Mako goes after Raptor
With Ford holding the reins of the ute market since about 2014, it was always going to be a case of when – not if – Toyota NZ would deliver a model to compete.
Ford used National Fieldays to showcase the 2016 Ranger models, available from September, and believe the upgrades will continue to keep them at the top of the tree for another season.
Corey Holter, managing director, said “Ford has managed to take a fantastic vehicle and make it even better with significant enhancements inside and out, and well beyond the cosmetic. With a refreshed design, smart new technologies and safety enhancements, the new Ford Ranger will continue to cement its position as NZ’s favourite ute.”
As always the range is extensive with 19 different models, featuring 12 manual and seven automatic options, two engine sizes and seven different colours.
A refreshed design sees a new front grille, with headlights mounted higher out of harm’s way and flowing into the bumper and bush guard profiles for a tidier finish.
This is supplemented by recessed driving lamps and new look wheels.
Other than the base model getting a 2.2L engine, the remaining 18 variants get the 3.2L litre Duratorq TDCI engine with five cylinders and for 2016 an upgrade to the exhaust gas recirculation system that helps improve fuel consumption by around 18% over the previous model.
Electric power assisted steering gives a 3% fuel saving vs the normal power steering pump, and it markedly quietens the cabin. The steering has a neutral feel, and its effect is dependent on speed, steering wheel angle and cornering forces, and acceleration and deceleration.
The interior has a new-look dashboard, and soft touch materials and many other features make the vehicle quieter and safer.
Options include dual zone climate control, a cooled centre console and heated front seats. The only thing missing that springs to mind is a kettle, but if you bring your own it can be boiled using the 240 volt inverter system fitted to the double and super cabs as standard.
For safety, there is adaptive cruise control, which adjusts speed to maintain following distances in traffic, a forward collision warning system and the increasingly popular lane keep and departure warnings.
Pricing starts at entry level around the $36,000 and runs to $69,640 for a fully blinged-up Wildtrak double cab.
