A new generation of the Ford Ranger may have been announced but it’s not going to be available in Malaysia for a while and in the meantime, for those who want to get a proven pick-up truck, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) offers a Ford Ranger XLT Plus Special Edition. Priced from RM136,888 (excluding insurance), the Special Edition is now open for booking.
Bold Ford grille
The Ranger XLT Plus Special Edition gets enhanced exterior and interior features that not only differentiate it but also provide extra convenience. The front end features the Ford Block-Letter Front Grille design that gives a bolder appearance, while more pronounced fender flares add to the muscular image. The sports bar has also been redesigned to freshen the aesthetics.
On the door sills are new illuminated front scuff plates with the Ranger logo. Installed at no extra charge is a digital video recorder (DVR) which is neatly mounted on the top of the windscreen. This high-quality unit has high-definition (HD) recording, wide-angle viewing, night view recording, and a built-in polarised filter (to reduce reflections).
A 32GB memory card is provided for recording and besides capturing videos of journeys, the recordings will prove useful as evidence in the event of an incident to show what actually happened, and who may have been responsible. The DVR can be connected to a smartphone via a Mobile App which is compatible with both Apple iOS and Android.
Proven turbodiesel with 10-speed transmission
As with most of the Ranger variants, this Special Edition uses the 2-litre Single-Turbo diesel engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 180 ps/420 Nm output of the engine can go to either the rear wheels or all four wheels with the robust 4×4 system which can be operated while the vehicle is moving.
Colours available are Absolute Black, Aluminium Metallic, Arctic White, Lightning Blue and Meteor Grey. As with the entire Ranger line-up, the vehicle warranty is for 5 years, or a maximum of 160,000 kms after registration.
“The Ford Ranger XLT Plus Special Edition is the ideal work-family-play vehicle for a special breed of drivers – men and women who are business owners and entrepreneurs with a burning drive to defy all odds in life, every day. They pursue success with a passion for life and are constantly pushing boundaries. With this new special edition, they can enjoy more exclusivity while celebrating their achievements,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford.
The Ranger’s tailgate is very easy to close as it has an Easy-Lift mechanism to reduce the effort.
Should you get one now?
Some may feel that getting a model at the end of its life cycle is pointless when a new one is just round the corner. But that’s not always true and there are some benefits too. Some may prefer the current design, and that’s a personal preference. A model in its final years may also have just about everything the engineers and product planners can put in, and the cumulative improvements made over the life of the model. So, in a way, it could be the best of the generation and often, there may also be a reduced price as an incentive.
The public will be able to get a first look at the Ranger XLT Plus Special Edition at Queensbay Mall in Penang where one unit will be on display from today until February 27, 2022. Display units will be in all Ford showrooms nationwide from March 10. To locate a showroom, visit www.sdacford.com.my.
Following the introduction of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223) last December, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia can now provide the price of the model. Only one version is available – the S 580 e Plug-In Hybrid – and it is priced at RM698,744 (excluding insurance), As it is assembled locally at the company’s facility in Pekan, Pahang, it can have full exemption of sales tax until June 30, 2022, which would be big savings for customers.
The flagship of the Mercedes-Benz range has been on sale in Malaysia since the 1970s, with over 18,000 cars sold to date, almost all assembled locally. The model’s history goes back to the W180 of 1954 although it was only in 1972 that it came to be known as the ‘S-Class’. Globally, more than 4 million units have been sold since the early 1970s.
The W223 is the seventh generation and as with every generation before, the new S-Class brings with it advanced technologies. In fact, this model has often introduced many new technologies, especially in the area of safety, that it shows ‘the future of motoring’. For example, in 1980, the W126 generation was the first production car in the world to be equipped with an airbag system.
With Mercedes-Benz now putting its full commitment to electrification during this decade, the S-Class also leads the way and for the Malaysian-assembled model, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain is the only one offered. Hybrid powertrains are not new to Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia and have been available with some models (including the S-Class) over the past 8 years.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has its own plant in Pekan, Pahang, where the latest S-Class and other models are assembled. (File image)
For the latest S-Class, the model is designated S 580 e but its engine not 5.8 litres. It is actually an in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine of 3 litres and works with an electric motor which generates 110 kW with 440 Nm. The engine’s output is 367 bhp/270 kW with 500 Nm of torque and the combined output can propel the S 580e from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.2 seconds and up to a top speed of 250 km/h.
