of the pros would try to remove camouflage and then sell their pictures to magazines as ‘scoop pictures’.
More sophisticated camouflage created
So for the carmakers, especially those in the R&D department which had to conduct tests in public areas, camouflaging prototypes required even more sophisticated approaches. Working with the design studio, they have come up with wraps with mind-bending patterns, squiggles, and swirls which cover almost every part of the vehicle except things like the front and rear lights which must be visible to other road-users for safety reasons.
The aim of these patterns is to confuse the eye and prevent industry spies from being able to focus on the vehicle’s features. While a general idea of the shape may be discernible even with the camouflage, some key elements like the design of the grille or the actual shape of side windows are still hidden.
Ford’s latest camouflage, inspired by the block pattern on the Bronco R Baja racer as well as mountain ranges, uses hundreds of blue, black, and white blocks in a pixelated pattern to break up the appearance of the underlying shape of the vehicle while it’s still under development.
Optical illusion
The camouflage is being used on the next generation of the Ford Ranger at the moment. Designed by a team at Ford’s Design Centre in Melbourne, Australia, this camouflage pattern creates an optical illusion that makes it difficult to pick out exterior features in sunlight, while a reflective element helps hide the vehicle’s shape at night.
“We were asked to develop a camouflage that allowed you to clearly see that this is the new Ranger but not see it at the same time,” said Leigh Cosentino, Design Manager at Ford Australia. “The inspiration originally came from the Baja livery Ford has been using; as I’m a huge fan of motorsport it’s hard for me not to be obsessed with machinery like that,” added Lee Imrie, the Ford Australia designer who developed the successful pattern.
Not usual type of camouflage
According to Cosentino, the project was about more than just disguising key features in the sheet metal. “We wanted the design to be dynamic and exciting and build anticipation towards the reveal of next Ranger without looking like a derivative of military camouflage,” he said.
The design is dense at the bottom and then the pattern becomes scattered towards the roof. It ends up being a good camouflage, is visually exciting but also gives the pattern a sense of movement. It’s not the usual static type of camouflage.
“There’s no linework on this camo that aligns with anything on the exterior and that means you can’t see volume or shape or lines in the vehicle,” added Imrie. “My intention with this design was to scatter your eye so that you can’t focus on a specific line; and the colour patching adds to that effect.”
But there’s more to the pattern than just scattering your eye. While Imrie said he based the pattern on the Bronco R racer, he also took inspiration from the Next-Generation Ranger itself. “I started with squares rotated at 45 degrees, and scattered them throughout the page, attempting to make a reoccurring silhouette of a mountain top landscape which echoed the lifestyle orientation of the Next-Generation Ranger. When you stand back, it has a clear connection to a digitised military camouflage but with a connection to nature,” Imrie said.
The digitised pattern took the team 2 months to develop and test. It’s printed onto vinyl and applied in 2 stages taking up to two days to apply. The full-vehicle base layer contains the blue, black, and white blocks and is applied in the same way a regular wrap is. The second, reflective ‘layer’ consists of up to one hundred individual reflective elements hand placed on the vehicle.
If you’re wondering when the new Ranger will be seen without all the camouflage, Ford has confirmed that it will be this coming November 24.
In the early 1990s, various manufacturers considered what the ‘Asian Car’ should be. With the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) created, there was a need to choose a product which would be suitable for the different markets in the region. While Toyota and Honda decided on a low-cost sedan, Ford chose a pick-up truck which it felt would be a suitable alternative to sedans. And with its long history and experience in making pick-ups, it could certainly come up with a very good world-class product.
The new model was called the Ranger and it was built in Thailand at a brand new US$500 million factory Ford set up to be a production hub. Apart from attractive investment incentives offered by the government, the choice of Thailand was also because it was the second largest pick-up truck market in the world after the USA.
The Ranger would be sold mainly around the region (but also exported worldwide), imported tax-freewith the privileges offered by the AFTA Agreement. Ford had gone further with the development of the new model, making it more like a passenger car in comfort and convenience as well as safety.
When it appeared in the late 1990s, the Ranger built and shaped the pick-up truck market, introducing Malaysians to a more active lifestyle outdoors and also encouraging them to be more adventurous.
