The 2019 Ford Ranger boasts more technology than ever before, and when it comes to safety it’s front of the pack.
All Rangers come standard with autonomous emergency braking, lanekeep assist, speed sign recognition and auto high beam.
It also comes with six airbags on the front and side (driver and passenger) and full curtain airbags.
The model was the first ute to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating, and in 2018 Ford added more powertrain choices to the range.
TransportTalk got to test drive the double cab wellside XLT 3.2-litre diesel 4X4 model with a $ 65,490 price tag.
The Sport in both 4WD or 2WD starts with a regular XLT, and adds 18-inch wheels with black rims and a leather interior.
Featuring 147kW of power and 470Nm of torque, the five-cylinder diesel engine delivers plenty of power for a
smooth and comfortable drive.
It has a combined fuel economy of 8.7l/100km.
On the road, driver comfort is added by low noise levels and an overall feeling of control behind the wheel guided with the six-speed automatic.
The sport model is refined with its smart looking 18-inch alloys and black leather accented seat trim – same as the new Wildtrak model.
The interior and dash is simple and stylish.
Nothing too fancy and everything you need.
This includes an eight-inch colour touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth with phone and audio streaming, satellite navigation and two USB ports.
Semi-auto active park assist, keyless entry with push button start, speed sign recognition and tyre pressure monitoring system all add up, and offer a great deal of convenience and effortless driver experience.
The Ranger provides 3.5 tonne braked towing capacity (750kg unbraked) and 6000kg gross combined mass in conjunction with trailer sway control.
Its tray length is 1549mm and maximum width of 1560mm (1139mm between the wheel arches) and tailgate
opening width of 1330mm.
Ford NZ light commercial marketing manager Jeremy Nash says the 2019 Ford Ranger builds upon its now “legendary success”.
“At the foremost, ute customers are all looking for the best value for money with genuine, real-world capability.
“The 2019 Ranger will continue to offer segment-leading capability and performance with improvements across the line-up to deliver the value Kiwis prioritise without compromise,” Nash says.
After driving the new Ranger model, it’s easy to see why this is not only leading the New Zealand ute market, but the vehicle market as a whole.
It’s tough competition to beat.
