Ford Ranger gets upgrade

Ford’s locally-developed Ranger pick-up has gained new standard features for 2017, including a reversing camera and rear parking sensors for all variants other than cab chassis models and the base-grade XL Plus.

Front parking sensors are new to the upmarket XLT variant, and the 4X4 XL Super Cab Chassis 3.2L – previously manual only – is now offered with automatic transmission.

Additionally, XLT and Wildtrak variants boast the SYNC3 infotainment system as standard for 2017. The latest version of Ford’s SYNC system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

According to Ford, SYNC3 is faster and features improved facilities – such as "more conversational voice recognition, intuitive smartphone-like touchscreen and an improved graphic user interface".

Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert, Driver Impairment Monitor, automatic high beam control, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning are also added to the equipment list for the 2017 Ranger Wildtrak, which has been selling so strongly in Australia that sales are ahead of supply.

The Ranger has also been singled out for a drivetrain upgrade to comply with Euro 5 emissions control legislation. Black fog light bezels are new to the Ranger XLT, and two new colours ('Jet Black' replacing 'Black Mica' and 'Meteor Grey' replacing 'Metropolitan Grey') take their place in the Ranger’s colour palette for 2017.

"Standard new features such as rear view camera and SYNC 3 will help our customers get more done at work while staying better connected to their lives," said Ford Australia President, Graeme Whickman.

"These innovations combined with Ranger’s unsurpassed towing and hauling capability will help continue Ranger’s momentum as we continue closing the gap on Hilux.

"In particular, Australians are being drawn especially to the XLT and Wildtrak variants, which now account for 62 percent of all Ranger’s sold this year, up from 51 percent in 2014."