The Chinese New Year festive season is coming up and if you want to celebrate it with a brand new vehicle, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has some deals for you which could save up to RM6,000. The savings are for the Ford Ranger Raptor and Ranger Wildtrak models (selected year) and while stocks are available.
The Ranger Raptor is still the only pick-up truck of its kind in Malaysia and even the region. Built with the expertise and assistance of Ford Performance, it sets a new benchmark as the first and only factory-built performance pick-up truck in the country.
While there are some models which have bodykits installed to give them a more macho look but the performance is not increased, the Ranger Raptor has enhanced performance to go with its much more aggressive appearance. In particular, the Fox Racing Shox that are installed as standard provide higher damping forces at full bounce and rebound to enable better off-road capabilities – and the ability to handle jumps.
The Ranger Raptor comes with a powerful 2-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine which produces 213 ps/500 Nm which goes to the rear or all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. An intelligent Terrain Management System offers 6 modes, including a Baja Mode, which customise the engine and performance characteristics to the terrain for optimum grip and stability.
Not everyone may need the extreme capabilities of the Ranger Raptor but still want off-road capability without giving up on refinement. This is where the Ranger WildTrak will prove to be an ideal choice. Besides a generous list of standard equipment and features, it also has an array of smart safety technologies.
Some of the first-in-class features are Autonomous Emergency Braking with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning. There’s also Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking which will certainly be welcome by those who have been deterred by the vehicle’s size and length. At the touch of a button, the computer slots the Ranger Wildtrak in and all the driver has to do is manage the power.
Its 2-litre Bi-turbo diesel engine is also mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox and provides drivers with 180 ps of power and 420 Nm of torque. This gives the WildTrak the ability to carry a maximum payload of 1000 kgs and a towing capacity of 3500 kgs.
To locate a Ford showroom in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my . In view of the current pandemic requiring observation of SOPs, customers are encouraged to make an appointment first. They can do so using WhatsApp to connect to the Ford Sales Line at +60 19-204 1200.
Malaysians know the Ford Ranger Raptor as the most extreme Ranger ever sold in the region. Developed with assistance from Ford Performance, the pick-up truck has the performance to go with its macho looks. Its name was derived from a variant of the F-Series which was introduced in 2009 for desert racing, eventually being used to represent the brand’s high-performance trucks.
With the F-Series now in its 14th generation (since June last year), Ford has also updated the F-150 Raptor for its third generation. It comes with completely redesigned running gear, re-engineered with an all-new rear suspension and even better overall performance on rough terrain at high speeds.
“Raptor is the original desert truck. We just took it to another level,” said Ali Jammoul, Ford Performance Vehicle Program Director. “The all-new Raptor splices high-speed off-road performance muscle with advanced technology and connectivity that comes together in a unique Built Ford Tough way.”
The rugged, aggressive exterior advances the signature design of F-150 Raptor. Completely redesigned, the distinctive front emphasizes the truck’s width with a machine-tough look featuring a power dome bonnet with blacked-out grille and headlights that stretch fender to fender.
Inspired by Raptor fighter jet
The bonnet has a new heat extractor and functional side vents at the top trailing edge of the fender, all inspired by the intakes of the F-22 Raptor fighter jet. Aggressive front fenders emulate the windswept look of dust billowing off the top of the tyres at high speed. The same concept extends to the rear, with blacked-out taillights and available tailgate appliqué creating visual fender-to-fender width.
Some styling elements have been inspired by the F-22 Raptor (below).
A wider front skidplate offers greater coverage side-to-side and extends protection forward. Durable steel front and rear bumpers are built for the rigors of off-roading, with the rear bumper retaining the high-clearance design that tucks the dual exhaust tips high up against the truck.
Available in SuperCrew configuration on a 3683 mm wheelbase, the new Raptor features a fully boxed high-strength steel frame with a high-strength, military-grade, aluminium alloy and composite body. The suspension, stronger, taller shock towers and rear control arm mounting points have been made more capable.
