A major facelift work based on the T6 Ranger, the new version comes with a host of changes that will make it a better competitor against the new crop of trucks in the local market. Once leading the market with its modern features, the Ranger T6 has been given the right upgrade in those areas to again make it the class leader.

The first to receive the update are the two engines. The 3.2-litre Duratorq 5-cylinder engine is now 12 per cent more efficient while power is still maintained at 200 PS and 470 Nm of torque. The 2.2-litre Duratorq 4-cylinder TDCi diesel engine has improved efficiency and gets an increased power of 160 PS and 385 Nm of torque - thanks to a set of new Piezo injectors and a new turbocharger. The transmission remains the same, a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed auto. The same electronically controlled transfer case allows the 4X4 models to shift on the fly from 4X2 to 4X4 high via a knob just after the gear lever. For work, this Ranger has a 1,200kg payload while towing ability is 3,500kg.

More refinement is found on the inside. The steering system is now taken straight from the Everest - the electric power assisted steering (EPAS) offers low speed manoeuvring with ease and the steering loads up as you go faster, depending on steering angle, cornering forces and acceleration/deceleration.

The Wildtrak variant gets a SYNC 2 Ford’s in-car connectivity and an 8-inch touchscreen system to control various features such as air-con, audio and telephone. The XLT too gets the same SYNC 2 system, but with a smaller 4.2-inch display. The Ranger is also the first twin cab pickup truck that gets the MyKey system, where you can programme maximum speed limit, seatbelt reminder and maximum volume of the audio system to match with the key fob. This is useful when you have a teenager in the house, or a wife. Again, the Wildtrak gets a host of new features such as the three-pin 230V socket for the rear occupant and a light installed for the rear bed.

The Ranger also comes fitted with Forward Alert, a smart driver assistance feature that gives drivers a visual and audible warning if the vehicle in front gets too close. In addition, the Wildtrak features Adaptive Cruise Control, an intelligent feature that uses radar sensors to detect traffic ahead, and automatically adjusts the cruise control speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front. Complementing this is Lane Keeping Aid, which uses a front-facing camera located behind the rear-view mirror to read lane markings and detect if the driver unintentionally leaves their lane. Lane Keeping Aid uses a smooth steering torque intervention to gently pull the driver back on course. If the driver continues to drift off course, Lane Departure Warning can warn the driver by vibrating the steering wheel.

Ford’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and ISOFIX child safety mounts also come standard, making Ranger the only pickup truck in the Malaysia to offer these two important safety features across all variants. ESC is an active safety system that improves driver control under all conditions and maximises vehicle traction and stability both on- and off-road, and automatically reduces engine torque and/or applies a braking force to individual wheels if it senses the vehicle is turning more or less than intended.

Other smart technologies across all variants include Hill Launch Assist – which holds the Ranger in place for up to three seconds when the driver removes their foot from the brake – Adaptive Load Control, which maximises control when carrying heavy loads, and Emergency Brake Assist.

Prices for the Ranger XL priced from RM91,588 on-the-road, the Ranger XLT priced from RM101,388 on-the-road, and the 3.2L Ranger WildTrak priced at RM132,188. There are six colours to choose from, including Pride Orange, Cool White, Metropolitan Grey, Aluminum Metallic, Black Mica, and Aurora Blue.