[Live image update] Ford releases revised Euro-spec Ranger pickup
03/03/2009, 9:00 AM
By Drew Johnson
Though pickups don’t enjoy the same popularity in Europe that they enjoy in North America, there is nonetheless still a strong market for utilitarian trucks in the “Old World.” While those of us living in the U.S. will have to make do with a modestly updated Ford Ranger for the time being, the rest of the world will be getting an all-new version of the small pickup for 2009.
The new Ranger will offer seating for up to five, and will be available in three body styles — Single Cab, Double Cab and RAP (Rear Access Panel) Cab, the latter featuring two forward-hinged doors and two rear-hinged access panels. A number of models, from base XL to range-topping Wildtrak, will also be available in 4X2 and 4X4 configurations.
Ranger buyers will be able to choose from two diesel powerplants – a 143 horsepower 2.5L cranking out 243 lb-ft of torque or a 3.0L generating 156 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Either engine option is available with a five-speed automatic or manual gearbox.
The new ranger will begin production in Thailand this March, with European sales kicking off a month later. Ford has yet to official confirm if the new Ranger will make it to our shores – replacing U.S.-spec Ranger that has been largely unchanged since 1998 – but the new truck could surface in the United States as early as 2011.
03/03, 9:30 AM
posted by:
orangecones
Somehow I dont see EU wanting a new pickup… i mean no doubt its time for an upgrade since the Ranger is possibly the most ancient car on the road, but come on. The US launch (for 2011?) should be huge… if they keep it lookin’ good and don’t “americanize” (aka ugly it up) .
03/03, 10:30 AM
posted by:
key4wheels
Same old argument…Europe doesn’t have the demand like the US does, so let’s sell them there. No matter, to me it doesn’t look much different from my neighbor’s SportTrak (with the exception of a stick shift, that would be nice to have in the SportTrak). I assume with that color paint comes a standard rainbow sticker on the bumper?
03/03, 10:55 AM
posted by:
wbent
Same problem will exist that the SportTrac suffers from, cost comparison to a full size and fuel economy being virtually the same. Ecoboost would help the economy as the diesel will never make it here. I agree with you key4wheels about the bumper sticker. Ranger as is and marketed is just fine, a utilitarian vehicle.
03/03, 11:04 AM
posted by:
fan
you guys dont really complain about the color, do you? its not my choice either, but seems to mee ford wants to market it as something to use in sunshine, by the seaside (the california-way, so to speak), and thus, it kind of fits… again, most of them will probably go in some rather dark tone, or white, for the contractors in europe seem to mainly drive white cars, for whatever reason
03/05, 9:20 AM
posted by:
richt62167
Ok, let’s do the math here…………….
Europe dosent like pick up’s so much so…. let’s make there pick up real nice (side note) the one before this one was still better then the U S’s
North America Loves it’s pick up’s so…… let use the same modle for the past 20 some years with minor changes like a gril, a tail light… you get my point
….and north America wonders why U S fords are tanking??? Im no CEO by any means but I bet i could slove this pick up problem
03/06, 8:20 PM
posted by:
Gundy
Dang it, I wish they would build these in St. Paul, Minnesota where the other Rangers are now built. Ford kept that plant open for another year, but why not build these there, WITH the diesel / manual transmission option?! That plant even generates it’s own electricity with generators on the Mississippi River, it seems like a no-brainer to keep it open and build a fuel-efficient truck, or car there, especially now that they’re in demand.
03/07, 10:15 AM
posted by:
iluvamcars
Us Americans are still stuck with the crappy one! I want to be able to buy this one! I geuss i will have to wait untill 2011.