If conditions permit, it is possible to run only on electricity for up to 100 kms. When the lithium-ion battery is empty, ‘refuelling’ will take up to 2.5 hours, depending on the charging method. One concern owners have is the cost of the battery pack if it needs to be replaced as it is pretty expensive. But for the first 8 years or a maximum of 100,000 kms, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will provide warranty coverage which should offer some peace of mind.
Showcase for new technologies
New for this S-Class is DIGITAL LIGHT, which offers significantly better illumination from the headlamps. Each light module has 3 extremely powerful LEDs with light that is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors. The resolution is therefore more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle, allowing highly precise light distribution.
The millions of pixels allow the lighting pattern to be precisely shaped so that maximum illumination levels can be provided without blinding oncoming drivers. Light/shadow graduations and the light distribution of all the other adaptive light functions are also realised with considerably more precision, optimising illumination in all ambient lighting conditions.
Aerodynamic efficiency has always been important for cars as lower wind resistance of the shape means more power can be used to move the car, and fuel consumption can be lower. Low wind resistance is even more vital for hybrid and electric vehicles so extensive wind tunnel research was done and the result is a body that has a Cd of 0.22, impressive considering its size.
Not visible are improvements in aeroacoustics; the new model’s quietness is said to be even better than the e previous generation which already excelled with a very high level of interior noise comfort. The high rigidity of the bodyshell provides the basis for this achievement, and is enhanced with fine-tuning.
Lounge-like interior
These days, car interiors are designed to be like lounges and not just seating spaces inside a cabin. Especially with a model like the S-Class, comfort and spaciousness are high on the list of expectations. With the new generation, the interior has fully evolved into a ‘third place’ for the occupants, between the home and workplace. So it has to be able to provide not just comfort but also be functional enough for those who want to get some work done while on the move.
The seats qualify as technological benchmarks for long-distance comfort. The complex technology inside each seat uses multiple motors for adjustments in the tiniest dimension. The flowing, 3-dimensional layer design theme gives an impression of lightness with its nappa leather upholstery. The adjustment range and angle of the front passenger seat in the chauffeur configuration and the reclining seat behind it have been improved as well.
MBUX – the Mercedes-Benz User Experience – is a big thing for the brand and has appeared in every new model since the current A-Class was launched in 2018. Since then, it has continued to evolve and gain more sophistication, with the second generation of this learn-capable system making its debut in the new S-Class.
The possibilities for personalization and intuitive operation have become far more extensive, especially in the rear. Both the hardware and software have made great advancements with brilliant displays on up to 5 large screens (in part with OLED technology). The new 3D driver display allows a spatial view at the touch of a button for the first time – a real 3-dimensional effect without having to wear 3D glasses.
The voice assistant ‘Hey Mercedes’ is constantly learning, by activation of online services in the Mercedes me App. Moreover, certain actions (like accepting a call) can be performed even without using ‘Hey Mercedes’ which, incidentally, can also be activated from the rear.
With digital and graphic displays nowadays, it’s possible to have multiple displays and not end up like the cockpit of a 1970s fighter jet. The screens can be individualized with a choice of 4 display styles and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service), so the driver can choose whatever information is most important to him or her when driving. Furthermore, this new version of MBUX uses 27 fewer buttons and switches, underscoring the minimalist appearance of the interior.
Rear airbag – world first
As mentioned earlier, an earlier S-Class was the first production car in the world to be fitted with an airbag. This pioneering position in safety continues with the latest generation and is demonstrated by having the world’s first rear airbags. These are integrated into the backrests of the front seats and deploy in a severe front impact. They deploy gently and protect strapped-in outer rear seat passengers against contact with the front seats.
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and although you may not show symptoms, you could spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
While the Ford Ranger has just entered its fourth generation, its high-performance variant – the Ranger Raptor – is just getting into its second generation. The Raptor suffix, as you would know by now, is what Ford puts on its most powerful variants of the production Ranger and F-150 (and more recently, the Bronco too). These are developed by Ford Performance and have been setting the performance benchmark for pick-up trucks.
With the new generation, the Ranger Raptor gets smarter technology controlling tougher, next‑generation hardware. While raw power is still the name of the game, technology also has a big role in using all the performance available.