Leading and shaping the market
In countries like Malaysia, where the regulations were changed to allow private use of trucks, the introduction of the Ranger was timely. In its launch year, the Ranger was only on sale in the last quarter of the year and yet achieved a 21% share. The following year, sales crept up quickly as it became the pick-up that everyone wanted. By the early 2000s, it was the market leader with a share of around 50% of the pick-up segment. The Ranger certainly helped to develop pick-up popularity and started a new segment of ‘lifestyle machines’.
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, has now adopted a new brand positioning – Live the Ranger Life – which celebrates the Ranger’s evolution into the modern lifestyle truck that it is today. The new brand essence encapsulates the values and persona of the Ranger, which has transformed over the years beyond being just a truck for work to one that can be used as an alternative to the car, supporting the lifestyle choices of a diverse range of customers.
“’Live the Ranger Life’ is spot-on in personifying how the Ranger is more than a purely utilitarian workhorse. It is now leading the pack as a versatile and premium truck that is increasingly purchased for lifestyle reasons that people aspire to own. Customers are choosing to purchase a Ranger not just for work, but also for play and family, thanks to its renowned strength, engineering capabilities, smart technologies, luxurious cabin and passenger vehicle features,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
Bringing the brand essence to life
Five core tenets fuel the guiding principles for fully expressing the ‘Live the Ranger Life’ spirit and way of life which was gathered through a global customer survey which was conducted by Ford across its markets: “We Make Our Own Fun” (fun in driving and in living), “Up and Over” (tackling challenges), “Bring Others Along the Journey” (family and friends), “Can’t Help but Help” (assistance to others), and “Carve Our Own Path” (being bold and fearless in life).
“These five values reflect the way that Ranger owners and those aspiring to own one go about their lives. They are always open to new experiences. They are fearless in tackling challenges not just on or off road but also in life. They form kinships with each other and enjoy having their own fun adventures. They are also always finding ways to give back the community and support others in need. And in everything they do, they make a point to go over and above,” said Encik Zuhair.
More lifestyle options
To enhance the lifestyle focus, SDAC will soon have a Lifestyle Ford Merchandise store on its e-commerce enabled website. Here, customers can browse for the available merchandise and make their purchases which can be delivered to an address they specify.
Encik Zuhair added that other exciting programmes targeted at the pick-up segment will also announced in the coming months.
If you want to ‘Live the Ranger Life’, visit www.sdacford.com.my to know more about the wide range of Ranger models available and where to experience them.
Over the years, many car companies have been extending the warranty period of coverage. In the old days, it used to be just a year and 20,000 kms and then it gradually got longer. Manufacturing processes got better so the parts were more reliable and durable, giving the manufacturers confidence to extend the period. For owners, it also meant more peace of mind with a longer period of coverage.
However, while the warranty periods for passenger cars extended fairly quickly, it was not the same for commercial vehicles and pick-up trucks. This was understandable as many of these vehicles are put to hard and rough use in extreme conditions.
Nevertheless, manufacturing processes have improved, as mentioned earlier, and many parts are more durable. Certainly, for Ford vehicles, which have always been ‘Built Ford Tough’, the rugged nature of the vehicles and their ability to withstand rough conditions has long been proven.
2 years more or another 60,000 kms
Now, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) is extending the warranty on its 2021 Ford Ranger models to 5 years or a maximum of 160,000 kms, which is 2 years longer (or 60,000 kms more going by mileage) than what has been offered.
“We understand that for our Ranger customers, their vehicles are not just point-to-point modes of transportation. They are an extension of their lifestyle – for work and play besides daily commutes for families and loved ones. With the new 5-year manufacturer’s warranty for our Ranger line-up, we aim to provide added value to customers as they go about their life’s adventures,” said Turse Zuhair, Head of Sales at SDAC.
2-year extension for existing owners
Meanwhile, those who already own a Ranger with a current 3-year warranty will have the option to purchase two Extended Warranty Plans – PremiumCARE and PowertrainCARE (terms and conditions apply). The PremiumCARE plan provides a 2-year comprehensive coverage on over 1,000 components, while the PowertrainCARE plan provides a 2-year extended warranty on the engine, transmission and drivetrain.
For more information on the new 5-year Warranty and Extended Warranty Plans, as well as information about Ford models available in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my .
When the government announced PENJANA (Pelan Jana Semula Ekonomi Negara), the RM35 billion short-term economic recovery plan, exemption of sales tax for new motor vehicles was among the incentives. However, to the disappointment of those who thought of buying a pick-up truck, the exemption did not cover such vehicles as they are classified as commercial vehicles. Perhaps because the government is giving other incentives to the commercial sector, they are making the exclusion.
