Picture: Newspress Australia.

Melbourne - While Ford has already revealed the Raptor version of its Ranger, until now it has not shown us the rest of the 2019-model-year range for global markets (as in those outside of the US).

Now Ford of Australia has spilled the beans on its facelifted MY19 Ranger line-up, which gets styling updates, additional driver assist gadgets, a new 2-litre twin-turbodiesel (as per the Raptor), a 10-speed automatic gearbox and an enhanced chassis.

Ford South Africa has confirmed that local models will be upgraded in 2019, but exact details and launch timing have yet to be confirmed.

Given that our range has always closely mirrored that offered in Australia, it’s a fairly logical assumption that we’ll be seeing similar updates.

Although only two frontal pictures have been released thus far, it is clear to see that the changes are rather minor, the highlights being a new grille that resembles some versions of the US-spec Ranger, as well as a revised lower bumper, while XLT and Wildtrak versions get HID headlights and LED daytime running lights. Ford has also made minor trim changes inside the cabin.

Raptor engine now offered in XLT, Wildtrack

Yet the biggest news is that Ford’s new 2-litre twin-turbodiesel engine, first announced along with the Raptor earlier this year, will also be offered in XLT and Wildtrak models. The advanced new engine, which produces 157kW and 500Nm, is paired with Ford’s 10-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

Although the exact South African model mix has yet to be announced, Ford SA has previously confirmed that the new 2-litre, which will be built locally, will also power other models in the range (in addition to Raptor).

Ford is not giving up on the current ‘tried and tested’ engines, however, with the existing 3.2-litre five-cylinder (147kW/470Nm) and 2.2-litre four-cylinder (118kW/385Nm) turbodiesel engines being carried over from the previous range to complement the new engine.

New driver-assist gadgets

A raft of new driver assist gadgets becomes available on Aussie-spec MY19 Rangers, including Pre-Collision Assist with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection and Autonomous Emergency Braking, as well as Traffic Sign Recognition and, for the first time in the segment, Ford’s ‘Active Park Assist’ semi-autonomous parallel parking assistant.

Also in place to make life easier for the wider audience that Ford is targeting here is an ‘easy-lift’ tailgate mechanism for which Ford claims a 70 percent reduction in the effort needed to lift the tailgate.

In addition, Ford has made suspension changes across the range, aimed at improving the ride and reducing body roll.
As mentioned, any possible local changes are still to be confirmed, but we will keep you in the loop.

IOL Motoring