New Ford Ranger and Tourneo Connect Prices Announced (UK)

Press Release

• New Ford Ranger has a new common rail 2.5-litre engine.

• More power, torque, durability and style with prices from £11,650 to £17,450.

• New Ranger service intervals have been extended - 12,500 miles/one year.

• The new Tourneo Connect now has the option of a second row of seats to improve carrying capacity from five to eight people. On-the-road prices range from £15,622 to £18,388.

• All models on sale September 2006.

Prices have been announced for two new Ford commercial vehicles, currently on the Ford Motor Show stand in London.

New Ford Ranger

The all-new Ford Ranger pick-up will deliver more power, more style and more durability when it arrives on Britain's roads, quarries and farms in September. It is a true off-roader which is both rugged and capable in the harshest of environments and yet stylish and comfortable for the driver who needs it to fit their lifestyle as well as their job.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "Sales of Ranger have more than doubled over the last five years and we are confident that the all-new Ranger will attract even more new customers who will certainly feel the difference from the increased power in the pedal to the sculpted seatbacks."       

The new Ford Ranger is equipped with an all-new 2.5-litre Duratorq TDCi common-rail fuel injection diesel engine. This provides increased power from the previous 109PS to 143PS and increased torque from 226Nm at 2000rpm to 330Nm at 1,800 rpm. The higher levels of refinement of the new TDCi engine, a new cooling system and stiffer engine and body mounts are part of the package which deliver a significantly quieter cabin. With service intervals now at 12,500 miles/one year running costs are reduced along with improved fuel economy from the new engine.

The interior of the new Ranger has been completely redesigned. The seats boast a new sculpted seatback, wider shoulders, improved bolster and a larger headrest. The angular centre console is finished in silver and chrome detailing continues on the instrument cluster, ventilator grilles, gearshift, window switches and inner door handles. There are numerous stowage areas in the new Ranger, including five cupholders, a pull-out tray to keep stationery in place and a two-bin centre console to store CDs, mobile phones and sunglasses. All new Rangers feature an integrated radio with an in-dash CD player: an in-dash six-CD player and additional speakers are also available on XLT and Thunder models.

 The new Ranger boasts a class-leading load box capacity with an innovative new shelving built into the load area. Ranger is capable of carrying a one tonne payload and now features a substantial three tonne towing capacity – enough to comfortably tow a double horse box, small boat or motorcycle.

Four wheel ABS anti-lock braking is standard across the Ranger model range, helping to avoid a collision even when towing at full gross train weight.

As more and more customers use their Ranger for day-to-day and family transportation, Ford's no-compromise approach to safety is designed to ensure that all occupants are equally protected. The new Ranger is equipped with standard front airbags for driver and passenger, plus side impact airbags for the front seats on XLT and Thunder models. Seatbelts are equipped with pre-tensioners to maximise  passenger protection in an accident. Child seat anchors are also available.

New Ford Tourneo Connect

Ford's Tourneo Connect has undergone extensive changes as part of Ford's new commercial vehicle line-up being launched this year. Major improvements include the introduction of Stage IV compliant 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi engines. The existing 90PS engine is joined by a new 110PS engine with outstanding torque, making it ideal for customers who regularly carry full cargo loads.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain said: "Ford believes that a light commercial vehicle doesn't have to be dull or basic. So users will be delighted that the interior and exterior of the new Tourneo Connect have been improved, and the vehicle's in-car entertainment has been significantly upgraded.

The long wheelbase Tourneo Connect and the LX model are now available in five- and, for the first time, eight-seat versions".

He continued: "Its strength comes from the fact that, unlike its competitors, it's engineered from the ground up as a commercial vehicle. This makes it the natural choice for commercial and personal use customers who are looking for rock solid dependability."

The Tourneo Connect LX features a two-tone body colour front bumper, body colour rear bumpers and end caps, a chrome grille and new wheel trims on 15in steel wheels.  It will be immediately recognisable on the roads thanks to the new eye-catching range of colours: Caramella, Willow, Tonic and Moondust Silver.  

There are several audio systems available for the Tourneo Connect, and CD players are now included to replace cassette players. The system features 24 pre-set stations and a single slot CD player. The sophisticated unit communicates with other electronic systems in the car. The system can, for instance, display the same time as shown in main instrument cluster. The top-of-the-range system features a six-CD changer, loadable through a single slot.

NEW Ford Ranger: technical specifications