Prius 10th Anniversary

Toyota is celebrating ten years of smug Prius owners in the UK by launching a 10th Anniversary special edition.

Based on the range-topping T Spirit version, the 10th Anniversary gets 17” smoked-finish alloy wheels, dark-tinted privacy glass and front, rear and side skirts. A sporty look, but still definitely not a sporty car.



Paint choice is White Pearl or Astral Black, while the interior is finished in black leather upholstery embossed with the 10th Anniversary logo.



The Prius 10th Anniversary will be limited to 1,000 examples, and is available to order from UK Toyota dealers now. Its on the road price has been confirmed at £26,150, including VAT at 20% (which seems to imply that deliveries won’t start until January 2011 at the earliest, as that’s when VAT increases from 17.5%).



Based on today’s prices adjusted for 20% VAT, a Prius T Spirit specified with leather seats, privacy glass and metallic paint from the options list would cost around £26,230. So, by comparison, the special edition isn’t bad value, especially if body kits and fancy alloys are your thing.

SMMT Electric Car Guide

The UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has published an Electric Car Guide.



Aimed at anyone thinking of going electric, it sets out to answer all the questions that potential customers are bound to have.



One sure uncertainty will be the financial aspects of electric car ownership, and so the guide includes some theoretical running cost estimations. These compare a non-specific, typical, mid-size diesel car against a purely electric model.



Although the electric car comes out with marginally better cost per mile figures after three years of ownership, the calculations suppose that a car powered by electricity will have a similar residual value to one run on diesel. The SMMT freely admits that that is a big assumption though, simply because nobody yet knows what the depreciation characteristics will be.



Nevertheless, with the OLEV Plug-in Car Grant (which will cover up to 25% of a qualifying vehicle’s price, to a maximum of £5,000) due to be offered from January 2011, the SMMT’s timing couldn’t be better.



The Electric Car Guide is now available free via the SMMT website, which can be accessed by clicking here.



Related posts:

Electric bikes ignored?

Electric car grants saved

The future's electric

Challenger’s new engines

Going against the grain of downsizing, Dodge has revealed that the Challenger SRT8 will be getting a bigger Hemi V8 for 2011.



And, just so everyone knows, it’ll be known as the SRT8 392 - a reference to the engine’s capacity in cubic inches, which equates to 6.4 litres.

The new engine boasts 470 bhp (350 kW / 476 PS) and 637 Nm (470 lb/ft) of torque which, compared to the 6.1 litre Hemi that it replaces, is a useful increase of 45 bhp (33 kW / 45 PS) and 67 Nm (50 lb/ft). The newer model will be identifiable by its modified front spoiler and larger splitter, while underneath the suspension has been tweaked to cope with the extra grunt.



To celebrate the new arrival, the first 1,492 SRT8 392s off the line will be Inaugural Edition models which have 20” SRT wheels and ‘392 Hemi’ badges. Colour choice is Bright White Clear Coat with Viper Blue stripes or Deep Water Blue with Stone White stripes, both of which come with a Pearl White leather interior that features blue stitching.



The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is scheduled to arrive in dealers during the fourth quarter of 2010.



It’s not just the Hemi that’s been revised, though. The V6 models are set to get the new Pentastar engine that was first introduced in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It’ll also be seen in the Dodge Charger, Avenger, Durango and Journey, as well as the Chrysler Town and Country, 200 and 300.



Using one engine across so many models is all about manufacturing efficiency and cost saving. Incredibly, the Pentastar will eventually replace seven legacy V6 engines, and it’s expected that it’ll be found in a third of all Chrysler Group vehicles built.



Power and torque will be tuned for specific applications, and in the 2011 Challenger it’ll break the 300 bhp barrier. 305 bhp (227 kW / 309 PS) to be exact, which is a big increase versus the 250 bhp (186 kW / 253 PS) that today’s car has. Torque is also up, from 338 Nm (250 lb/ft) to 363 Nm (268 lb/ft).