3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 + 10-speed transmission
Power comes from a third-generation twin-turbo 3.5-litre EcoBoost high-output V6 engine. Ford is not revealing output figures yet but says it ‘delivers torque low in the rev range right where it counts’. It has new high-power fans built into the cooling system for maximum cooling performance and with the standard 36-US gallon (136 litres) capacity, the estimated range is more than 800 kms.
A new three-inch equal-length exhaust system features a patent-pending built-in X-pipe, unique ‘trombone loop’ and first-for-Raptor active valves. The system takes advantage of a true pass-through muffler design that improves sound quality. Customers can configure four sound level modes – Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja.
The Ford-built 10-speed automatic transmission (also available in Rangers sold in Malaysia) is upgraded with next-generation controls is bolted to an innovative torque-on-demand transfer case. A standard electronic locking rear differential and available TORSEN front limited-slip differential are fitted with 4:10 final drive ratios.
With 7 selectable drive modes, the Terrain Management System allows drivers to choose the setting best suited to driving conditions. Each mode adjusts steering feel, transfer case behaviour, stability control, active valve exhaust, active damping system, throttle mapping and transmission shift points, as well as the display on the digital gauge cluster.
Trail 1-Pedal Drive is a system helps make extreme off-road driving like rock crawling easier. In harsh trail situations, a driver typically must use both pedals, modulating throttle and brake simultaneously to advance the truck. Trail 1-Pedal Drive simplifies all that, combining those operations into activating just the throttle – press to move forward, release to brake. The computer ‘co-driver’ applies the brakes proportionally as the driver lifts from the accelerator.
The F-150 Raptor also comes with standard Trail Control, which operates like cruise control for off-road use. Once the desired speed is set, the computer manages throttle and braking to allow the driver to focus on steering through challenging off-road conditions.
It’s also possible to use the truck as a mobile power generation with Pro Power Onboard. With the engine running, up to 2 kilowatts of electrical output is available to run power tools, camp lights and other equipment.
Redesigned rear suspension
Of note is the 5-link rear suspension with extra-long trailing arms to better maintain axle position on rough terrain, a Panhard rod and 24-inch coil springs – the longest in the class. The suspension, combined with more sophisticated engine management software, means the truck can put more torque to the rear wheels for quicker starts off the line, faster acceleration and better throttle responsiveness while simultaneously delivering comfort, stability, handling, control and traction at speed.
The Raptor can fly through the air easily and handle heavy landings, a requirement for a desert racer, and to improve this, there are next-generation FOX Live Valve internal bypass shock absorbers with state-of-the-art electronic control technology offering position-sensitive damping adjustability.
The Raptor’s largest-ever shocks are designed to better resist heat build-up and to react even faster to terrain changes for greater confidence over extended desert running. The larger 3.1-inch-diameter anodized aluminium bodies of the absorber unit are filled with all-new low-friction shock fluid specially designed to decrease frictional losses inside the damper for improved off and on-road comfort. New electronically controlled base valves are race-proven with an upgraded design enabling upward of 1,000 pounds of damping per corner at desert speeds.
Readings from suspension height sensors and other sensors around the truck change damping rates independently at each corner 500 times per second, with the shocks responding at the same speed the human brain processes visual information. The truck responds by the time the driver even registers a terrain change.
The Raptor is available with the largest factory-fitted to a production light-duty full-size pick- up – either 35-inch or 37-inch tyres. These are specially designed BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres which can easily clear obstacles. When fitted with the 37-inch tyres, there’s up to 332 mm of running clearance. Wheel travel with 35-inch tyres reaching 356 mm at the front and 380 mm at the rear.
Tech for off-road or on-highway
The new high-tech cockpit has a customizable 12-inch digital gauge cluster with Raptor-specific graphics and animations, off-road data and turn-by-turn navigation. The customizable new 12-inch centre screen allows owners to split the screen and control multiple functions simultaneously, including navigation, music or truck features.
A 360-degree camera system provides an in-cabin view of obstacles around the truck, with the front view offering a real-time tyre track overlay to dynamically show the path of the wheels ahead to reduce the need to stop for spotter guidance.
