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Updated Ranger ute due in September with significant tech gains across the range, in a bid to overthrow the Toyota Hilux.
The revision adds a reversing camera and parking sensors to the entry level XL pick-up (excluding XL Plus) and XLS, which will also be given a second key fob. The XLT gains the camera, too, while front parking sensors join the existing rear sensors.
Both the XLT and top-of-the-range Wildtrak will update from SYNC2 to the latest SYNC3 multimedia system which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and will correspond with similar updates to the Ranger's Everest SUV platform twin.
The Wildtrak also picks up the previously optional adaptive cruise control with forward collision and lane departure warning, automatic high beam and automatic lane keeping.
The range’s 2.2 four-cylinder and 3.2 five-cylinder turbo diesels have been upgrade to meet Euro 5 emissions, although there’s no increase in output.
An automatic transmission will also be available for the previously manual-only 4x4 XL Super Cab Chassis 3.2-litre.
The 4x4 Ranger is within striking distance of the Toyota’s Hilux's top-seller status.
Styling to the Ranger line inside and out remains the same, apart from black foglight surrounds being added to the XLT.
A slight change to the Ranger’s colour options has also been made with Jet Black replacing Black Mica and Meteor Grey taking the place of Metropolitan Grey.
Ford Australia boss Graeme Whickman said the 4x4 Ranger is within striking distance of the Toyota’s Hilux's top-seller status.
“Standard new features such as rear view camera and SYNC3 will help our customers get more done at work while staying better connected to their lives,” he said.
“These innovations combined with Ranger’s unsurpassed towing and hauling capability will help continue Ranger’s momentum as we continue closing the gap on Hilux."
Year-to-date sales figures until the end of May show that Ford has sold 11,789 4x4 Ranger on 11,789 and trailing the segment leading HiLux by 310 just units. The story is slightly different for the 4x2 variant with 2332 Rangers sold in that same period compared with 4328 Hiluxs.
The 2017 Ranger is expected arrive in September as Ford undertakes a nation-wide effort to improve customer service.
This has included the introduction of a Ford's lifetime capped price servicing plan, a hotel-style dealership concierge, auto club membership and most recently the announcement that from July 1 sat nav maps will be annually updated for free for those with SYNC2 and SYNC 3 media systems during routine services.