S 1000 RR HP Race Parts

2010 has been a successful season for racers campaigning the BMW S 1000 RR.



For instance, Italian rider Ayrton Badovini completely dominated the 2010 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup, winning nine out of the ten rounds. Meanwhile, in the UK Steve Brogan secured the Mirror.co.uk British Superbike EVO Championship and Jon Kirkham took the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship title.

Drawing on the experience gained in competition, BMW has now developed a range of High Performance Race Parts for the S 1000 RR that’s aimed at race teams and track day fanatics alike.



Included in the HP Race Power Kit are a replacement ECU and a titanium and carbon fibre Akrapovic exhaust system, which impressively weighs 6.8 kg less than the standard item.

Those components raise power from 190 bhp (142 kW / 193 hp) to 197 bhp (147 kW / 199 PS), while torque increases from 112 Nm to 120 Nm. Not dramatic, but the important 5,000 to 9,000 rpm midrange is said to be significantly improved.



After the new ECU has been installed, the revised mapping means that full power is available across all four engine management modes (‘Rain’, ‘Sport’, ‘Race’ and ‘Slick’). Instead, the modes alter the electronic rider aids with the Race ABS reducing input and the Dynamic Traction Control allowing full power at greater lean angles as the modes move from ‘Rain’ through to ‘Slick’.

To help with track riding, engine braking on the overrun is reduced to give a more balanced entry into corners, while a pit lane speed limiter is activated when the starter button is held down in first gear.



The HP Race Power Kit can be fitted by S 1000 RR owners but, interestingly, it has to be checked and activated by a BMW Motorrad dealer. Unfortunately, the kit isn’t road legal.



For those riders who like to keep their bike looking neat on the track after the indicators, number plate holder and mirrors have all been taken off, the HP Race Cover Kit is the answer. As the name implies, it includes two covers for the mirrors, two covers for the front direction indicators and a cover for the underside of the tail section.

European spec VW Jetta

Following the unveiling of the new North American specification Jetta a few months ago, Volkswagen has now taken the wraps off the European model.

On the face of it, both versions appear almost identical. However, a big difference is that European cars will get a superior four-link rear suspension system similar to the Golf’s, instead of a simple torsion beam.



What goes under the bonnet has been changed, too. For the time being, North American buyers have a choice of two petrol engines: a four cylinder 2.0 litre with only eight valves and a single overhead camshaft that produces a miserable 115 bhp (85 kW / 116 PS), or a 2.5 litre inline five with four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts which manages a more respectable 170 bhp (126 kW / 172 PS).



By contrast, the European engine line-up will consist of much more efficient TSI petrol engines, plus a couple of TDI diesels:

• 1.2 TSI (103 bhp / 77 kW / 105 PS)


• 1.4 TSI (120 bhp / 90 kW / 122 PS)


• 1.4 TSI (158 bhp / 118 kW / 160 PS)


• 2.0 TSI (197 bhp / 147 kW / 200 PS)


• 1.6 TDI (103 bhp / 77 kW / 105 PS)


• 2.0 TDI (138 bhp / 103 kW / 140 PS)

Volkswagen is now pitching the Jetta as a completely separate model, even though it still sits on a modified Golf platform. To further differentiate it, the new generation Jetta has grown by 90 mm and is now 4,644 mm long.



But that means it’s getting uncomfortably close the recently facelifted Passat saloon, which measures 4,769 mm. That could cannibalise sales of the (slightly) larger car, a situation that won’t be helped by the very similar appearance of the two models.

Spot the difference: 2011 Jetta...

...and the recently launched 2011 Passat

UK sales of the new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, which is to be built in Mexico, are due to start in early 2011. Prices and final specifications will be announced nearer the time, but the entry point will probably be around £17,000.





Related post:

New VW Jetta revealed

Honda CBR250R first look

With the Ninja 250R, Kawasaki has had the quarter-litre sports bike class pretty much to itself of late.



