Ford ranger
Ford Ranger Ford Ranger
You know that in right-hand drive cars, the direction indicators and wipers can change places depending on the country of the consumer? It turns out, unlike Japan, where the direction indicator lever with the right steering wheel arrangement is always on the right, the countries of the British Commonwealth prefer a more familiar scheme for us - with the left-hand drive orientation of this switch. I admit, I had no idea about such ergonomic nuances. Therefore, janitors swung heartily, creating for himself and others many comic situations.
Why did they choose South Africa for a test drive? Here, the factory was actually re-equipped specifically for the release of the "rangers" of the latest generation. Very often new equipment, robots for welding, the latest technology, including in the implementation of quality control. After all, it’s enough to be in the suburbs of Johannesburg to understand: South Africa (as well as Thailand, where the production of “rangers” and their cousin of the Mazda brand continues) is a country of pickups, and of all sizes, models and ages. Literally everything is transported on them: from people and animals to sparkling leather and varnish of expensive furniture.
HEALTH
So, the choice is pickups with a double cab, new diesel engines ("four", 2.2 liters, 150 hp, as well as a five-cylinder, 3.2 liters, 200 hp), all-wheel drive, lock rear differential. Transmissions - 6-speed, automatic or mechanical.
That the car is more impressive than its predecessor, I feel right away. Only in length she added 200 mm, and there are also tall body sides (they say, according to this indicator, the “Ranger” is the class leader), a capacious and rationally planned cargo platform. And when you find yourself in the cabin …
Would recommend starting his study with the rear seats. There is absolutely no Pickup space for the body, and for the legs, and for the head! According to these parameters, the "Ranger" is a real competitor to an all-terrain vehicle, and rather big one.
The spacious rear seat is the undoubted advantage of this pickup
The spacious rear seat is the undoubted advantage of this pickup. The spacious rear seat is the undoubted advantage of this pickup.
But let's digress for a moment from our own impressions and listen to the creators of the car. They were not only concerned about the impressive size of the pickup. They also thought about aerodynamics, smoothing the joint between the cab and the body, improved technology, using various types of high-strength steel in the construction, made noise insulation and fought against vibration - the scourge of the past generation. And how much attention was paid to off-road qualities, in particular the protection and position of the engine air intake (now it is in the right wing, you can put a snorkel if you want), the tightness of the door openings. But now the “Ranger” effortlessly overcomes an 80-centimeter ford and famously scrambles for the coolest, at 45 degrees, rocky slope. Impressive!
COMFORT WITH CHARACTER
On the one hand, its interior is, of course, rustic. Finishing materials are not the most expensive. But it is understandable, this is a truck. But here there are logically located and easily readable devices, a grasping adjustable steering wheel (on the cheapest equipment it can only be adjusted in angle, on the other in two directions), a good-looking seat with a free fit, with which you somehow immediately find understanding. Even the Spartan equipment of the basic, rear-wheel drive version does not cause rejection. Rather, the opposite. Such a car evokes sympathy with rude, but truly masculine habits. Well, the fact that the front bumper and grille are unpainted, and the exterior mirrors have to be adjusted manually, does not matter.
The most expensive version of Wildtrak: brightly decorated and richly equipped. There is even navigation
The most expensive version of Wildtrak: brightly decorated and richly equipped. There is even navigation. The most expensive version of Wildtrak: brightly decorated and richly equipped. There is even navigation.
But the handling of the pickup truck has clearly changed in the passenger side. The front torsion bar suspension was replaced by a spring suspension, the shock absorber settings now strictly depend on the type of cab and engine, and the rack and pinion steering. The new Ranger is surprisingly obedient. The ride is also clearly shifted to a more comfortable area. Even on an empty machine, there are now no sharp vertical jerks chasing the previous version.
The four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with a volume of 2.2 liters (150 hp) here, at first glance, is also a topic. It is almost inaudible to 3500-4000 rpm. But the traction ability of this motor is still lower than I expected. First of all, he lacks traction at low speeds: from 1200 to 1700. Then he diverges, and having properly unwound, he completely shows temperament. But when you need to pull off the pull-ups, on the most ordinary lift you often encounter difficulties - the machine frankly asks for a downshift.
Here are 200 "horses" of the 3.2 liter engine is a completely different matter! Although for some reason I expected more from this engine. But here, at least, a convenient moment component appears that brightens up the almost inferior feeling of inferiority. This version of the "Ranger" is a bit noisier, more vibro-loaded and tougher - such a pickup is more nervous about minor irregularities. However, the overall impression of the “Ranger” is positive: it is a pleasant, comfortable, lively car with good handling and smoothness.
In the standard Ranger, the central display is simpler, and the climate is controlled by three familiar twists
In the standard Ranger, the central display is simpler, and the climate is controlled by three familiar twists. In the standard Ranger, the central display is simpler, and the climate is controlled by three familiar twists.
GUEST FROM THE SOUTH
Rear-wheel drive Ford Ranger will not be delivered to Russia, only all-wheel drive modifications. I am sure this is absolutely the right decision. After all, let's say, on gravel, the behavior of a single-drive car changed markedly. He began to wag from side to side with an unloaded tail, demanding specific management techniques. At the same time, in the simplest configuration, no safety electronics are provided that can help when the car is being delivered.
We plan to bring the "Ranger" in versions XL, XLT, Limited and Wildtrak, with a double or one and a half cab. All cars will be equipped with the necessary electronics, including a dynamic stabilization system. We will be offered another engine, with a gasoline (2.5 l, 166 hp). And to it, in addition to the six-speed gearboxes, manual and automatic, that are usual for diesel versions, they will also offer simpler, five-speed mechanics.
There is very little to wait for all this magnificence - the cars, they promise, will go on sale right now, in January. Price - from 978 500 rubles for the simplest version with a gasoline engine. For diesel will have to pay about 60 thousand. A full-size cabin costs an extra "fifty dollars", and an automatic machine costs 70 thousand.
A six-speed automatic is very suitable for diesels. It smooths out their rather explosive characteristics. To the right of the lever is a four-wheel drive transmission control wheel
A six-speed automatic is very suitable for diesels. It smooths out their rather explosive characteristics. To the right of the lever is a four-wheel drive transmission control wheel. A six-speed automatic is very suitable for diesels. It smooths out their rather explosive characteristics. To the right of the lever is a four-wheel drive transmission control wheel.
