High-tech ute revealed

The new Ford Ranger has been unveiled and is set to go on sale here later this year. The Ranger, which was New Zealand's top selling commercial model last year, has a refreshed exterior, new high-tech features and revised drive train. New driver aids include adaptive cruise control and forward alert systems, lane keeping alerts and assistance, front and rear parking sensors, a rear view camera and driver impairment monitor that can detect if drivers are drowsy. It also features Ford's latest 'Sync 2' eight-inch touchscreen nav and infotainment system and the marque says it's an "even more comfortable, contemporary and car-like environment" than before.

The 3.2-litre Duratorq five-cylinder diesel engine receives efficiency modifications to cut fuel consumption by 18 per cent. The 2.2-litre unit gets similar tweaks, while a 2.5 litre petrol base model improves its mpg figure by 22 per cent.

The engines are paired with six-speed automatic or manual transmissions and the option of four-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive.

Towing capacity remains the same at 3,500kg, while it's still capable of wading through 800mm of water.

Ford has tuned the Ranger's suspension for additonal comfort and better handling. It has also added an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, which is said to make steering more accurate at higher speeds as well as light for low-speed maneuvers. EPAS does not need a power steering pump, which makes the vehicle quieter and improves fuel efficiency by about three percent. Developed in Ford's Melbourne-based Asia Pacific engineering centre, and  Richard Tilley, the brand's vehicle line director, says Ford faced a challenge in upgrading the Ranger. "The current Ranger is one of the toughest, most capable trucks out there," he says. "But thanks to our proud truck heritage and global expertise in the utility segment, we've made what was great even better, with a bold new look, improved efficiency and a new level of refinement." The facelifted Ford Ranger will continue to be produced in Thailand for Asia Pacific markets, South Africa for African and European markets and Argentina for Latin American markets.