But now that’s set to change. Honda has just announced the CBR250R, which is designed to plug the gap in its supersports range between the CBR125R and the CBR600RR.

Due to make its debut at next month’s EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan, power for the CBR250R will come from a 249.4 cc PGM-FI fuel injected engine driving through a six-speed transmission. There’s no word on output yet, but it’ll need to be close to the 32 bhp (24 kW / 33 PS) of the Ninja 250R to be competitive.



However, unlike the Kawasaki which features a parallel twin, the Honda is a single cylinder bike. Although it gets a counterbalancing shaft to help combat any inherent roughness, it might well be that some buyers just prefer a multi-cylinder set up.

The styling of the CBR250R, particularly around the fairing, is reminiscent of the Honda VFR1200F. That’s either a good or bad thing, depending on whether or not you like the unusual looks of the VFR.



Beneath the bodywork lies a steel frame, connected to which are non-adjustable 37 mm forks at the front and Honda’s Pro-link rear suspension with five-position preload adjustment at the rear. Braking is taken care of by single discs, and ABS will be an option.



The Honda CBR250R will be available in North America for the first time, where buyers will get a choice of black or red / silver colour schemes. It’ll also appear in Europe, painted white / blue / red or black, although it’s to be confirmed whether that includes the UK.

Pricing has yet to be revealed, but one thing’s for sure - it won’t need to cost much more than the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, which currently retails for £4,099 (plus government charges) in the UK, and $3,999 (MSRP) in the US.

2010 South Korean GP

Following his victory at the Yeongam construction site, venue of the inaugural South Korean Formula 1 Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso is now set to win the 2010 drivers’ championship.

That’s if the odds currently being offered by UK online bookmakers are anything to go by. They all seem to have the moaning Spaniard as favourite.

Driver	Betfred	Paddy Power	Ladbrokes	888 Sport
Fernando Alonso	1/2	4/6	4/6	8/13
Mark Webber	9/4	2/1	2/1	15/8
Lewis Hamilton	12/1	10/1	8/1	10/1
Sebastian Vettel	16/1	11/1	12/1	12/1
Jenson Button	500/1	N/A	250/1	250/1

Indeed, Alonso could secure the title at the next round, which is in Brazil, if he wins that race and nearest challenger Mark Webber finishes fifth or lower. Otherwise, the fight will go to the season’s final event in Abu Dhabi.



2010 Championship standings after the South Korean Formula 1 Grand Prix:

Pos.	Driver	Team	Points
1	Fernando Alonso	Ferrari	231
2	Mark Webber	Red Bull-Renault	220
3	Lewis Hamilton	McLaren-Mercedes	210
4	Sebastian Vettel	Red Bull-Renault	206
5	Jenson Button	McLaren-Mercedes	189
6	Felipe Massa	Ferrari	143
7	Robert Kubica	Renault	124
8	Nico Rosberg	Mercedes GP	122
9	Michael Schumacher	Mercedes GP	66
10	Rubens Barrichello	Williams-Cosworth	47
11	Adrian Sutil	Force India-Mercedes	47
12	Kamui Kobayashi	BMW Sauber-Ferrari	31
13	Vitantonio Liuzzi	Force India-Mercedes	21
14	Vitaly Petrov	Renault	19
15	Nico Hulkenberg	Williams-Cosworth	18
16	Sebastien Buemi	Toro Rosso-Ferrari	8
18	Nick Heidfeld	BMW Sauber-Ferrari	6
19	Jaime Alguersuari	Toro Rosso-Ferrari	3
20	Heikki Kovalainen	Lotus-Cosworth	0
21	Jarno Trulli	Lotus-Cosworth	0
22	Bruno Senna	Hispania-Cosworth	0
23	Lucas di Grassi	Virgin-Cosworth	0
24	Karun Chandhok	Hispania-Cosworth	0
25	Timo Glock	Virgin-Cosworth	0
26	Sakon Yamamoto	Hispania-Cosworth	0
27	Christian Klien	Hispania-Cosworth	0

V8 power for Wiesmann

Niche German sports car manufacturer Wiesmann has switched to V8 power for its MF4 and MF5 models. The move has come about because the BMW V10 engines which it previously used are no longer being built.



