Ford continues to keep a foot firmly on the throat of the booming ute market, announcing spec and pricing details of its upgraded 2019 model line well ahead of its due arrival date.
The 2019 line will go on sale in October 2018 with a raft of focused improvements that include Inter-Urban Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Vehicle Detection and Pedestrian Detection as standard on Ranger Wildtrak.
The line-up starts with the entry-level XL Series with all wellside models getting a new easy-lift tailgate. All are automatics now too, Ford choosing to quietly drop a manual option even on the workhorse 2.2 litre XL
Suspension upgrade
The XL line also gets the upgraded suspension package Ford has developed to reduce and better control roll, with an emphasis on improving the driving experience when fully-laden and towing.
Offered in single, super and double-cab body styles, Ranger XL brings the flexibility and toughness of Ranger’s ladder-frame chassis and design in both 4x2 and 4x4 powertrains.
Next is the most popular model of the Ranger line-up, the Ranger XLT. It gets a distinctive new look, with HID headlamps and LED daytime-running lights plus the easy-lift tailgate and (now) an illuminated tray.
WIldtrak engine option
Then there is the Ranger Wildtrak Series which – for the first time – will be available with the new 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo powertrain (which it will share with the range-topping Raptor) plus a raft of standard tech features including Smart keyless entry and push-button engine start, SYNC® 3iii with Apple CarPlay and Android Autov capability, Sat-Nav, and a lockable hard tonneau cover.
Wildtrak will also offer standard Inter-Urban Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Vehicle Detection and Pedestrian Detection and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert, not to mention standard Active Park Assist, which also takes account of your load.
The driver needs only to apply the throttle and brakes, as the system steers the Ranger into the parking space.
Local RRPs
2019 range pricing starts at $37,990 RRP for the 2WD Ranger single cab/chassis and includes a $51,490 RRP for a 2WD XLT Double Cab Wellside, $58,490 for the 4WD XL Double Cab Wellside, $63,990 for the 4WD XLT version and $70,990 RRP for the Wildtrak with 3.2L/5-cylinder engine or $71,990 for the one with the optional 2.0l 4-cylinder Bi-Turbo powerplant and new 10-speed automatic transmission.
Topping the local line-up when it arrives, of course, will be the all-new 2.0L BiTurbo/10-speed auto 4WD Ranger Raptor with a local RRP of $84,990
To read every story in the July 2018 issue of NZ4WD go to Zinio.com (June 15) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.
