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Saturday, June 30, 2012

Test drive: Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT T6 (700th post)

In this blog entry, I'm posting about my test drive experience of Ford Ranger 2.2XLT T6. This happened to be my 700th post so congratulate me! (just kidding)

Before I start my review, Do like Ford Ranger Malaysia at facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/FordRangerMY

 I'm proud to say that this is the LONGEST Test drive experience I've encountered.  THREE Rounds.

Why is it so?

I went to the Ford HQ 3S showroom along Federal Highway at 6.45pm (LEAST Customer) today.  A Salesgirl named Jeanie Chen (more on her later) entertained me.  

ENGINE AND CHASSIS

Despite being a 2.2 Commonrail turbocharged diesel (VGT), this SUT (Sports utility Truck) is no pushover.  It generates 150ps@3700rpm and a WHOOPING 375Nm@2500rpm of torque.  This is chain driven SUT's mated with 6 speed Automatic with Sports mode and Electronic Shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) plus LSD (Limited Slip Differential).  The Fuel type is designed to run on EURO 2.  Steering being Rack and Pinion power assisted.

The Chassis: Ground clearance's class leading 23.3cm and it came standard with class leading 800mm water wading.  Front suspension is Double wishbone with coil springs and rear being Leaf Springs.  Front brakes Discs and rear drums with ABS+EBD+BA+LAC.  Only the high spec WILDTRAK 3.2 comes with ESP (Traction control).  

DIMENSIONS (all in mm):
Length: 5359, Width: 1850, Height: 1815, Wheelbase: 3220, Ground clearence 233.

Cargo bed: Length/Width/Height/Loading height: 1549/1560/511/801.  The Ranger T6 weighs 2010kg (kerb). It as a Payload of 1190kg and towing capacity 3000kg.

FEATURES:

Cruise control standard across the range, 4.2" Color display tuner/MP3, CD+Aux+Bluetooth Voice Control (BVC), USB+IPOD Control and topped with 6 speakers.  Leather wrapped steering wheel with control switches, 22 storage areas including Rear passanger Under-seat stowage, XXL Lockable Glovebox which fits 16" Notebook.  Burglar alarm system with immobilizer, front fog lamps, Auto rain sensing wipers for 2.2 XLT  Automatic and 3.2 WILDTRAK, Electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF), Premium Fabric seats, Rear 4 eye reverse sensors, Double tier storage armrest, Collapsable steering wheel and control pedals, Automatic Halogen headlamps, Power adjustable and fold wing mirror with indicator lights, Rear cargo bed-liners with inner tie-down hooks.  Many, many chrome bits including grille, rear bumper, sport bars, side mirrors, side steps, door and tailgate handles, and fender vents.

DRIVE TIME:

As I start the SUT, I expected the diesel rumble but was greeted with Near Silent engine sound.  The going ins and outs takes some time to get used to due to the vehicle heights.  The driving position's very car-like and seats are comfortable.  The ride and handling is a BENCHMARK for all SUVs and SUTs, I was challenged by the Salesgirl to go over the speed bumps as fast as possible.  I  tried 80km/h and it feels "NOTHING", just glides through.  I was also challenged to go over potholes and this SUT goes through without a sweat.  Very comfortable Truck.  Turning circle's respectable 11.9m.  

In short, this truck's very car like in terms of seating positions, steering positions, comfort and NVH.  Ride and handling's FORD At its best.  Note that Ford is FAMOUS for its EXEMPLARY ride and handling having owned a Telstar before I SWORE by it.  

I was given 3 rounds.  First 2 rounds normal driving mode (I managed to touch 100km/h).  3rd round, "Sports mode".  Under sports-mode, the Ranger's livelier to drive, I experienced better acceleration and slightly rev happier.  0-100km/h I estimate about 12 seconds.  Respectable for an automatic truck.

OVERALL RATING: 9/10.

Well there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words, here are the photos (Double click to enlarge):



VIDEOS:

Do Check out this link:
http://www.youtube.com/user/fordranger

If you want to buy this SUT (Sports Utility Truck), look for an experienced, friendly, honest, patience and sincere sales exec.  His name is Jeff Lim from Ford Ampang Showroom (Along MRR2) and his hand phone no is 012-6852718.  Please mentioned that you were referred by Jefferson for better deals.  It will helped me to survive.  

If you've booked this Ford Ranger T6 SUT, do feedback to me which SA you booked from and how's the service (are you happy) and waiting time.

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  An original Jeff Lim's production.  My original work (other than the Youtube video).