But Wiesmann is sticking with BMW as supplier for the replacements, a pair of 4.4 litre V8s that both feature twin turbochargers and direct injection.



The Roadster MF4 and GT MF4 get the engine currently seen in the BMW 550i. That means 401 bhp (300 kW / 407 PS) and peak torque of 600 Nm, which is enough to propel the Wiesmann from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.6 seconds. Top speed is just over 180 mph (290 km/h).

For the MF5, Wiesmann has gone for the M Power version employed in the BMW X5 M and X6 M. Boasting a very healthy 547 bhp (408 kW / 555 PS) and 680 Nm maximum torque, performance is correspondingly impressive: 0 to 60 mph takes 3.9 seconds, while the top speed is 193 mph (310 km/h). Like the MF4, the MF5 is available in Roadster and GT guises.

The Roadster MF3 meanwhile continues with six-cylinder power, although updates have now made it Euro 5 compliant.

Congestion Charge change

The changes to the London Congestion Charge that Mayor Boris Johnson proposed back in May have been approved.



Scheduled to come into force on 4th January 2011, the new rules mean:

• The Western Extension zone, introduced by former Mayor Ken Livingstone, is abolished.

• An increase of £2 on the daily Congestion Charge fees. Those who pay in advance or on the day of travel will have to part with £10, but leave it up until midnight the next day and it’s £12.


• The levy reduces to £9 per day if the vehicle has been registered under the new Congestion Charging Auto Pay scheme. As well as the slightly reduced cost, the other benefit is that drivers no longer need to worry about forgetting to pay, as the number of charging days a vehicle travels within the Congestion Charge area is totted up and the total amount owed is then taken automatically from a debit or credit card each month. Drivers can pre-register with Auto Pay from 22nd November 2010, but the slight drawback is that there’s an annual registration fee of £10 - and that’s per vehicle, not per driver.


• Anyone who currently avoids the Congestion Charge by driving a vehicle with nine seats or over can still do so, but they now have to make an annual payment of £10 per vehicle.


• Plug in electric hybrid vehicles qualify for the electric vehicle 100% discount. But again, each vehicle has to be registered with Transport for London for an annual fee of £10.


• The Alternative Fuel Discount is replaced by the Greener Vehicle Discount (GVD). This means that any cars - not just hybrids - that emit 100 g/km or less of CO2 and are Euro 5 compliant enjoy a 100% discount on the Congestion Charge. Unsurprisingly, each car will have to be registered at a cost of £10 every year.

However, there may be a sting in the tail. TfL has committed to reviewing the GVD so that eventually only vehicles emitting 80 g/km or less qualify. It is saying this will be introduced ‘when the time is right’, but the first reassessment of this discount has been confirmed for 2012.



The bad news for anybody about to buy a new car is that it’s not yet possible to choose one that’s future-proof against any possible GVD changes. The ‘best’ petrol / diesel car currently on sale is the 86 g/km Smart cdi fortwo fitted with the softip clutchless manual gearbox, while even the greenest hybrid - the Toyota Prius - still pumps out 89 g/km of CO2.



Related posts:

Zero Congestion Charge

London Congestion Charge

Brammo Enertia Plus

Brammo has launched a new version of its Enertia electric motorcycle. Called Enertia Plus, it has double the range - up to 80 miles (128 kilometres) - compared to the standard model.

That extra mileage comes courtesy of  a new 6.0 kWh battery pack, although the one downside is that the recharging time of eight hours is now twice as long as before. The 13 kW / 40 Nm motor, which gives a top speed of around 60 mph (100 km/h), remains unchanged.

Available in True Blood Red, Eclipsed Black, Aluminium Silver and Peacekeeping Blue (think United Nations), the Brammo Enertia Plus is priced at $8,995 in the US. That’s around £5,740 / €6,470 at today’s exchange rates. But that’s not quite the whole story, as American buyers may also be eligible for Federal and State tax credit incentives.

Deliveries of the Brammo Enertia Plus are due to start in 2011. In the meantime, this YouTube video shows it in action.

Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty

Jeep has marked the introduction of its 2011 Wrangler by announcing a special Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition. As the name implies, this limited edition has been created following a marketing tie-up between Jeep and Call of Duty creators Activision Publishing, Inc.

The Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition is based on the 2011 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Changes from standard are mainly to the exterior, which is finished in black with Call of Duty: Black Ops graphics on the roof and front wings. High-gloss Mineral Gray wheels come shod in 32-inch off-road tyres, while the Mopar catalogue has been raided for the tail light guards and fuel-filler door.

Pricing in the US has been confirmed at $30,625 for the two-door model and $33,500 for the four-door, including $750 destination. The Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition will be available in showrooms from next month.

And that coincides nicely with the release of the game of the same name, which is released worldwide on 9th November for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii and Windows PC platforms. Naturally, as part of the partnership, Jeep Wranglers will feature in both the game’s single player storyline as well as its multiplayer mode.



Meanwhile, all Wrangler models benefit from 2011 model year updates. The most significant of these is the interior, which is all-new in an effort to improve quality.



As well as a new instrument panel, the centre console has been redesigned and upgraded materials have been used. New steering wheel mounted buttons mean Wrangler drivers will now be able to use the cruise control, radio and hands-free phone without taking their hands from the wheel.



To help refinement levels, cabin noise is reckoned to be reduced compared to before. Larger rear windows are now fitted for improved visibility, and the door mirrors are heated and powered for the first time. Finally, Sahara models get a brand new body-coloured hard top.



Like the Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler range arrives in dealers next month.

2011 Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R, first unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show back in October 2007, has received a comprehensive range of updates that cover the engine, chassis and bodywork.

In Japan, the GT-R will be now sold in six flavours: as well as the standard car (available in either Pure Edition, Black Edition or Premium Edition specifications) and the SpecV model, there are now Club Track and EGOIST versions too.



Base models see output from the V6 twin turbo engine increased to 523 bhp (390 kW / 530 PS), up from the 485 bhp (362 kW / 492 PS) of the 2010 GT-R. Peak torque also climbs to 612 Nm, an improvement of 24 Nm, and is available from 3,200 to 5,000 rpm.



To achieve those enhancements the turbo boost pressure, valve timing and air mixture ratio have all been modified. Additionally, the diameter of the air inlet pipe has been increased, and an enlarged exhaust is now fitted to reduce back pressure. Nissan is saying that fuel economy is improved too and, to help this, the 2011 GT-R comes with a ‘SAVE’ mode that adjusts engine torque and gear shift patterns when cruising.



The suspension components have also been fine tuned to improve road-holding, with the 2011 GT-R receiving new design dampers and brake discs. In an effort to reduce unsprung weight the Rays alloy wheels are now lighter, and they come shod in Dunlop tyres whose compound has been tweaked to provide more grip.



Exterior changes have been focussed on redesigning the front and rear bumpers. As a result, downforce is reckoned to be improved by 10%, while the GT-R’s drag coefficient has reduced from 0.27 to 0.26.



SpecV cars get the same engine upgrades as the standard GT-R, except maximum torque is further increased to 632 Nm when an overboost function is activated. Other changes include a different material for the rear brake pads and adjustments to the Vehicle Dynamic Control system, both measures aimed at track users. The Rays alloy wheels on the SpecV are painted Metallic Black, instead of the Hyper Blue Black Chrome finish used for the base models.



Club Track is aimed, as the name suggests, at drivers who want to use their GT-R exclusively on the circuit. Special events will be organised for owners, including races and on-to-one tuition.



