Back in 2009, starting to see the Ranger develop : FORD RANGER OFFERS NEW ADVANCEMENTS FOR 2009

FORD RANGER OFFERS NEW ADVANCEMENTS FOR 2009

2009 Ford Ranger 

 

 The Ford Ranger has been a popular choice in the one-tonne market for over 25 years. For 2009 the Ford Ranger line-up will be further enhanced with new styling features and an upgraded interior. 

Respected throughout more than 130 markets around the world, the new Ford Ranger effectively combines genuine durability and toughness with a new distinct and muscular exterior design. 

“The Ford Ranger has earned respect as a tough and reliable lifestyle and business partner, however it is important to continue to evolve the product in order to ensure it remains a leading challenger with up to date features and technology,” says Ben Pillay, Ford Marketing Manager. 

In the 1920s Ford enjoyed its first foray into the truck or pickup market. Ford produced 209 $600 Model TT 1 Tonne Pickup Truck Chassis. A milestone in Ford’s truck production was 1948 when the F-series pickup trucks debuted. The F-Series would become the most successful vehicle line in history, as the best-selling full-size pickup for 29 years. 

The Ranger was first introduced in the US in 1983 and by the nineties, the Ranger had become a popular site on South African roads. It was the first one-tonne pickup in South Africa to offer class-leading safety features including airbags, side-impact protection and ABS. 

“Our customers rely on our experience and knowledge to design and develop the best in 4x4 systems, cargo-carrying ability and cabin versatility,” says Pillay. 

The new Ford Ranger is more than a workhorse, it is a vehicle to suit the customer’s lifestyle with emotional appeal and modern styling. 

The new Ranger has undergone extensive development under extremely severe testing conditions by engineering teams at proving grounds throughout the world, to confirm its Built Ford Tough heritage. 

In design terms, the 2009 Ranger has been enhanced with an even more muscular and distinctive look. The horizontal three-bar grille embossed with Ranger lettering, the functional twin black vertical nostrils, the new hood and power dome design and the large headlamps that wrap around each front corner effectively establish a new design benchmark for the one-tonne segment. It is a fresh transformation that highlights perfectly the strong character of Ranger. 

The three-bar grille is one of Ford’s global design traits. Its boldness is contrasted by clever details, including recessed grille meshwork and two elongated ‘nostril’ duct shapes.

“The 2009 Ranger exudes Tough Style,” adds Pillay. “We recognise Ranger's reputation for toughness and durability, and we built on those qualities with modern design features to accentuate its sportiness and confidence.”

The Ford Ranger’s new front design is executed with clever, sculpted surfaces and appealing shapes united with precise execution. These details are critical to achieving the modern, muscular look that today’s bakkie owner wants. 

The rear styling has also been revised with a new tail lamp design and newly styled rear step bumper. The new tail lamps feature clear outer lenses and red sub lenses. Not only do they look great but they also provide increased visibility for other drivers on the road. 

The sports bar has also been altered, it now features one upright bar. Black and stainless steel side and sports bars are featured on all XLT and XLE level vehicles. The freshly designed 16” alloy wheels offer a modern and robust look.  

The interior ambience has also been updated. The instrument panel now features the contemporary and relaxing appeal of red illumination of its three large, individual gauges – each set within its own binnacle – ensuring excellent visibility day and night and also giving the Ranger’s interior a dynamic feel. 

All XLT models now feature a new cloth design interior. Made from the highest quality materials the interior is durable and hard-wearing yet still stylish and visually appealing. 

An auxiliary jack has also been added to XLT and XLE derivatives. The audio unit features a digital display and incorporates MP3 capability and auxiliary input connection for popular MP3 players, such as the Apple iPod.

“The Ford Ranger's fresh new style reinforces Ranger’s already well-known strengths and versatility and also introduces contemporary evolution that we believe will appeal to today’s diverse Ranger customers,” says Pillay. 

The Ranger continues to be available in a wide variety of body styles, specification levels and engine options, making it possible for the owner to select a lifestyle partner most suited to their individual needs. 

The Ford Ranger is available in 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains. The popular Ranger 4x2 Hi-Trail offers a unique combination, being 4x2 and using the robust components and the higher ground clearance of a 4x4, it offers a great deal of versatility. 

The Hi-Trail was a popular introduction when developed and launched several years ago. It continues to gain in popularity as customers appreciate the taller ride height combined with the Hi-Trail's ability to traverse poorly maintained roads. 

Single Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab models continue to be on offer. The Super Cab is a unique four-door system providing freer access to the cabin by featuring two forward-hinged doors and two rear-hinged access panels. The Super Cab provides unobstructed access to the spacious interior for ease of entry and cargo loading and an uncompromised side-impact safety structure that replaces the centre pillar of a traditional Double Cab.

Specially designed storage containers are available as an aftermarket option for the Super Cab models. 

The 2009 Ford Ranger offers a choice of engines, transmission and configurations, reflecting its reputation for capability and truck toughness.

An entry-level 2.2-litre engine and a 2.5-litre diesel engine are available in Single Cab, Long Wheel Base configuration. 

Ford’s acclaimed Duratorq TDCi diesel engine is available in all body styles. The TDCi engine delivers quick response, produces strong torque at low revs, offers highly refined characteristics and is fuel-efficient with low running costs. 

The 3.0-litre engine employs advanced turbo technology – intercooler and variable-geometry turbocharging – to reduce turbo lag and improve overall performance. 

Plenty of available torque from Ford's TDCi Duratorq diesel makes it highly responsive to the driver's needs and gives the Ranger plenty of grunt. The 115kW 3.0-litre delivers 380Nm peak torque at 1800rpm. At 3000rpm, the Ranger's 3.0-litre TDCi diesel proves its flexibility in delivering more than 350Nm.

“The 2009 Ford Ranger offers a variety of new enhancements but also maintains its existing strengths and class-leading attributes like durability, economy, off-road ability and safety,” continues Pillay. 

The Ford Ranger is designed as a single piece chassis therefore making it more solid in its build quality. The suspension, the load body and the cab are attached to the strongest chassis available. The benefits of this are a reduction in vibration, the ability to carry heavy loads and improved road-holding and handling.

The Ranger has become known for its true 4x4 capabilities, its 1.8-tonne towing capabilities and its payload, which is in excess of one tonne. Whether at work or at play the Ranger is perfectly equipped for the task. 

The Ford Ranger comes with a 5 year / 90 000km Service Plan and a comprehensive 4 year/120 000km warranty with service intervals of 10000kms. Customers will also benefit 3 years of Roadside Assistance and a 5-year corrosion warranty as part of the Ford Ranger package. The customer has the peace of mind to know that this capable vehicle is reliable with a low cost of ownership. Off-road driver training through the Scorpion Off-Road College is offered on all 4x4 derivatives.

“The Ranger is tough enough to meet the needs of a demanding job, but just as importantly it will be reliable for the customer and durable enough to withstand any and all demands. With a dealer network of 124 dealers, the customer has additional comfort in knowing that if they do need assistance, a dealership is not far away,” concludes Pillay. 

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