2007 Ford Ranger TDCi launched in Malaysia
The latest and most powerful pick-up truck to join the Malaysian pick-up segment has just arrived – the new 2007 Ford Ranger TDCi featuring the latest generation Duratorq 2.5 liter TDCi engine. More details on the truck as well as a video after the jump.
For those who like the macho looks of the Ford F-series trucks powered by huge V8 engines in the North American market, you’ll find some familiarity in the Ranger’s design cues which are somewhat inspired by the F-series. Ford believes a truck should look like a truck (and not a Storm Trooper helmet on wheels IMHO) and I wholeheartedly agree with them. The sight of the Ranger parked in the classic front three quarter view with the front wheels turned slightly to the direction the car is facing – just looks great.
On the front you get square headlamps that portray sturdiness and toughness, and a big three bar grille which has become the signature of all modern Ford trucks. From the side, you’ll notice the new Ranger has a much higher shoulderline which extends to the rear bedliner too – this means a deeper bedliner, therefore increasing load capacity to 1,266 liters. Another item on the side is exceptionally large side mirrors which are also aerodynamically designed to reduce wind noise, thus improving NVH levels.
Speaking of capacities, the interior has plenty of storage space – five cupholders, a large dual-deck center console storage area with an upper storage for small items and a lower storage for 9 CDs and larger items, as well as an 8.1 liter glovebox. I played around with the switches in the interior and they felt good to touch, especially the power window switches. They just have good feedback when you flick them.
The sound system is an AM/FM/MP3 CD receiver, integrated into the center dash area. Much work has been done to improve NVH levels in the new 2007 Ford Ranger. For example, the oil pan is specially designed with a dual layer configuration to reduce vibrations across the oil pan. The propeller shaft has dynamic dampers.
The new Duratorq engine is has 22% better fuel economy (7.7L per 100km) than the engine in the old Ranger it replaces, yet makes alot more power. The Duratorq 2.5 liter TDCi makes 141bhp/143PS at 3500rpm and 330Nm at 1800rpm. Despite torque peaking at a low 1,800rpm – which is good BTW – it doesn’t go down the hill after the peak. Thanks to a Variable Geometry Turbocharger, the torque curve remains somewhat flat, only dropping slightly towards the redline. A wide and strong torque curve is matched well with 5-speed gearboxes for both the auto and manual variants. A 5-speed auto means this is the only pick-up in it’s class here in Malaysia with a 4 forward cog and 1 overdrive forward cog setup. The auto transmission variant also allows changing from 2WD to 4WD at speeds of under 100km/h via a simple dial switch.
The front brakes have twin calipers, while the rear brakes are the usual drum with Load Sensing Proportionate Valve, typical of a pick-up truck setup. The brakes have anti-lock capabilities, and also have Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. There are dual airbags for the front, and these are dual-stage units.
The new 2007 Ford Ranger TDCi costs RM88,639 for the 4X4 XLT automatic variant while the 4X4 XLT manual variant costs RM83,739. It will be available May 9th 2007 onwards, and will be available in 5 colors. Colors available for both the auto and manual variants is Silver, Panther Black and Racing Blue, while Inca Gold is only available with the automatic and Tango which is some sort of orange is only available on the manual.
Below is an ad clip featuring the Ford Ranger, I thought it got the point across pretty well although it might seem slightly over the top.
Video: Ford Ranger Ad
April 25, 2007 @ 3:55 am
Looks real solid!
April 25, 2007 @ 4:54 am
Storm Trooper helmet on wheels…
is that ’shooting’ STORM successor TRITON??
April 25, 2007 @ 4:59 am
the video ad is awesome
em, TRITON does looks like a very sad Storm Trooper on road :p
April 25, 2007 @ 7:19 am
nice clean design… this is really how a truck should look like… maybe build it bigger with wider wheels.. then it’ll look better.. anyway.. love it…
April 25, 2007 @ 7:25 am
still triton thrives.