EGOIST meanwhile has an emphasis on luxury and individuality. Customers will be able to choose any one of twenty colours for the leather interior trim, which is then hand stitched in Germany. A Bose sound system is included and, to complete the effect, the Rays alloy wheels, titanium exhaust system and carbon fibre rear spoiler from the SpecV are fitted.



But that’s Japan. In the UK, the 2011 GT-R will just be sold as a single model - essentially the Japanese standard model - with no sign of even the SpecV making it here yet.



There will be a choice of two interior trim packages, though. Recaro Black, unsurprisingly, features Recaro seats upholstered in black leather with red side flashes, and it comes with a dark headlining. Alternatively, buyers can go for a different seat design that’s available in black or light grey leather. With this option, the GT-R features a light grey headlining to give an airier feel to the cabin.



Regardless of the interior, the price has been confirmed at £69,950 in the UK, which includes VAT at the increased 20% rate (which comes into force at the start of next year). The 2011 Nissan GT-R can be ordered now at Nissan High Performance Centres.

R 1200 GS Triple Black

There’s no doubting the abilities of the BMW R 1200 GS, especially in its latest guise. Its twin cylinder boxer engine was recently updated, and double overhead camshafts now allow it to produce a very healthy 108 bhp (81 kW / 110 PS) and 120 Nm of torque.



Indeed, the GS continues to be the best selling bike in the UK adventure sport category. It comes in a nice range of colours, too: Alpine White, Ostra Grey Matt Metallic, Magma Red and Sapphire Black Metallic.



All of which makes the R 1200 GS Triple Black special edition seem a bit pointless and not particularly special, unless you’re a big fan of black.

Based on a Sapphire Black GS, the one significant difference is that the standard cast alloy wheels have been swapped for the (normally optional) black-rimmed wire-spoke items, as usually seen on the R 1200 GS Adventure.



Apart from that, all of the other changes are colour related. The front forks and engine are painted black, the swing arm, rear frame and valve covers are finished in Asphalt Grey Metallic, and the seat - black, of course - gets an embossed GS logo.

There’s no word on UK pricing yet, but in the US the R 1200 GS Triple Black will cost $18,385 (plus shipping and handling), compared to $14,950 for the standard model.



However, that higher MSRP does include the Premium Package, which comprises Enduro Electronic Suspension Adjustment, heated grips, on-board computer, hand guards, Integral ABS and pannier case mounts.

Saab 9-4X unveiled

Ahead of its debut at next month's Los Angeles Auto Show, Saab has released details of the 9-4X crossover. It’s an important model for the rejuvenated Swedish manufacturer as it should help to broaden the brand’s appeal, particularly in the crucial North American markets.

The 9-4X is a legacy of Saab’s past under General Motors ownership, though. Not only does it share a platform with the Cadillac SRX, but it will also be built alongside that vehicle by GM in Mexico.



But the 9-4X’s looks don’t betray those connections, and it features typical Saab styling cues including the wraparound effect windscreen, gently tapering roofline, ‘hockey stick’ waistline and deep front grille. Wheels are 18” six-spoke alloys on entry-level versions, while Aero variants get 20” nine-spoke ‘turbine’ items.



On the inside there’s a driver-focussed dashboard, which Saab predictably maintains is reminiscent of an aircraft cockpit. The cabin is reckoned to be large enough for five adults, and the driver’s seat gets eight-way power adjustment as standard. Meanwhile, luggage capacity in the 9-4X can be increased by folding down the 60:40 split rear seats which, when lowered, gives a completely flat load space without the need to move the seat base cushions or remove the rear head restraints.

Regarding engines, the choice is limited to two V6 petrols, both of which drive through a six-speed automatic transmission and Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system. First up is a direct injection 3.0 litre unit which, unusually for Saab, is normally aspirated. Without a turbo, it manages an output of 261 bhp (195 kW / 265 PS) which will accelerate the 9-4X from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 9.0 seconds.