“We’ve really focused on delivering a genuine performance truck with the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor,” said Dave Burn, Ford Performance chief programme engineer for new model. “It’s significantly faster, looks incredible, is packed with new features, and it’s the toughest Ranger we’ve ever made.”
First generation of the Ranger Raptor.
New 3-litre V6 petrol engine
As speculated, there is a new powerplant and it runs on petrol. This is an all-new twin-turbo 3-litre V6 engine from Ford’s EcoBoost family. Tuned by Ford Performance, it is expected to produce up to 288 ps/491 Nm. The engine has a tough compacted graphite-iron cylinder block, which is around 75% stronger and up to 75% stiffer than the iron used in traditional castings.
The engineers have tuned engine to deliver immediate response to throttle inputs, and have installed a race-bred anti-lag system similar to that first seen on the Ford GT road car and Focus ST which enables rapid delivery of boost on demand. The system, available in Baja mode, keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to 3 seconds after the driver backs off the throttle, allowing for faster resumption of acceleration out of corners or through the gears when the driver steps back on the accelerator. In addition, the engine is programmed with an individual turbocharging boost profile for each of the advanced 10-speed automatic transmission’s gears, for optimised performance.
The new powertrain has an electronically‑controlled active exhaust system amplifies the engine note in 4 selectable modes to adapt its vocal character. Drivers can choose their preferred engine sound by pressing a button on the steering wheel, or by selecting a drive mode that uses one of the following settings – Quiet, Normal, Sport, or Baja. In the Baja mode, intended for off-road use only, the exhaust behaves more like a straight-through system.
2-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel 4-cylinder engine will also be available for the new Ranger Raptor, but from 2023.
The 3-litre engine may be bigger than what is practical for the Peninsular Malaysian market and Ford says it will continue to offer the 2-litre EcoBlue bi‑turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine in some markets. However, it will only be available from 2023.
Hardware for the hardest conditions
The chassis of the new Ranger Raptor differs from that of the new Ranger. It has mounts and reinforcements in certain areas to give the truck greater capability to handle more punishing off-road conditions.
Ford engineers also completely redesigned the suspension. There are new tough yet lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, long‑travel front and rear suspension and a refined Watt’s link rear end, all to deliver more control across rough terrain at high speeds.
The suspension upgrades in the Ranger Raptor make the most of the new FOX Live Valve dampers. The suspension adapts in real-time to enable exceptional on-road body control while absorbing corrugations and bigger ruts off-road with ease, ensuring maximum control and performance.
The next-generation FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve internal by-pass shock absorbers feature advanced control technology offering position-sensitive damping capability. These shock absorbers are the most sophisticated ever fitted to the Ranger Raptor and are filled with Teflon‑infused oil that reduces friction by around 50% compared to those on the first generation. While the hardware is FOX, the tuning and development work was carried out by Ford Performance using a mixture of computer-aided engineering and real-world testing.
Linked to revised selectable drive modes, the Live Valve internal by-pass system has been developed to provide better on-road comfort and off-road ride quality both at high and low speed. In addition to working with the drive modes, the system works in the background to prepare for different conditions. As the shocks compress, different zones within the by-pass system give exactly the amount of support needed for the travel being used, and work in reverse as the shocks rebound back to full height.
To provide protection against severe bottom outs, race-proven FOX Bottom-Out Control provides maximum damping force in the last 25% of shock travel. Similarly, the system can stiffen the rear dampers to prevent Ranger Raptor from squatting under hard acceleration, improving vehicle stability.
The new Ranger Raptor gets some serious underbody protection. The front bash plate is almost double the size of the one in standard new Ranger, and is made from 2.3 mm thick high-strength steel.
All-terrain control
For the first time, the Ranger Raptor gets an advanced full-time 4-wheel drive system with an all‑new electronically‑controlled on-demand 2-speed transfer case. This is combined with front and rear locking differentials which is something that will be greatly appreciated by hardcore off-road drivers.
With 7 drive modes, the truck’s character can be optimised for anything from smooth roads to mud and ruts. Each selectable drive mode adjusts a number of elements from engine and transmission to ABS sensitivity and calibration, traction and stability controls, exhaust valve actuation, steering and throttle response. In addition, the gauges, vehicle information and colour themes on the instrument cluster and centre touchscreen change with the selected drive mode.
