With the latest Ford Ranger, a lot of effort has gone into making it the most versatile Ranger ever, a transporter for work or for recreation. To achieve that, the project team spent hundreds of hours talking to customers around the world to see how they use their pick-up trucks on a daily basis and what features and capability they expected.
A lot of feedback was acquired and considered, leading to the new Ranger having the versatility inside as well as outside the vehicle. The large and functional cargo box can take large items of all shapes and there are also accessories to close it off for security.
Ford also collaborated with JAC Products to develop a unique Sliding Load Rack and Folding Roof Rack which allow owners to load items spanning the length of the roof and cargo box. Known as the Flexible Rack System (FRS), it can be used for a ladder, timber, a door, canoe, surfboards or even bicycles.
Remember the news about a new Ford Ranger Raptor being entered in the SCORE-International Baja 1000? Run in California, it’s one of the world’s toughest off-road races and just making it to the end in one piece is an achievement.
The Ranger Raptor – prepared in Australia for desert racing but still quite standard and even road-legal, finished its class in first place. And it was still in such good condition that the team decided to drive it back to its home base. In 2017, a stock F-150 Raptor also did the same thing.
Even as the Ford+ Plan has the carmaker putting in bigger investments in electric vehicles, attention has not diminished for vehicles with combustion engines. Particularly with pick-up trucks, which Ford is a leader in, there is continued development with sustainable clean energy solutions being explored.
At the SCORE International Baja 1000 – one of the toughest off-road races in the world – Ford Performance will enter a new Ranger Raptor running on a low-carbon biofuel, demonstrating the potential of these fuels in the most demanding environments.
Before pick-up trucks were allowed for private registration, they were used only for business purposes, usually on construction sites of logging camps. Their main use was transporting things, so seating was needed just for the driver and an assistant. This made the single cab bodystyle more common than the double cab.
As private use of trucks grew and people took their families in them, the double cab became the more common version. The single cab was still around but of interest mainly to businessmen. As demand was low, some companies decided to stop offering the variants (in Malaysia).
However, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has always included a single cab variant in its Ford Ranger range and with the new generation, this is also the case. While the Ranger Single Cab was not announced earlier, it is now added to the range in the form of the XL 4×4 Single Cab Manual variant.
One of the pleasures that driving enthusiasts enjoy is the ‘music’ from the exhaust of their cars. It can convey emotion and form part of the car’s character, especially with sportscars. Some manufacturers have their engineers spend a lot of time and effort to ensure that the car has a sound unique enough to become an aural signature that signifies the presence of the car near or far.
Generally, the growls or roars have been associated with sportscars but now, Ford is also bringing a new feature to truck owners which will allow them to customise the exhaust sound in various ways. It’s made possible by the new active valve twin exhaust system fitted to the 3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine of the latest Ranger Raptor.
From the fashion world back to nature – that will be the journey for the Isuzu D-MAX when it once again participates in the Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge. This will be the 14th year that Isuzu Malaysia is supporting the event which was not run in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Isuzu Malaysia is providing 3 units of the D-MAX X-Terrain as Official Media Vehicles during the week-long event organised by the Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA). The vehicles were recently handed over by Isuzu Malaysia’s Marketing Manager, Alan Lee, to the association’s President, Hj. Faez Nordin.
Following the preview of the new Ford Ranger, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) will soon present the next-generation Ranger Raptor to the Malaysian public. The high-performance pick-up truck – only one of its type in the country – will be officially launched soon.
As already demonstrated with the previous generation, the Ranger Raptor sets the benchmark as Asia Pacific’s only purpose-built high-speed off-road performance pick-up truck. Developed with input from Ford Performance, the high-performance division of Ford, the new Ranger Raptor promises to raise the performance bar yet again,
“With its significantly enhanced performance, modern technologies and best-in-class capabilities, the next-gen Ranger Raptor is the definitive king of pickups. Bolder, faster and edgier, this is the ultimate lifestyle enabler for customers to work hard and play harder. Yet it’s safe and comfortable enough with an upscale and roomy interior for family,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford.
When Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) was established in 2005, one of the models it offered was the Triton. It arrived at a time when pick-up trucks were growing in popularity as they could be registered for private use (earlier, they could only be registered as commercial vehicles). With its stylish design and Mitsubishi Motors’ heritage in the Dakar Rally, the Triton became one of the popular choices for Malaysians wanting a truck.
Recently, the company delivered its 100,000th Triton and commemorated the milestone by giving the customer, Muhammad Faerus, diesel for 100,000 kms which is worth RM27,000. Encik Muhammad Faerus, a solar panel installation contractor, purchased the Triton from EON Auto Mart, an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealership in Kuala Lumpur.
“Since the Triton was introduced in Malaysia, it has proven to be one of the favourite pick-up trucks in the market with its rugged look, versatility, and good handling. It is capable in the harshest of off-road conditions but also perfect as an everyday vehicle. Our customers come from all walks of life – business owners, off-road enthusiasts, and lifestyle users. Over the years, with improved technology and functionality, it has inspired owners to take on challenges and push the boundaries in creating an exciting life journey, while fulfilling their dreams and ambitions,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, at the presentation ceremony.
The three generations of the Triton introduced in Malaysia since 2005.
Last year, despite the pandemic and competition from rivals, the model maintained a solid market share of 22% with 9,268 units sold. Six variants are available, all imported from the Mitsubishi Motors factory in Thailand. Prices (without insurance) range from RM81,390 to RM146,600.
Contest for owners In conjunction with this achievement, MMM is running the ‘100,000 Triton Ambitions’ Contest which will commence on September 14, 2022. To participate, Triton owners need to fill up a contest survey form and submit a photo which features a Triton in it.
Their photo can be entered in one or all four of the following categories: a. The Stylo King – owner’s most memorable leisure activity with the Triton; b. Tough Champ – owner’s toughest experience with the Triton; c. Extreme Adventurer – owner’s most memorable long-distance journey with the Triton; and d. Mod Hero – owner’s coolest modified Triton
One winner from each of the four categories will win 25,000 kms of diesel (worth up to RM7,000) each. The contest form, photo submission, and detailed contest terms and conditions can be found at the MMM website at www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.
The National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) recently received a Mitsubishi Triton pick-up truck from Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM). The donation by MMM, part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practice, will help in providing NCSM’s services to rural communities around Malaysia.
NCSM, a non-profit organization (NGO) established in 1966, will use it to provide an extensive range of cancer services and support to people affected by cancer. With the Triton’s off-road capabilities, it will be able to travel further into the countryside to reach rural communities that have little or no access to cancer screening facilities.
With the Triton, NCSM personnel will be able to travel more easily in the countryside to reach rural communities to provide cancer screening servicesand support to people affected by cancer.(more…)
Different people will buy a pick-up truck for different reasons but some basic expectations will be good performance, refinement and economical operation. With the next-gen Ford Ranger, these expectations are met in the best way with powertrains for work, family and play.
Two 4-cylinder 2-litre turbodiesel engines are available with the next-gen Ranger – the Single-Turbo and the Bi-Turbo, both well proven and updated as well as compatible with biodiesel.
The Bi-Turbo engine has a clever bypass system that determines the optimum operating mode. Depending on the conditions, the turbochargers can operate in series (at lower engine speeds for enhanced torque and responsiveness) or the smaller turbocharger can be bypassed to allow the larger turbocharger to push more air into the combustion chambers.
The Single Turbo offers 170 ps at 3,500 rpm, with 405 Nm of torque available between from 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. With the more powerful Bi-Turbo, there’s up to 210 ps of power at 3,750 rpm and an impressive 500 Nm of torque generated between 1,750 and 2,000 rpm.
