9 February 2011
New car report; Hi-ho Silver
What makes one ute any more popular than the next? They all look fairly similar, they all offer the same old bumpy ride on the road, and by and large they all have similar carrying capacities and offer comparable off road performance.
Although there are fewer players in the ute sector, it is as fiercely fought as any other market segment. In Ford's own words, their new Ranger is a no fuss workhorse delivering load carrying ability, durability and economy.
Which is true, but the same could be said about most of its competitors too. So, how can Ford persuade the punters into their showrooms to consider the Ranger over the competition?
Toyota's Hilux would be the obvious "go to" for most barroom pundits when discussing the virtues of one ute over another. The Hilux has been the biggest selling ute for eons and has become as mainstream in its segment as the Corolla has in its.
And maybe this is the key. Just as not every car buyer hankers after a Corolla, not every farmer and tradesman lusts after a Hilux. The very fact that the masses are attracted to one particular product is the reason others wouldn't even consider it.
So if the Hilux is off the shopping list, things become much clearer.
Ford offers a vast range of models within the Ranger line-up, so there's a ute for every requirement
There are two different engines, a 2.5 litre turbo diesel and a 3.0 litre turbo diesel with no petrol engine on offer. The 2.5 produces 105kW of power at 3,500rpm and 330Nm of torque at 1,800rpm, while the 3.0 puts out 115kW at 3,200rpm and 380Nm at 1,800rpm.
There are Single Cab, Super Cab, Double Cab, Cab and Chassis and Wellside deck options and choices of 2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive. Transmissions on offer are a 5 speed manual, (heavy duty for 3.0 litre powered versions), and a 5 speed auto
The entry level 4x2 Ranger XL is propelled by the 2.5 litre diesel powerplant with a claimed fuel consumption of 8.3L/100km and CO2 emissions of 219g/km. Further up the range, the 3.0 litre manual returns 9.5L/100km with CO2 emissions of 243g/km and the 3.0 litre auto consumes 10.4L/100km, emitting CO2 of 274g/km.
The Ranger XL versions are fitted with 15 inch steel wheels, driver and passenger airbags and ABS brakes. Manual air-conditioning, single disc CD player, MP3 compatibility and an auxiliary input are all standard equipment. No electric windows or electric adjustment on the exterior door mirrors are minor frustrations, as is the absence of remote locking.
Step up to the XLT range and you'll get side airbags in the front, 16 inch alloy wheels, electric mirrors and windows, front fog lights, a six disc DC player, premium cloth trimmed seats, remote central locking, chrome door handles and grille and body coloured wheel arch extensions.
The Ranger at the top of the range is the gun-slingin' Wildtrack
The Wildtrack gets 18" alloys, including the spare, an aluminium lockable rear shutter, running boards, rear stainless step, roof rails, two tone alcantara trim, leather clad steering wheel and a sports bar. (Sorry, that's not a pub with a big telly playing re-runs of the footy!)
Electronic shift on the fly operation with 2W, 4WH and 4WL selection is also part of the Wildtrack equipment.
Towing weight capacity is rated at 750kg unbraked across the range, with braked ratings at 2,250kg for 2.5 litre models, 2,500kg for 3.0 litre automatics and 3,000kg for 3.0 litre manual versions.
Two wheel drive models have a 12 metre turning circle and four paw examples use up an additional 600mm of road, to complete a U turn in 12.6 metres.
Pricing starts at $36,790 through to $61,490 for the all singing, dancing Wildtrack.
The Ranger is a well put together truck, with a model for every purpose. Dyed in the wool Ford fans will love its rugged practicality while swinging brand buyers won't be disappointed with this very worthy Hilux alternative.