The Ford Ranger hasn’t been sold in the US since 2011, and that likely won’t change anytime soon. Unfortunately, this could make the following information even more painful to process.
Ford has revealed the refreshed 2015 Ranger ahead of its debut at the 36th Bangkok Motor Show, and we think the truck looks pretty good. And it’s a shame.
With modern styling and tech options like the ‘Sync 2’ infotainment system with voice control, this Ranger could be a strong competitor to the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon if brought here. It will be produced in Thailand, South Africa and Argentina, eventually reaching 180 markets plus the US.
Power comes from an updated 3.2-liter five-cylinder diesel engine producing 200 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque, channeled through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. There will also be a 2.2-liter diesel engine producing 160 hp/284 lb-ft and a high-output version with 130 hp. A 2.5-liter gasoline engine will also be available, producing 166 hp and 166 lb-ft.
Technically, the Ranger could hold up to the Colorado/Canyon pretty well. Infotainment Sync 2 allows drivers to communicate with the truck through natural voice commands such as “temperature 20 degrees”, “play AC/DC” or “I’m hungry”. If they’re not the chatty type, drivers can adjust the vehicle’s settings using the 8-inch touchscreen.
The Ranger also boasts a host of modern safety features, including lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, driver impairment monitor, and a Bluetooth-paired emergency assistance feature that automatically alerts authorities in collision case.
Unfortunately, as we reported last year, the current Ranger is simply too big for Ford America. The brand’s director of truck marketing, Dave Scott, noted that the US market model should be about the same size as the 2011 Ranger 200-inch. The current overseas model is about a foot longer.
It also has to be built in the United States to avoid the “chicken tax,” which imposes a 25 percent tariff on certain foreign products.
While the new Ranger may be good, waiting for it to reach our shores would be a wasted effort. The new model goes on sale in the third quarter of 2015.
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Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn