We couldn't help ourselves but test out all the features that Ford has been boasting about when we got to sit in it for the very first time. Yes, it can clearly sit five full-sized adults in absolute comfort, fit a 16-inch laptop in the glovebox, and have more than enough storage bins for your knick-knacks, accessories, office supplies, hunting equipment, or what not. Unfortunately, there's no real way of finding out just how smart this truck is without the keys, so we'll just have to wait for the test drive until we get to play with its 4.2-inch LCD display and Bluetooth phone connectivity. But that didn't stop us from fiddling all the buttons and making silly car sounds as we pretended to drive it around.
For those who would be using the all-new Ranger for its intended purpose as a workhorse, it would be good to know that Ford went as far as testing it in the harshest conditions imaginable in 15 countries around the world and survived. It's capable of wading through 800 millimeters of water, carry more than 1400 kilograms in payload, and drive clear of obstacles that are up 237 millimeters high. Nevertheless, the majority who would be driving it as a daily means of transportation should enjoy in the same comforts of a luxury SUV.
Only one engine option has been locally made available during the launch: the 2.2L Duratorq TDCi VG Turbo with 150 horsepower and 375 Nm of torque. No announcements have been made if the five-cylinder 3.2L version will ever make it to the country. Off-road fanatics will also have to wait a bit longer 'til later in the year for the 4x4 version to arrive as only the 4x2 XLT with either a six-speed manual or automatic is in stock.
The wait is almost over. Ford's all-new Ranger will begin its rampage in the Philippines starting in July priced at P1,069,000 for the 2.2L XLT 4x2 MT, P1,119,000 for the AT version, and P1,179,000 for the 4x4 XL. So that roughly gives you two months to decide whether you want your tough truck to arrive in Cool White, Black Mica, Highlight Silver, True Red, Metropolitan Gray, or Aurora Blue.
