Next-generation Ford Ranger’s bold design crafted with customers’ inputs in mind

The sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) caused a stir in the local auto arena with the debut of the next-generation Ford Ranger last month. The latest pickup is tough, smart and versatile, and packs a whole lot of new features and technologies that make it a trusted partner for work, family, and play.

Ahead of the next-generation Ranger’s showroom launch, SDAC continues its nationwide debut tour in Malaysia, with the upcoming preview events in Kuching on 7-11 September at Vivacity Megamall, and at Suria Sabah Shopping Centre, Kota Kinabalu on 5-9 October. Ranger fans can sign up at the “Register” page here to grab exclusive invitations for these preview sessions. 

The next-generation Ranger preview events have already been held in 3 regions, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru.

While the Ranger has always been one of the best-selling trucks in Malaysia, the latest model brings several noteworthy updates to the table, which makes it even more great and interesting. It is the result of deep customers’ insights bagged from extensive customer research, combined with the Ranger’s award-winning pickup formula, explains Ford.

The chief designer of the new Ranger, Max Tran and his team spent hundreds of hours getting insights from customers worldwide.  They observed the way the customers use their truck on a daily basis. The automaker conducted a total of 5,000 interviews and made more than 1,800 pages of field notes for reference, which helped it guide engineers and designers to create the new Ranger with the features and capability customers wanted.

“Seeing owners use their trucks, whether for work, family or play, inspired some fantastic ideas that drove our design and development decisions,” said Tran. 

One of the most exciting examples is an integrated box side-step. “During our clinic sessions, we noticed that many customers had trouble reaching over the side of the truck into the bed; others were standing on the rear tire or the bumper to gain access. So, we came up with the idea of a box step.”

This simple yet effective idea is basically a footwell behind the rear wheel to help one step up and reach the deck. “We mocked one up, tested it with owners and the response was overwhelming. People told us that step would be reason enough to buy the Ford Ranger.”

Exterior

As for the exterior design, Ford revamped the truck with two important guiding principles in mind: to bring it into the future and to make it Built Ford Tough. And, the result is a stunning appearance with amazing styling and functional bits.

“Customers had clear ideas on what they liked and how they used their Rangers in their day-to-day lives,” Tran said. “We also needed to incorporate features customers wanted and valued to ensure it was welcoming and contemporary and as versatile as it was capable. The new box step in the rear bumper, for example, was a direct result of customer feedback on having better accessibility to the cargo area and they also wanted a wider cargo area that could accommodate a full-width pallet in the tray.” 

“Some of us looked to nature, some to architecture and some others to art for inspiration. We didn’t hold back. We let our designers loose to really go for it,” Tran said. “We really looked at Ranger as the F-150’s brother. Ranger has developed a strong following over the past 10 years, and we really leaned into the iconic design features that have made it such a beloved truck across the world but also push the design envelope.” 

The key exterior highlights comprise -

• A bold new grille with new C-clamp headlights and daytime running lights
• Pronounced wheel arches
• Strong shoulder lines
• Large sculpted Ranger logo on the tailgate
• New tail lights designed in line with the C-clamp headlight graphics
• 18-inch wheels (16-inch as standard)
• 50 mm increase in track and 50 mm longer wheelbase for better on-road stance

Interior

Matching up the striking exterior is an equally beautiful interior with a stylish new cockpit, user-friendly tech, and a premium, versatile and spacious cabin. The highlights include -

• Soft-touch materials and appliques elevating the interior ambience 
• Design cues carried over from the exterior such as the vanes of the air vents feature a design similar to the front grille
• Some exterior surface treatments adapted for interior use 
• New instrument panel with a coast-to-coast design offering a more spacious feel 
• A portrait-style 12-inch (10.1-inch as standard) high-resolution touchscreen infotainment screen paired with a Ford SYNC 4 system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Customers wanted a portrait orientation leading to enough space for navigation screens

• Door release handles are mounted lower while considering the customer feedback. These look more linear and provide easier reach to window switches and the armrests. 
• Smart climate control system with rear occupants cooling outlets at the rear of the centre console 
• More comfortable seats with new bolsters and foam inserts
• Flat-folding second-row seats with out-of-sight and secure under-seat storage
• An added storage area in the door pockets 

“The next-gen Ranger really redefines the role of the pickup as a trusted partner for work, family and play,” said Gary Boes, Enterprise Product Line Management director, Global Trucks. “With the help of all the rich insights from customers, we’ve created a Ranger we believe will inspire owners to do more of what they love to do, with features that encourage them to explore new horizons.”

Engine and performance

Powering the next-generation Ford Ranger is a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, which comes in two versions - single and bi-turbo. 

The XL and XLT trims are equipped with a single-turbocharged unit delivering 170 hp of maximum power at 3,500 rpm and 405 Nm of peak torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. The XLT Plus and WildTrak, on the other hand, get energy from a bi-turbocharged unit which is good for generating 210 hp at 3,750 rpm and 500 Nm at 1,750-2,000 rpm. 

As for the transmission, the single turbo mill is tied with a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, while the bi-turbo gets a 10-speed AT with an e-Locking Rear Differential. All the Ranger trims are also equipped with the part-time 4×4 drive system with the WildTrak also offering the enthusiasts 6 driving modes - Eco, Normal, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Sand, and Mud/Ruts.

Now, when you have had a taste of what the next-generation Ford Ranger offers, it’s time to experience the adventure in person at the upcoming preview events -

Date	Area	Venue
7-11 September	Kuching	Vivacity Megamall
5-9 October	Kota Kinabalu	Suria Sabah Shopping Centre

For more information about the next-generation Ranger, you can follow Ford Malaysia Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube channel or visit www.sdacford.com.my.

Also read: All-new seventh-gen Ford Mustang coming soon