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After Ford launched the Ranger pickup around the world a few weeks ago, the news that the V6-powered pickup is unlikely to return has undoubtedly made people talk about it, but buyers who are eager to buy a 3-liter pickup will have to wait a long time before they can put on the gloves.
It is not expected that deliveries will begin in any quantity before the beginning of 2023, so those who desperately need to replace the main force will be able to choose nine more variants from Ford Stables.
These include four limited-edition models, which the company hopes will help maintain the relevance of current pickup trucks until plants in South Africa (which cater to the United Kingdom) and Thailand switch production to the new design.
See also: Pickup Buyer's Guide 2021-22
Ford said this may have the characteristics of a cunning trick to transfer the dregs of old products, but that is not the case.
Rather, this is a response to the rapid growth in demand for its top models. The company claims that its pickup truck market share reached a peak of 47% earlier this year due to the withdrawal of Mitsubishi and Nissan.
The new variant Ranger Quartet offers different combinations of colors, decorations and accessories. Although some people may think they are indulgent, gorgeous and completely unnecessary, Ford’s order ledger says otherwise.
A staggering 80% was ordered in the premium Wildtrak form, while the limited edition model-a downgrade-contributed 10%.
For the expensive Raptor variant, you have little change from £50,000, accounting for another 7%, and have found a home with SUV buyers who are eager to combine the high-quality interior with the practicality of a flatbed.
This makes the contribution of marsh-based XL and dual-cab XLT to total sales sounds rather dismal 1%.
there is nothing. In fact, one of the special edition models of Wolftrak is a repackaged XLT with some additional features.
Stormtrak and MS-RT add more decorations to enthusiast Wildtrak, while Raptor SE belongs to its own alliance.
This means that they are all based on the original Ranger launched ten years ago, when Ford fired the relabeled Mazda pickups and produced them in-house.
They had a facelift in 2015, but for many agricultural buyers, the most significant change was that they stopped using the thirsty but highly sought after 3.2-liter five-cylinder engine two years ago.
The smaller 2.2-liter block was also phased out-both were replaced by the 2-liter EcoBlue of the Transit van.
As a result, all current models now run the same oil burner, albeit adjusted to three different power outputs-130 horsepower for asthma, 170 horsepower for single variable geometry turbocharged, and twin-turbocharged for 213 horsepower.
It turns out that this is not its downgrade on paper. The worst 2-liter engine exceeds 3.2 with 13 horsepower and 30 Nm.
Fuel economy has also improved, and our 170-horsepower test Ranger delivered a respectable 32mpg during long trips on and off the Brecon Beacons road.
It may not be very fast-0-62mph takes 11.3 seconds-but neither is the Raptor. Its time has been reduced by less than a second, and the price has almost doubled. Its rated towing capacity is still 3,500 kg, which makes the Raptor regrettable and can’t-even though it looks a bit like a car bully.
The disadvantage is that the XLT is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, which is perfectly functional but not overly refined.
This is where Wolftrak comes into play. XLT, with some additional modification disadvantages, opens the option of Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission-this model was first taken from the Mustang sports car in 2019-and is now available for every high-spec incarnation of the Ranger.
Wolftrak has also obtained some ideal items that are classified as paid add-ons in the "premium package" of XLT.
This is a great help in justifying the price increase of £3,000, and when compared with the specifications, there is a grasshopper beard between the two.
This includes a button-activated rear differential lock, which we found to make a big difference on rugged climbing, especially under extreme axle articulation. It is also very practical, with rope hooks and a spray-in bed liner on the outside of the load bed.
This affordable XLT pimp version is the most practical and least artificial of the special edition models.
Happily, its six-speed manual version sells for less than £30,000, but buyers looking for more sophisticated can upgrade to the automatic 10-gear-this is the only model that offers an option.
All-terrain tires, protective bed lining, all-weather floor mats and electric locking rear differential are standard equipment, making it the most practical novice.
You can order a matt black load-bearing bed cover or canopy to match the mirror guard, load-bearing "sport ring", grille and bumper.
Stormtrak is based on the ultra-popular Wildtrak and can be provided as a normal double cab or a super cab with a longer bed.
It brings more specifications and a more sporty styling, and replaces the now retired Thunder variant.
The most notable item in the list of stacking specifications is the electric roller shutter, which can be controlled by a remote control key or using buttons in the loading bed or cab. It also includes a load bed divider and protective bed liner.
Other differences are mainly aesthetic, black exterior decals, racing grille, LED headlights and 18-inch alloys, and the same high-quality leather seats as the Raptor.
Another variant of the Wildtrak theme, but this time the extra hustle and bustle comes from the modeling house named after it.
MS-RT has also improved a version of Transit Custom.
Although equipped with more than 20 inches of OZ Racing alloy extended wheel arches, honeycomb grille and hand-built body kit, the MS-RT has a slightly smaller front than the Raptor.
Sporty inclusions extend to aerodynamic load bars, ambient room lighting and Maxhaust speakers, which can make the sound of a 2-liter engine louder and harsher than it really is.
The Raptor was first released in 2019 and has been fully processed by Ford's performance department.
In addition to the majestic appearance, the most significant change is the rear suspension, where the old cart springs are replaced by position-sensitive shock absorbers.
This limits the maximum payload, so the Raptor is not eligible for light commercial vehicles and business owners cannot refund the value-added tax.
SE is more refined and expensive than standard Raptor. Aesthetic details include racing stripes, 17-inch black alloy and fine stitching on sports seats.
The rest of the vehicle is almost the same as before. It is 60 mm wider and 10 cm longer than other Ranger models (making it impossible to park in some supermarkets), but it also has a better approach angle and a floor height of 51 mm.
Universal Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires are standard, and there is a six-speed terrain management system for fine-tuning performance.
The obvious disadvantage is the 545 kg payload and the 2,500 kg towing limit-this is the price to pay for a more comfortable ride.
There is no shortage of buyers who are willing to wait time and wait for the 3-liter V6 version of the fourth-generation Ranger, which is expected to arrive in the UK in early 2023-assuming no more squeaks in the supply chain.
The engine is Ford's own, used in American F-150 pickup trucks, and used in Jaguar Land Rover products, including Discovery.
Entry-level models will be equipped with a 2-liter EcoBlue engine with single or twin turbocharging-very similar to current products. Similarly, cheap people will get a six-speed manual transmission, while luxury people will get a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Notable changes include a larger and more square stance, with an increase in overall width and wheelbase by 50 mm. A more advanced full-time four-wheel drive system will also be provided.
Orders will open in the fall, by then we should have seen the new Volkswagen Amarok-it shares the same platform as the Ranger.
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