Therefore, while passenger vehicles now have reduced prices with sales tax exempted (partial for imported CBU models) and the exemption will be maintained till the end of the year, pick-up truck prices have not changed.
However, if you buy a Ford Ranger, you can still save money at this time because Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) is offering rebates for popular pick-up truck. The offer is for three variants of the WildTrak, with rebates of up to RM7,188.
Those who choose the WildTrak and Ranger XL will receive cash rebates of up to RM7,000, while those who pick the Ranger XLT Plus can enjoy savings of RM7,188 (while stocks last).
“The Ford Ranger line-up continues to appeal to a wide range of customers with its reputation as a capable and versatile pickup that is suited for any purpose, be it work, play or both. By offering these savings, we hope to lighten the financial load for customers who wish to be a proud owner of a tough and versatile Ford Ranger,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
Three choices
The Ranger WildTrak is equipped with the proven 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers 213 ps/500 Nm, enabling the Ranger to overcome challenging conditions while also being able to cruise effortlessly at high speeds.
With an extensive suite of smart technologies, many of which are first and only in-class, the WildTrak is safe and capable with a level of refinement that is above average for the typical pick-up truck.
The Ranger XLT Plus is powered by a 2-litre Single-Turbo diesel engine that produces 180 ps/420 Nm, plenty for hauling heavy cargo. It comes with convenience features such as keyless entry with pushstart ignition and the innovative Easy Lift Tailgate which takes away the heaviness of the tailgate.
Those who are looking for a reliable and tough workhorse will find the Ranger XL well suited to many tasks. It can haul up to 1,000 kgs and tow a load of up to 3,500 kgs. The Ranger XL is ‘Built Ford Tough’, which also applies to every Ranger model.
Test-drive from your doorstep
Find out what driving a Ranger is like at your convenience by requesting for a test drive vehicle at home or at the office (within 10 kms radius of an authorised Ford dealership). The request can be made either contacting the dealership directly, submitting an online test drive request via the SDAC-Ford website or by sending a message to the Ford Digital Salesperson on the WhatsApp sales line at 019 204 1200.
The ‘Digital Salesperson’ will also be able to address all customer queries relating to vehicle purchase including stock availability, loan financing options, roadtax and vehicle registration fees as well as insurance options.
Although pick-up trucks were, in earlier years, regarded as just workhorse machines for use off-road most of the time, the Ford Ranger changed that image. When it was introduced in the mid-1990s as Ford’s ‘Asian Car’, it brought to the regional market a new way of using pick-ups – the way they were being used in America, the largest pick-up market in the world.
In America, pick-ups were used for a variety of purposes, not just for tough off-road transport. They were used in daily commuting and as leisure vehicles. Of course, they also had to look good and over time, Ford stylists made the rugged image something that was desirable.
This was how the Ranger changed the perception of the pick-up truck in ASEAN. Before it was introduced, pick-up trucks were pretty basic and boring. They usually came to town from construction sites or logging camps for supplies and then went back in. No one really considered having them as daily transport to work.
Still, the Ranger was ‘Built Ford Tough’ and had all the capabilities a pick-up truck should have – plus stylishness that appealed to those who had never thought of owning such a vehicle before. It made quite an impact and in its early years in the Malaysian market, it accounted for half of all pick-ups sold.
The big factory in Thailand which was built to make the Ranger for regional distribution was also a global production hub for the model. So distant markets like Europe and South America also got their Rangers from Thailand. In Europe, the model steadily made inroads into the market and grew in popularity to become Europe’s No. 1 in its segment. The dominance of the Ranger was again demonstrated when it collected three awards in Germany in recent months.
Readers of the specialist magazine ‘Auto Bild Allrad’ gave the highest number of votes to the Ford model, winning it the overall award among All-wheel Pickups. The expert jury of the trade magazine ‘firmenauto’ was also convinced that the Ranger should win the top award in the pick-up segment, giving it the title of ‘Company Car of the Year 2020’. And finally, readers of the specialist magazine OFF ROAD chose the Ranger as the ‘Off-Road Vehicle of the Year 2020’ in the “Pick-ups” category as well.
In Europe, Ranger owners also attach mobile cabins to the vehicle for camping holidays.