The more powerful option actually has a smaller capacity - 2.8 litres - but twin scroll turbocharging allows it to produce 296 bhp (221 kW / 300 PS) and 400 Nm of peak torque, which is usefully available between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. 0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes 8.3 seconds, but this engine is only available with the Aero trim level.



Top speed, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures have yet to be released for either engine. There’s also no sign of any diesels yet, although that will probably be rectified by the time the 9-4X makes it to Europe.

It’s claimed that the chassis set-up on the 9-4X will give car-like ride and handling good enough to challenge the current best in class. Furthermore, customers going for the Aero spec will get Saab DriveSense, which changes the behaviour of the dampers according to how the car is being driven and the type of road surface. It also allows the driver to switch from the default ‘Intelligent’ mode to ‘Sport’, ‘Comfort’ or ‘Eco’, the last of which re-maps the throttle pedal and gear change patterns to minimise fuel consumption.



North America will get the 9-4X first, with sales due to start in May 2011. Europe and other markets will have to wait a few months more though, as August is the planned launch date for those territories. Pricing - and presumably news of a diesel version - will be announced shortly before sales commence.

2011 Ford Ranger revealed

Pick-up trucks have never had the same sort of appeal in Europe as they do in other territories. Families seem to prefer the extra practicality of an SUV, while business users invariably choose vans to keep their stuff dry and secure.



There’s also the problem of image, which isn’t great. Maybe it’s the sort of people that drive pick-ups, or perhaps it’s the vehicles themselves - certainly the current Ford Ranger has virtually zero street cred. However, that’s something that could change with the 2011 model, which has just been unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

As part of the ‘One Ford’ initiative, the new Ranger will become Ford’s global compact pick-up, to be sold in 180 markets. Somewhat bizarrely though, that doesn’t include North America. Ford is saying that’s because the Ranger will be too close in size to its full-size F-150, although there must be plenty of people in the United States and Canada who don’t necessarily need or want such a large vehicle.



Developed in Melbourne, Australia, the 2011 Ranger is all-new from the ground up. Its chassis frame and suspension have been engineered for better off-road performance, offering up to 232 mm of ground clearance, while vulnerable drivetrain components have been mounted above the frame rails for better protection.



The styling is termed by Ford as ‘21st Century Tough’, and is meant to convey ‘taut, toned muscularity and a bold, confident stance [to] instantly signal the strength and capability of an ultra-modern pick-up’. Press release blurb aside, it certainly looks a lot better than any previous Ranger.

Engine choice for Europe will be a pair of Duratorq TDCi diesels. One is a four-cylinder 2.2 litre unit with 147 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) and peak torque of 375 Nm, while the other has five cylinders and produces 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) and 470 Nm from its 3.2 litres. Both come with an MT82 six-speed manual gearbox, although the Ford 6R80 six-speed automatic will also be available.



Other markets will additionally get the option of a 163 bhp (122 kW / 166 PS) 2.5 litre Duratec four-cylinder petrol engine, combined with an MT75 five-speed manual transmission.



An Electronic Stability Program (ESP) system will feature as standard, which includes yaw control, four-wheel traction control and roll-over mitigation. Optionally available will be Trailer Sway Mitigation, which selectively applies the brakes to help regain control, together with Adaptive Load Control which maintains a level ride height.

And ALC could be useful, as carrying capacity is improved over the previous generation Ranger. That’s partly thanks to a widened cargo box, which on the Double Cab model measures 1,549 mm long by 1,560 mm wide. With a height of 511 mm, that gives a total volume of 1.21 cubic metres. Width between the wheel arches is 1,139 mm, while the rear tailgate opening is 1.330 mm. Maximum payload will be up to 1,500 kg, depending on the model.



Anyone wanting a 2011 Ford Ranger will have to wait, though. Series production is not due to start at Ford’s Thailand facility until next summer, with additional capacity being provided later on by plants in South Africa and Argentina.



The plan is to commence deliveries to European customers ‘by 2012’ and, when it arrives, there’ll be three different cab styles, 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, two ride heights and four trim levels.