Two 4-wheel drive systems To get all that power to the ground, the next-gen Ranger comes with a choice of two types of 4-wheel drive systems. There’s a conventional ‘part-time’ system with a 2-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case offering 2H, 4H and 4L modes. Also available is an on-demand 4-wheel drive system (2H, 4A, 4H, and 4L) which allows the truck to be driven in 4-wheel drive on high-traction surfaces like highways via its 4A (automatic) mode. The system intelligently distributes power between the front and rear axles for optimum performance in all on-road conditions.
For additional stability in slippery or rough terrain, the next-gen Ranger continues to be offered with rear differential lock (Ranger WildTrak and XLT Plus). This lock creates a connection between the left and right rear wheels so they rotate at the same speed, helping to get out of a difficult situation off-road. Activation of the rear differential lock is easily done on the SYNC screen in the cabin.
Selectable Drive Modes Making greater use of the computing power on board the next-gen Ranger, there are up to 6 drive modes (depending on the variant) which can make driving over difficult terrain easier. For example, the Slippery mode is for on-road surfaces while the Mud/Ruts and Sand mode is for use off-road.
As in the Ranger Raptor before, the drive modes alter various operating parameters to optimise performance in specific conditions. These cover gearchanges, throttle response, traction and stability controls and the brake system.
In addition to the selectable drive modes, the next-gen Ranger has a special off-road screen on the SYNC4A infotainment system. At the press of a button, the display appears and driveline and diff lock settings, steering angle, vehicle pitch and roll angles, as well as a front camera view with predictive overlay guidelines. With such information, the driver can travel more confidently over challenging terrain.
Tough and protected Going off-road can be punishing for any vehicle with all sorts of obstacles and hazards. This has been kept in mind by the engineers who have designed various protective underbody shields for the next-gen Ranger. These shields protect the steering, sump, transmission and transfer case – critical components that cannot be damaged.
The shields are made from pressed and folded laser-cut steel. The mounting bolts are recessed so they won’t get damaged but can still be easily removed at the service centre. Because the shields are bolted directly to the chassis, they also to the structural integrity of the vehicle.
Small changes, big benefits Although virtually similar in overall size as the previous Ranger, the next-gen Ranger has 50 mm increases in the tracks and wheelbase. These may seem like small changes but they improve stability on as well as off the road.
Drivers will find that they can take on steep slopes more easily with the improved front approach angle increased to 30 degrees (from 28.5 degrees) in the, Likewise, the rear departure angle has also increased by 2 degrees to 23 degrees.
For those worried about climate change bringing more floods, owning the next-gen Ranger could be one way of preparing for such conditions. With a maximum water wading depth of 800 mm (travelling at 7 km/h), the next-gen Ranger will be able to get across many flooded areas easily.
Taking more load Widening the track also allows the designers to widen the cargo bed and offer a more versatile load space. The rear dampers were also moved outboard of the springs which makes for a more controlled ride whether the vehicle is carrying a lot or empty. Depending on the variant and market, the payload capacity is up to 1,000 kgs (1 tonne).
If more stowage space is needed, the next-gen Ranger’s roof can also take up loads of up to 350 kgs static and 85 kgs dynamic. Ford dealers have a range of versatile cargo management solutions to meet different customer needs. These range from adjustable cleats on each side to tray-mounted tie-downs and styled box rails. There are also tailgate clamp pockets and box capping with 6 structural mounting points for after-market accessories.
See the Next-Gen Ranger in East Malaysia The next-gen Ranger will be in showrooms in coming months but before it has its official showroom launch, it will be on display in East Malaysia. Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) will hold previews at Vivacity Megamall in Kuching, on September 7 – 11, and at Suria Sabah Shopping Centre in Kota Kinabalu on October 5 – 9, 2022.
These events will enable you to learn more about the next-gen Ranger (and also book one). If you would like to attend either of these two events, sign up here for an exclusive invitation. Alternatively, you can visit www.sdacford.com.my for more information about the next-gen Ranger, or follow the Ford Malaysia Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube channels.
