Ford Ranger: The little truck that does it all
Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
If you are young, or at least young-spirited, love adventure and always looking for challenges, you can enjoy a different ride with the newly launched Ford Ranger.
This 4x4 pick-up is now available on local market with a wider appeal. Instead of pitching the Ranger only at off-road enthusiasts, Ford has redesigned the vehicle to be comfortable and classy enough for families going away for the weekend.
It's just as suitable for young executives heading for work, Ford brand director Scott McCormack says.
Continuing the previous success of Ranger in Southeast Asia, PT Ford Motor Indonesia launched two new models: the 2.5l Turbo diesel intercooler (double cabin) and 2.9l diesel (single cabin).
The single cabin model, which comes in either pick-up or chassis cabin, is aimed at corporate buyers who need a hard- working truck.
Carrying a 4 cylinder OHC (12 valve) engine, the single cabin can reach its maximum power of up to 69 kW at 4,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 200 Nm at 2,500 rpm.
The maximum power for the double cabin is bigger, reaching 80 kW at 3,500 rpm with a maximum torque of 257 Nm at 2,000 rpm.
Both engine types can help Ranger carry up to one ton loads, climb mountains, crossing rivers, forge through bogs and cruise on the open road.
The car's exterior is 5.128 meters long for the double cabin and slightly shorter at 4.998m for the single cabin. The double cabin is also wider and higher.
Ranger owners can personalize their double cabin vehicles with various accessories including a fiberglass canopy and roof rack, front bumper guard, front bug deflector and heavy duty rear bumper-bar.
Should you have the cash to buy Ford's most limited and exclusive model, the Ranger Hurricane is available at Rp 229 million (US$22,900) on the road.
All variants are equipped with tilt adjustable steering column, power steering and, of course, safety belts. The double cabin also has central door locking, power mirrors, power windows, an audio system and, most importantly for hot and humid Jakarta, air conditioning.
To support its service for Indonesian consumers, PT Ford Motor Indonesia also launched its first Ford Superstore on Jl. T.B. Simatupang, South Jakarta. The next superstore is being constructed on Jl. Letjen. S. Parman, West Jakarta and is due to open in May.
During the recent off-road test drive in Telaga Golf, Sawangan in Bogor regency, the Ranger proved its toughness confidently on inhospitable terrain.
It was easy to forget we were riding in a little truck, so balanced, smooth, controlled and predictable was the ride.
Ranger has fully independent double wishbone and torsion bar springs and double action shock absorbers on the front suspension. It also has vacuum servo-assisted Tandem Booster and load sensing proportioning valves in the brakes.
With such promising comfort and capability, even in unfriendly territory, the completely built-up Ranger is made in Ford's Thailand-based manufacturer.
They're a busy bunch -- the factory is expected produce 700 vehicles this year alone.