Trail Control is something like cruise control but for off‑roading. The driver simply selects a set speed below 32 km/h and the vehicle will manage its acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering through difficult terrain.
Tough and athletic
Looks-wise, the new Ranger Raptor has similarities with the new Ranger but gets a bolder appearance with more visual muscle. The matrix LED headlights with LED daytime running lights raise lighting performance to new levels, featuring predictive curve lights, glare-free high beam and auto dynamic levelling.
Functional vents, aero features and tough, grippy cast-aluminium side steps enhance the look and functionality of the truck. At the rear, LED taillights provide a signature styling link to the front, while the Precision Grey rear bumper features an integrated step pad and towbar that is tucked up high to avoid compromising the departure angle.
Inside, the theme continues to emphasize off-road performance. The cabin features all-new, jet fighter-inspired sports seats in the front and rear to increase comfort and offer more support during high-speed cornering.
The Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, trim and seats are mirrored by the ambient lighting which bathes the interior in an amber glow. Occupants will also benefit from the latest digital technology such as a 12.4‑inch all-digital cluster and 12-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
To locate a showroom to view and test-drive Ford trucks in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my.
Notes: BMW and MINI sales data are only provided by the company on a quarterly basis. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia does not wish provide its sales data. Data source: Malaysian Automotive Association
The current Toyota Camry was introduced in 2018 in Malaysia and in the normal course of a model cycle, it would be around now that some freshening takes place. Typically, this involves cosmetic changes and perhaps the addition of an extra feature or two so that the model remains competitive against newer rivals with the latest features.
Rarely would you find the model getting a new engine and in fact, powertrains used to be maintained for at least a decade because it cost so much to develop them. But these days, the market is more competitive and so changes have to be more frequent than before.
Dynamic Force engine
That’s the case with the latest Toyota Camry 2.5V which gets a brand new engine. It’s from the Dynamic Force family which is a new range of engines that use high-speed combustion technologies to achieve what is claimed to be world-leading thermal efficiency for production engines. With the significantly reduced energy losses, the 4-cylinder engine produces 209 ps/253 Nm, which represent increases of 25 ps (+13.6%) and 18 Nm (7.6%), compared to the previous engine which had the same displacement.
With the new engine, the development team also took the opportunity to upgrade the transmission, replacing the 6-speeder with a more advanced Direct Shift 8-AT automatic transmission. This makes the Camry the only model in its class (locally) to offer an 8-speed automatic transmission. Though having more gear ratios, the transmission is lighter and more compact, and operates with greater efficiency too.
The Dynamic Force engine was developed together with the Toyota New Global Architecture, or TNGA in short, which is a lightweight, high-performance platform used for this generation. Having developed the engine together with the TNGA has provided better optimization with the engineers having greater flexibility to enhance not just fundamental vehicle performance but also styling.
More intelligent safety systems
The other area which has received upgrading is the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system. This integrates 5 active safety systems which use a camera and radar. The two sensors scan the road ahead to identify other vehicles as well as recognize lane markings. The information and imagery is then constantly analyzed and if an accident is predicted, the driver will be warned. If no corrective action is taken, then the computer will take its own action, like activating the brakes.
For the new Camry 2.5V, the camera has increased recognition capabilities and can also detect pedestrians and cyclists during the day as well as at night when lighting conditions are low.
TSS includes a lane-keeping capability and this is useful on long journeys. By keeping the car within its lane, the driver will be less fatigued as steering effort is reduced. More importantly, it can warn the driver when he or she loses concentration and the car starts to move out of its lane. Again, if corrective action is not taken, the system will make steering corrections to guide the car back safely.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is part of TSS but earlier, it had limitations in speed. With the new Camry, the system has been upgraded to be active at all speeds. This means that the car can even slow down to a stop if the vehicle in front stops, and then resume moving when the vehicle ahead moves. It can make driving in start/stop traffic less stressful and the only thing the driver has to do is steer because a safe gap will always be maintained.
The final sub-system of TSS is Adaptive High Beam which basically adjusts between high and low beams automatically. This is to provide illumination that is as strong as possible but switching to low beams when necessary to avoid blinding oncoming drivers. Incidentally, the headlights have new Bi-Beam LEDs which deliver even stronger lighting.
