Ford is to unveil its facelifted Ranger pick-up at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week (15 September) before it arrives in UK dealerships at the start of 2016.
The brand claimed it has improved fuel efficiency by up to 17% on the revised model with the introduction of Auto-Start-Stop, new final drive ratios and electric power assisted steering.
The most efficient engine, the new 2.2-litre, 160hp TDCi achieves an official 43.5mpg and 171g/km CO2 compared to the previous range best of 36.2mpg and 206g/km.
The 160hp drivetrain has replaced the outgoing 125 and 150hp versions of the 2.2-litre engine. The more powerful 3.2-litre, 200hp TDCi unit is also up for grabs.
Ford is offering the Ranger with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions and with a choice of four or two-wheel drive, although the flagship Wildtrak model features 4WD as standard.
As before the Ranger will be available in regular, super and double-cab formats.
The maximum payload remains at 1152kg while the towing capacity stays at a still class-leading 3500kg.
The updated pick-up is now offered with Ford’s latest voice-activated SYNC 2 connectivity system, which features an 8-inch touchscreen with colour-coded corners for easier menu navigation. Driver assistance technologies now available include Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, adaptive cruise control with forward alert, front and rear parking assist, rear view camera and ESC with rollover mitigation and trailer sway control.
The top of the range Wildtrak comes in a signature orange and features a grey metallic finish to the model’s new trapezoidal grille, door handles, side air vents, load-bed rails and tail lamps.
It also gets rectangular fog lamps and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Wildtrak’s cabin features orange stitching and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
The full trim level line-up remains the same as the pre-facelift version with XL available in regular, super and double-cab, XLT in super and double-cab, Limited 2 in super and double-cab and Wildtrak in double-cab style only.