April 25, 2007 @ 7:59 am
Unless one is a heavy user for carrying loads and off-roading bud, this addition of yet another 4×4 on the road is plain irritating. They are high on the road, blocking front view of other motorist. And because they sit higher on the road, it super irritating to have one 4×4 behind you at the lights. Plus with an ignorant driver behind it who would try his best to ease further near you with the 4×4’s super high lights.
How to counter such inconsiderate act. Well, simple. Take out your newspaper or whatever, and use the beam to read the news. hehee.
Anyways, no doubt 4×4 plays its role in the sub-urban where the best road available is the rubbles and pebbles paved red earth, it proves to be most useful and handy vehicle to have, especially one with good Hp and comfort of a saloon car.
By all means launch as many as possible of such vehicles, just keep it where it belongs..the sub-urbs and better still in the red earthed roadways.
sorry folks, that’s only my humble opinion.
April 25, 2007 @ 8:39 am
“Storm Trooper helmet on wheels”
Well said, Paul.
This new ranger is definitely macho and looks American too! Nice ad.
April 25, 2007 @ 9:05 am
I don’t think people will use it for off-road since the airbags will automatically deploy upon hitting a bump or tree.
April 25, 2007 @ 9:09 am
why buy anything else?
April 25, 2007 @ 9:24 am
looks like a smaller f150… small for asian, big for american.. hehe… sorry i know nothing about trucks… just one question, why there r 2 gear sticks?
April 25, 2007 @ 9:24 am
Well, Ford is right in saying that trucks should look like a truck. But the Triton also looks good in its own way. Good-looking Ranger, I love its looks.
April 25, 2007 @ 9:34 am
Really great.
Question: Why there always some girls with mini skirt when launching something. What is the purpose putting those girls there? Any connection with the truck? Why dont they have some handsome nice looking guys there.
April 25, 2007 @ 9:42 am
If u put macho guys there, they tot its for gay men laaaa………..
April 25, 2007 @ 9:46 am
Cire said,
April 25, 2007 @ 7:59 am
Unless one is a heavy user for carrying loads and off-roading bud, this addition of yet another 4×4 on the road is plain irritating. They are high on the road, blocking front view of other motorist. And because they sit higher on the road, it super irritating to have one 4×4 behind you at the lights. Plus with an ignorant driver behind it who would try his best to ease further near you with the 4×4’s super high lights.
How to counter such inconsiderate act. Well, simple. Take out your newspaper or whatever, and use the beam to read the news. hehee.
_______________________________________________________________________
agree with u!
actually how does it feel driving this kind of vehicle? i’ve never drive one but i can see many of them are driven fast. are they really able to go fast on road?
April 25, 2007 @ 9:51 am
calvin5189 said,
April 25, 2007 @ 9:34 am
Really great.
Question: Why there always some girls with mini skirt when launching something. What is the purpose putting those girls there? Any connection with the truck? Why dont they have some handsome nice looking guys there.
________________________________________________________________________
i suppose u a are a female?
April 25, 2007 @ 10:21 am
Wahlaueh…
Nice move for Ford to replace its aging & dated Ranger series. Typical American’s style of truck outlook. I like it.
Paul, have you try on the back seats?? it’s ergonomic for rear passengers? Most of these kind of 4WD do not have convenient rear passengers seats, i meant the seats back rest angle are not convenient for long journey.
April 25, 2007 @ 10:25 am
the backrest angle is not as comfy as a sedan but its a good compromise, its not as straight as the pickups of the previous generation. however if i buy one, it’ll become a 3 seater as when i push the seat back to the position i require to drive, the seat behind me becomes unusable.
April 25, 2007 @ 10:55 am
its a good and tough looking truck i must say. But i certainly can’t say Triton is sissy either compare to this. Mayb mitsu trying to be different from usual square design theme of a truck. I must say mitsu pull it off with Triton. Just the right blend wif curve and rugged and oh, tough too!
April 25, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
[...] UPDATE: The new 2007 Ford Ranger TDCi has been launched. Click here for more details. [...]
