Ford Ranger 2012, first drive in Ferrol

A few days ago we talked about Ecoboost technology and the new Ford Focus with this technology, which aims to be an alternative to diesel. During that presentation that Ford España hosted, the test drive of the new Ford Ranger 2012 was still pending.

The Ranger is now a global pick-up, developed in Australia but sold worldwide (except the US) and manufactured in South Africa (for the European market). It is a model that focuses on safety, with notable features such as the five-star Euro NCAP rating and seven airbags.

Redesigned look with safety as a priority and powerful diesel engines

The design remains typical of a pick-up. The front has been restyled and there are minor changes at the rear, but essentially it still recalls the classic American pick-ups, even though the Ranger 2012 will not be sold in the American market.

It is available in three cab configurations: double, super and regular cab, where the single-cab version can be paired with 4×2 or 4×4 drive.

The interior stands out for its abundant hard plastic, though well finished and with fairly complete equipment depending on the version. The dashboard design is much more modern and original than the previous generation. The space in the rear seats surprised us, both for legroom and headroom, a good point in favour of this pick-up.

Safety is a key focus, with stability control as standard, a specific trailer stability program, adaptive load control (which monitors the vehicle’s load at all times), and seven airbags (including a knee airbag).

As for equipment, depending on the version it can include dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, voice control, a rear-view camera or a navigation system, technologies rarely seen in a pick-up.

The Ranger debuts three diesel engines with up to 200 CV. The entry engine is a 2.2 TDCI with 125 CV, followed by a 2.2 TDI with 150 CV, and finally the powerful 3.2 TDCI with 200 CV. The most notable aspect of the engines is their torque, up to 420 Nm (200 CV version) or 375 Nm (150 CV version).

The engine can be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic gearbox, another new feature for the Ranger 2012.

First Drive in the Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCI 150 CV

During the day in Ferrol we were able to take a short and brief first drive in a Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCI of 150 CV. Our unit was an XLT, that is, one of the highest trim levels, and it came very well equipped in terms of technology (not forgetting Bluetooth or the USB port).

The engine was quiet, with notably good interior insulation against both wind and engine noise. On the other hand, the engine delivers strong pulling power from low revs (just over 1,500 rpm), moving the Ranger with authority.

The feel of the gearbox could be improved, as it was not very precise. Otherwise it is an interesting pick-up, quite comfortable and stable on the road. We were left wanting to put the Ranger through an off-road test, since our unit had four-wheel drive and a low-range transfer case.

Prices

• 2.2 TDCI 125 CV 2WD Regular Cab XL, 22,450 euros
• 2.2 TDCI 125 CV 4WD Regular Cab XL, 23,200 euros
• 2.2 TDCI 150 CV 4WD Regular Cab XL, 24,700 euros
• 2.2 TDCI 150 CV 4WD Super Cab XL, 25,200 euros
• 2.2 TDCI 150 CV 4WD Double Cab XL, 26,950 euros
• 2.2 TDCI 150 CV 4WD Double Cab XLT, 29,450 euros
• 2.2 TDCI 150 CV 4WD Double Cab XLT LTD, 31,950 euros
• 2.2 TDCI 150 CV 4WD Double Cab XLT LTD AT, 33,450 euros
• 3.2 TDCI 200 CV 4WD Double Cab Wildtrack, 35,950 euros
• 3.2 TDCI 200 CV 4WD Double Cab Wildtrack, AT, 37,450 euros

Photos | Diego G. Moreira