Frankfurt Motor Show 2015: Ford launches leaner Ranger with 43.5mpg

Ford has showcased a new version of the Ranger pick-up at Frankfurt Motor Show. The revised Ranger gets more power, lower running costs and more equipment. The updated Ranger will go on sale in the Autumn and reach showrooms in January 2016. 

Ford claims to have cut the Ranger’s fuel consumption by 17 per cent, with significant gains made by recalibrating the gearbox ratios and introducing engine start/stop technology as standard. 

This means the 2.2 TDCi engine now produces 160PS and returns 43.5mpg with 171g/km CO2 – a huge gain over the previous 36.2 mpg and 206g/km CO2 in the outgoing model.

As before, a six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard and a six-speed auto is available as an option. Buyers can select between four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive, with the range-topping Wildtrak models getting four-wheel drive as standard.

There's no changes to report for the powerful 200PS 3.2-litre TDCi engine, but Ford has improved the Ranger's specs. with SYNC2 - the second-gen of its hi-tech infotainment system - now available. Range topping Rangers also get an eight-inch touchscreen as standard, while safety equipment is bolstered with the option of a new lane keeping aid and adaptive cruise control. 

As with the outgoing model, the Ranger retains its off-roading credentials, with a wading depth of 800mm and a 299mm ground clearance. The maximum payload is still 1309kg, depending on which model you choose from, and the Ranger will tow up to 3350kg.