Ford Ranger 2009 review

A new Ford Ranger Wildtrak hero model has hit the showrooms.

The 4x4 Wildtrak Crew Cab three-litre diesel leads a re-styled Ranger PK line-up that includes seven extra models, more standard equipment and price rises up to $2500.

There are no mechanical changes to the Thai-made PK series.

The three new 4x4 models are the manual and auto Wildtrak and an XL 3.0-litre TDCi Crew Cab auto.

The four new 4x2 models are a 2.5-litre TDCi XL Cre Cab pick-up auto and a Crew cab chassis auto, and the XLT crew cab pick-up in manual and auto.

Ford product marketing manager Christine Wagner said the new XLT and Wildtrak were introduced because of the growth in the sector of the market since its launch in early 2007.

“Most growth has been in the high-end vehicles because these are dual-purpose vehicles people can use in their trade and their leisure,” she said.

“The XLT model has been our best performer.”

The PK Ranger, which replaces the PJ model gets a restyled front end, new seat trim and extra features.

The front end features a bolder three-bar chrome grille from the F150 truck, a power bulge on the bonnet, reshaped headlights, restyled front bumper, indicators integrated into the body, new XLT alloys and flared rear fenders.

Cruise control and side airbags are now standard on the XLT and Wildtrak and optional on the XL.

An auxiliary connector for iPod or other MP3 players are standard across the range.

Wagner claims there is $3000 worth of extras in the XLT for the extra $1000.

The XL price rises $2500 for the 4x2 2.5-litre single cab chassis, $1500 on the pick-up and $400 on the crew cab pick-up.

Wagner said the price rise on these base models was due to exchange rate fluctuations and keeping pace with other manufacturers’ pricing.

“However, the net affect is less on the cab chassis because the factory option tray was $1540, but it’s now $1000,” she said.

The Wildtrak adds 18-inch alloys, a sports bar, box rails, roof rails, aluminium side steps, mirrors with integrated LED indicators and Wildtrak decals.

Inside there are alcantara leather seats, steering wheel and gearshift, a premium lighting system and a multi-meter that shows inside and outside temperature, tilt level and compass bearing.

Driving

Despite the updates, the Ranger cabin appears much the same and Ford has persisted with the ungainly umbrella-stick handbrake while the steering is still only adjustable for height, not reach.

Ranger has a jittery ride with no load in the back; more so than the Nissan Navara and less than the Toyota HiLux.

On the corrugated unsurfaced roads of the NSW central coast hinterlands, the back end sidestepped and clawed for traction.

Slipping the all-wheel-drive model into 4H (high-range four-wheel drive) on the move suddenly tamed the rear end and sharpened turn-in.

The Wildtrak model rides better on its 18-inch wheels with more grip and even more responsive turn-in.

Engine noise is quite intrusive until you are purring along the highway at low revs, while the lack of double insulation in the doors does not seem to allow any dust to permeate the cabin.

Ford PK Ranger (* indicates new model)

4x2