April 25, 2007 @ 1:52 pm
nice!! i’m saying the price would be around RM80,000++?
April 25, 2007 @ 2:16 pm
Now this is how a pick up truck should look like. The Triton looks like its designed for those confused whether to buy a sports car or a pick up, so they gave them both. The fold out table above the Glove box is something new. Overall very nice. Now time for TCM to release the new Frontier!
April 25, 2007 @ 3:32 pm
i really like the glovebox, unique! it sure does look tough and the dash too looks great! i like it!
April 25, 2007 @ 3:58 pm
I think the green back lighting is not really outdated. All modern Jaguars and Range Rovers still use them. Btw the truck looks great!!!
April 25, 2007 @ 4:03 pm
Looks good.But Ford truck doesn’t looks that tough to me compares to toyota..Ground clearance is not high enough compares to toyota..For offroaders, it’s a little bit a problem…Tough but not unbreakable..
April 25, 2007 @ 11:35 pm
I don’t understand why this truck is big and with more power, but it only sold the price like 88k, which has similiar price with honda city or vios, and less than honda civic and altis??? Is that special reason?
April 25, 2007 @ 11:42 pm
because trucks have almost no tax
April 25, 2007 @ 11:51 pm
rear seat are very important for family car… at least a 20 deg. reclining are highly appreciated!! PLEASE! and also rear drum! PLEASE make it disc! consumer would pay 2K or 3K more for that!
STYLING FINE! ( tough but not too out of this world! )
VERY COOL ENGINE! ( especially the turque, FC and VGT!!!!! )
Dear Paul, are this Ranger engine intercooled ?
( heard from some orang-balak told that those turbo pickup without intercooler would burn their engine casket more often…. even blown engine, i believe these orang-balak ) heat are just like fire, when small play together but when big want to fight!
April 26, 2007 @ 4:48 am
transformer, i dont think the Ranger or any truck for that matter were designed with the family in mind, if you want a family vehicle get an MPV/SUV/wagon or any other sedan/saloon. its a TRUCK, which part of that word do you not understand?
April 26, 2007 @ 5:55 am
Guys…if it is not a FORD I’m driving many years ago…I would not be here today…my FORD saved me and my friends lives that particular day….Even the mechs told me that nothing can withstand that kind of an impact like FORD did…BUILT TOUGH….and a good name too…Hurricane…
I personally would like to have this one in the very near future…!!!! BTW…My former FORD can match with those bigger cc Toyotas in their balak roads on many occasions…heh heh…
April 27, 2007 @ 5:03 pm
Paul, I notice in the picture with the slide out tray, the interior colour scheme is beige and not the usual boring gray.
Is that available as an option or is it just “eye-candy” since you were at the launch. Thanx.
April 30, 2007 @ 9:34 pm
Nice double cap. i think is the most powerful original engines double cap wit 141bhp/143PS at 3500rpm and 330Nm at 1800rpm. Price also can accept. but it is a high maintainance car ! jus only save fuel…
May 13, 2007 @ 3:53 am
[...] after the new Ford Ranger TDCi arrived on Malaysian shores, this lightly camouflaged new generation Mazda Fighter sharing the same [...]
June 7, 2007 @ 8:23 am
[...] output of 141PS and 320Nm of torque between 1,800rpm to 2,700rpm, it is not class-leading as the Ranger TDCi has it beat at 143PS, but it is still one of the more high powered pick-up trucks over here in [...]
May 24, 2009 @ 9:29 pm
Nice… but not really that nice. I still prefer the F-150 5000cc anytime. I’d rather import one from the Philippines. Also, since I’m left-handed, I’m more accustomised to driving left-hand drive vehicles, as I’m used to signalling with the left hand (that’s why I’m well accustomised to current Proton models) and the gearstick shifting using the right hand.. Too bad I’m not living in any LHD country… Also, their trucks have larger clutch and brake pedal surface and well-spaced, as so to prevent slippage or wrong pedal pushing (Ergonomics).