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.
