The all-new Ranger is equipped with a 2.2 liter Duratorq TDCi VG Turbo mill that churns out 150 horses and 375 Nm of torque. And despite it being a utilitarian tool of the trade, it's packed with high-tech gizmos such as Bluetooth and Voice Control Connectivity, a 4.2 inch color display, USB + AUX ports, automatic on/off headlights, and rain sensing wipers. Aside from these techie features, the all-new Ranger boasts an incredible 800 millimeter water wading capability and a 230 millimeter ground clearance that can fearlessly ford the ever-flooding Manila streets. Not only that, the 4x4 XL variant is already in stock for buyers who opt to go off-road.
Looking back, the Ranger nameplate first appeared in the Philippine automotive scene in early 2000 and was manufactured locally together with Lynx sedan. With the implementation of the Automobile Export Program, FGP sourced the pick-up truck from Thailand, and in return, the Ford plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna built and exported the Focus, Escape, Mazda Tribute, and Mazda 3 to neighboring ASEAN countries. The Ranger also shares some components and platform with the Mazda BT-50, which is also assembled in the Kingdom.
There are three variants of the all-new Ranger offered in the market - the 2.2L 4x2 XLT paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, and the 2.2L 4x4 XL with manual gear stick - with the suggested retail price of P1,069,000, P1,119,000, and P1,179,000 respectively. It’s available in six different shades: Aurora Blue, Black Mica, Cool White, Highlight Silver, Metropolitan Grey, and True Red.
Things are really heating up in the pick-up truck segment with the entry of the all-new Ranger. Some are still wondering though on when the bigger 3.2 liter variant will arrive. As of the moment, FGP is still mum on the details - probably to stir up even more excitement in the months to come.
