I have been waiting for this review since the facelifted Ranger was launched last month. What you said about the 3.2 engine, I couldn't agree more. It just has that refinement that no other 4 cylinder engine can recreate. You also mentioned it during your review of the Ranger 3.2 XLT. I know this feeling because I have driven the 3.2 Wildtrak as well as Honda's large capacity engines. Nothing beats the smoothness of a large capacity engine. Great review Kon.
After driving many cars over the years, I've learned that although you can turbocharge a small engine to give it wonderful performance, additional capacity gets the job done with great refinement and mechanical richness. It's a pleasant feeling that is subtle, but once you recognize it, you really appreciate it.
From looking at the ford line up for 2019 so far. It seems that Ford is just broadening the collective metrics and mix matching more car parts together to redefine their baseline. 2 ltr engine saves fuel, 10 speed eases both curves, torque overall and less strain on a small engine hence Bi turbo lag compensation meets help the 10 speed. Yet a dyno run with a twin turbo and find gaping holes in not only fuel mapping but other overall performance curves. My suspicion is that the WILDTRAK and RAPTOR will get another engine variant before half yr. In the meantime, MY 18/19 models will be fitted with bandaid patches. ECO... It suggests everything.... People are like sheep in any country BUY on hype?.... I could be wrong? Ooooh and this is without me getting into the exchange rate between Baht and Ringgit. 65 K AU do the conversion.
Its pretty obvious that Ford is 'urbanizing' their Ranger lineup even though it comes with the expense of power delivery, steering feel etc. But as a side note, given that the motoring trend is shifting towards force induction small capacity engines, it would be very interesting to compare recommended long term maintenance or service intervals eg. >150K km against their NA equivalents. I mean although technology has improved till there's no need for turbo timers and intercoolers, it is a fact that modern cars and their components are designed to last "a certain" time span only yet still undergo higher stress.
I suppose improved understanding of material sciences may help a little, but I do share your sentiments on questioning the long term durability of these highly-charged engines pushing out more 150-200hp per litre. All these come at the expense of increased stress to the engine internals.
What is the lowers speed for the adaptive cruise control? will the system stop the car completely when travel 100 km/h and suddenly facing a traffic jam ?
not much different except for the absorbers, tyres, biturbo and baja mode than the current ones. 3.2 wildtrack much better and value for money. ranger raptor not value for money. dashboard looks so very ordinary considering amount you pay. citing performance konon! do you know SDAC gives no warranty claim if you perform like way roadshow raptor perform like slight jump and sudden turning.. so what is the point of citing performance as a selling point
come here to see an opinion from u uncle about new hilux. im using ranger 2.2 xlt manual. using it 5 years already. want to change to a new auto truck. hilux, ranger.. fuh.. pening
I still can't caught what you said at all, i just want to make sure which one is better and save between wildtrack 3.2L and wildtrack 2.0L bi turbo? Because i need to buy next month. Thanks!
Hey Kon. nice vid as usual. A couple questions. Does this truck still feels like a truck. What I meant by this is I fell in love with pickups because it was harsh, rough, blue collar bad ass ute. Does this still make you like a "Bad Ass" or just another good car? And another thing is, is it necessary for a 10 speed gear? I feel it will add up to the maintenance cost. Heard bad things with fords current transmission. And is it sustainable at a hefty cost?
It is very refined for a truck, but of course not as smooth riding as a monocoque frame SUV. Today, if it's blue collar ruggedness you're after, the Hilux and D-Max are your closest bets. The rest are shifting toward a more urban audience, as evidenced by Ford launching a new Wildtrak 4x2.
That's what the conservative people think. Rangers has been selling fairly well here in East Malaysia and the presence of the new Bi Turbo ones is already felt.
I’ve got a 3.2 diesel wildtrak and as I’ve never driven this model as not available in the U.K. as yet we’ll not that I’ve seen, but.i tow quite heavy loads from time to time and I honestly can’t see how in comparison that engine could cope long term, it looks more of a lifestyle choice for regular driving, my 3.2 is a lazy engine but it pulls great with a load behind me, I’m no engineering genius but to quote our American cousins there’s no replacement for displacement, likely sound like a dinosaur now, when it’s here I’ll give it a go might change my mind
For long term durability, my bet will always be on the bigger engine. You can coax smaller engines to match the outputs of bigger ones, but something has to give. Considering that the components all are subject to higher stress levels, compromised durability is a sound bet.
Kon Wai Luen probably a good unit mate for lighter loads and to be fair I do want to try it with that 10 speed automatic box as my 2017 model is 6 speed manual, facelift looks good but love the new raptor look too, uk will see it soon hopefully
The Ranger is overrated. I had a 3.2 XLT back in 2014 and the engine was strong but loud and unrefined with bad fuel consumption. I'm now driving a new Hilux 2.8 and it's fantastic! Very smooth, powerful and good on fuel (15km/L on highway). Plus, Sime Darby Ford is a joke.
Actually, even the Ranger 2.2 wasn't great on fuel consumption, but the 3.2 to me was a pretty smooth engine. Agree on your assessment on the new Hilux 2.8. Good to know you have a more pleasant ownership experience now.
well said my fren... ford msia is a joke, everytime i send for my missus ranger 2.2 for 10k km service, the cost is higher than her X6 40d... perghhhh!! ps/the ranger was sold after 3year.
Yeah smooth Hilux. So smooth that it slides like a pudding during the Moose test. Hilux, yes, had a good recod or reliability. But no reliable vehicle can keep you safe if there it has lesser handling capabilities.