Besides TSS, the Camry also comes with other driver assistance systems such as a Panoramic View Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Auto Brake (RCTAB), Blind Spot Monitor, and Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS).
While the Rear Cross Traffic Alert was available in the previous model, the system in the latest Camry has been improved with the addition of an automatic braking capability (RCTAB). Besides just alerting the driver of a vehicle approaching from the left or right as the car is being reversed out of a bay, the system will also brake the car if the driver does not stop. This can prevent an accident or reduce the severity if it does occur.
Newly added, ICS is an advancement over having just sensors at the front and rear bumpers to detect obstacles or walls when parking. It is ‘intelligent’ as it will determine if there is a risk of the car hitting an obstacle like a wall or post and if so, the brakes will be applied to stop the movement of the car. This will help prevent damage to the car’s bodywork.
More scope for cabin packaging
With the adoption of TNGA, the 8th generation Camry could be completely redesigned with a wider scope than ever before. This allowed for a completely new interior layout combining functionality, advanced styling and a high degree of personal craftsmanship. The layout has a strong focus on the driver’s area and to improve viewing for the driver, the centre display screen position has been set higher, located above the centre air vents.
Besides the Optitron meters, the driver can also refer to the Head-up Display (HUD) projected on the windscreen ahead of the steering wheel. Information shown is the road speed, gear position, Driving Support System (directions, ACC display, LDA Display, Parking Sensor), audio details and TSS warning alerts. The HUD, adapted from aircraft displays, allows the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road ahead for better driving safety.
New futuristic grey ornamentation has been added to provide an elegant and neat impression. Based on a composite pattern with straight lines and overlapping an organic base pattern, the ornamentation evokes an expansive and layered feel that creates an elegant ambience.
Given the popularity of the Camry as an executive sedan, much attention has also been given to the comfort for the rear passengers. New for 2022 are power adjustment for the rear seats with the outer seats able to recline by 8 degrees for a more comfortable seating position. There are also larger headrests fitted for enhanced comfort. Adjustments for the seat as well as the rear air-conditioning, sun-shade and audio system can be conveniently done on the control panel within the centre armrest – something which you would find in much more expensive luxury models.
Also new for 2022 is the Tri-zone Automatic Climate Control system which allows the driver, front passenger and rear passengers to independently set their own temperature. This system is comparable to those in luxury models, and provides better individual comfort for every occupant.
ON THE ROAD
In earlier years, the Camry was seen as an ‘uncle’s car’, the sort driven by older people who might not care about driving dynamics and performance. But with this generation and its more aggressive, bolder looks, it’s hard to think of it that way. Of course, looks can only go so far and if it’s all looks and no go, then it’s still an ‘uncle’s car’.
The previous 2.5-litre engine gave fairly decent performance and provided smooth propulsion from A to B. With the new powertrain, there is even less noise emanating from the front, and refinement has been raised a notch or two. Power delivery is very linear, a bit slow initially but becoming more muscular as the revs rise. Overtaking can be done confidently as the midrange torque is notably strong.
Toyota’s transmissions have always been smooth and the Direct Shift – 8AT has nearly imperceptible gearshifts. You can, at the press of a button, alter the character to be more sporty but unless pushed hard, you won’t feel a big difference. There are also paddle shifters but it is likely that the ‘intelligence’ of the transmission will make it less necessary to intervene with manual selection of gears.
TNGA is certainly an excellent piece of engineering work, allowing the car to have the comfort levels expected of an executive sedan as well without sacrificing dynamic handling. Thanks to the lower centre of gravity and responsive steering, the car is easy to maneuver, and its agility belies its size (and weight).
The space in the cabin deserves mention and whether you sit in front or behind, there’s generous space all round. We have Toyota USA to thank for this: had they not rejected the original design in 1990, we might still have a conservative narrow-bodied sedan which had been proposed. By insisting on something bigger to suit Americans in particular, we got a car that is today bordering on being a luxury model.
Just as nobody ever got fired for choosing IBM in the old days (because IBM computers were so good and so was their service support), you can’t really go wrong with a Camry… or any Toyota for that matter. The notion that Toyotas are boring cars is also an outdated one and with the new Dynamic Force powertrain, you can have an enjoyable spirited drive while the comfort levels will also please the people sitting behind.