The three latest awards join the ‘International Pick-up of the Year 2020’ award which was won last year. The jury picked the Ranger for its combination of robustness, clever drive technology, comfort and large loading area.
To know more about the wide range of Ranger models available in Malaysia visit www.sdacford.com.my.
The Ford Ranger is quite possibly the most desirable pick up truck in the market right now. From the Ranger Raptor to the entry level Ranger XL, all are extremely capable pick-up trucks, with the Raptor and the Wildtrak naturally being the most well balanced for on and off-road capabilities.
Today (June 3rd) though the Ranger family will welcome a new member – the New Ford Ranger FX4.
Model shown here is the New Ford Ranger FX4 for the Australian domestic market. It is still unclear if SDAC will introduce this colour or if the Malaysian FX4 will look anything like this model. – Editor
The updated Ranger FX4 has been vastly improved over the model it replaces.
Far from a regular nip and tuck job typical of model upgrades, the New Ranger FX4 can be immediately recognised by an ebony black grille, black side mirror covers, door handles and a black tailgate handle.
The Ranger FX4 also gets black 18-inch rims and unique FX4 side decals and also a 3D tailgate badge.
It doesn’t end there though, the interior of the new Ranger FX4 is a vast improvement over the old model with new black-leather seats with an embossed FX4 logo.
Interior shown here is of the Australian spec Ford Ranger FX4. Photo is for illustration purposes only. – Editor
There is also red contrast stitching adorning the seats, the dash, the steering wheel as well as the centre console.
And because moderns Rangers are brilliant at keeping its occupants entertained, the new Ranger FX4 comes with an eight-inch infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity mated to six speakers.
Underneath it all though, there is a 2.2-litre TDCi VGT turbodiesel engine which also powers the Ranger XLT.
This engine puts out a healthy 157hp and 385Nm of torque through a six-speed gearbox that channels all that power to either the rear wheels or all four wheels.
The driver can select whether he wants to drive in 2WD or 4WD mode by simply turning a knob located by the gear lever, even while the Ranger FX4 is on the move.
There is also an electronic-locking rear differential for when the road gets tough.
Interested? SDAC is offering the first 150 customers who purchase the new Ford Ranger FX4 free accessories worth RM5,398!
These accessories consist of a matte black sports bar, a high-definition Digital Video Recorder with an 8GB memory card as well as executive tinting.
Don’t forget to catch the live introduction of the latest member of the Ford Ranger family – the Ford Ranger FX4.
Over the next 3 months, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has a money-saving offer for the Ford Ranger, specifically the XLT variants. With the ‘Ford Ranger XLT Family Promotion’, purchasers of the Ranger XLT, XLT Plus and XLT Special Edition can save up to RM9,000. The promotion will run from March 1 to May 31, 2020.
“The Ford Ranger XLT line-up continues to attract a wide range of customers with its appeal as a hardworking and rugged pickup that is suited for both work and play. Comfortable yet powerful, refined yet capable, our customers appreciate its versatility. With that, we are delighted to introduce the ‘Ford Ranger XLT Family Promotion’ to our customers,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
Ford Ranger XLT Special Edition
The Ranger XLT Special Edition has enhancements that include an upgraded 9-inch Touchscreen display with Reverse Camera plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that supports applications like Spotify, YouTube, Waze and Google Chrome. It also comes with a tonneau cover and trendy decals on each side of the truck.
Ford Ranger XLT Plus
Voted ‘Twin Cab Pick-up Truck of The Year’ in the 18th Malaysia Cars of the Year Awards, the Ranger XLT Plus is powered by a 2-litre Single-Turbo diesel engine that is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission delivering 180 ps/420Nm.
It comes with convenience features such as keyless entry with start/stop button for engine operation and an Easy-Lift Tailgate to make lifting and lowering the tailgate effortless. It’s an ideal vehicle for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, camping or canoeing.
The capable Ranger XLT has a proven diesel engine with a variable geometry turbocharger that delivers 160 ps of power and maximum torque of 385 Nm, more than enough for work and personal business.
Colour choices
The Ranger Special Edition comes with a choice of two colours – Arctic White and Absolute Black, while the Ranger XLT and XLT Plus are available in Aluminium Metallic, Lightning Blue, Frozen White, Magnetic and Absolute Black.
To find out more about each variant and other promotions, visit www.sdacford.com.my .
