GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #21 | Page 23

RV FEATURE FORD RANGER 2.0 BI-TURBO The Ford Ranger was updated just recently and in XLT and Wildtrak models you can now option the 2L Bi-Turbo engine from the Ranger Raptor (another new ute from Ford this year, albeit one with just 2500kg/250kg towing capacity), but unlike Raptor, the XLT and Wildtrak maintain their 3500kg/350kg towing capacity. The Ranger Wildtrak also now gets autonomous emergency braking, semi auto active park assist and traffic sign recognition as standard (optional for XLT), making it the most advanced ute for active safety features. The Ranger also enjoys Ford’s longer warranty, up from three years / 100,000km to five years/unlimited kilometres with the new PXIII Ranger series. For some there will be a question of whether this small displacement four-cylinder engine can handle a heavy trailer. While full testing with a heavy van has yet to be done, a 50km drive with a 1650kg horse float was promising. The Ranger hauled the trailer easily, with the engine’s beefy torque combined with the 10-speed auto meant that the Ranger was in the right gear to deliver the engine’s best. Fuel consumption was showing a reasonable 14.2L/100km and there was no sway or pitching – there has been no change to the Ranger’s rock-solid platform. PRICE $59,390 (PLUS ON-ROAD COSTS) ENGINE 2L FOUR-CYLINDER BI-TURBO DIESEL OUTPUT 157KW/500NM TRANSMISSION 10-SPEED AUTOMATIC TOWING CAPACITY 3500KG/350KG KERB WEIGHT 2197KG GVM GCM 3200KG 6000KG On the negative side, if you’re towing at its 3500kg limit, you can put just 303kg of payload in the Ranger before you exceed its GCM. gorv.com.au 23