The new interior uses enhanced materials, unique surface finishes and has more storage. The steering wheel features a laser-etched logo, top centering mark and aluminium paddle shifters are fitted. Seats with large bolsters keep occupants in place and even more aggressive Recaro bucket seats are available as optional equipment.
The F-150 Raptor isn’t available in Malaysia but Sime Darby Auto ConneXion can offer you the equally extreme Ranger Raptor, developed with the same expertise from Ford Performance. Visit www.sdacford.com.my to know more.
Over the years, many car companies have been extending the warranty period of coverage. In the old days, it used to be just a year and 20,000 kms and then it gradually got longer. Manufacturing processes got better so the parts were more reliable and durable, giving the manufacturers confidence to extend the period. For owners, it also meant more peace of mind with a longer period of coverage.
However, while the warranty periods for passenger cars extended fairly quickly, it was not the same for commercial vehicles and pick-up trucks. This was understandable as many of these vehicles are put to hard and rough use in extreme conditions.
Nevertheless, manufacturing processes have improved, as mentioned earlier, and many parts are more durable. Certainly, for Ford vehicles, which have always been ‘Built Ford Tough’, the rugged nature of the vehicles and their ability to withstand rough conditions has long been proven.
2 years more or another 60,000 kms
Now, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) is extending the warranty on its 2021 Ford Ranger models to 5 years or a maximum of 160,000 kms, which is 2 years longer (or 60,000 kms more going by mileage) than what has been offered.
“We understand that for our Ranger customers, their vehicles are not just point-to-point modes of transportation. They are an extension of their lifestyle – for work and play besides daily commutes for families and loved ones. With the new 5-year manufacturer’s warranty for our Ranger line-up, we aim to provide added value to customers as they go about their life’s adventures,” said Turse Zuhair, Head of Sales at SDAC.
2-year extension for existing owners
Meanwhile, those who already own a Ranger with a current 3-year warranty will have the option to purchase two Extended Warranty Plans – PremiumCARE and PowertrainCARE (terms and conditions apply). The PremiumCARE plan provides a 2-year comprehensive coverage on over 1,000 components, while the PowertrainCARE plan provides a 2-year extended warranty on the engine, transmission and drivetrain.
For more information on the new 5-year Warranty and Extended Warranty Plans, as well as information about Ford models available in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my .
Four months ago, Ford’s Team Fordzilla unveiled a world-first at this year’s gamescom event which was described as ‘the ultimate virtual racing car’. Designed with collaboration between Ford designers and the gaming community, the car was developed under the codename ‘Project P1’. At that time, Ford also announced that it would build a scale model of the P1 concept before the end of the year at its design studios in Germany.
The model has now been completed and was recently unveiled online. While seeing real cars transferred to computer games is commonplace, this is the first-ever time an automaker has brought to life a gamer-collaborated virtual car – yet to be featured in a game – with a physical model. It’s part of its continuing theme of exploring the parallels between the real-world and the virtual one, with learnings from design in the digital world being applied to concepts for reality.
Gamers chose the design features
The journey of the Team Fordzilla P1 racing car started in March this year when gamers were asked to vote on the package and features of the car on Twitter, including seating configuration, engine position and cockpit definition. Nearly a quarter of a million fan votes were submitted throughout the polling process.
The innovative Team Fordzilla P1 racing car features an exterior designed by Arturo Arino and an interior that was the vision of Robert Engelmann, both Ford designers. The car is built around the monocoque structure partially covered by a large, hyper-transparent jet fighter-style canopy, protecting the driver and co-driver. The transparent canopy not only blurs the boundaries between the exterior and the interior but it also emphasises the unique F1-like driving position.
The exterior form is the combination of a sleek GT-like front end with sculped front fenders and extremely sculpted bodyside panels. Twist and floating buttresses visually connect the cockpit with the rear wheels. The rear end is completely exposed and presents the ‘rawness’ of aerodynamics and racing circuits. 21-inch wheels are fitted front and rear, with the front ones sized 315/30 and the rears 355/25.
In the cockpit are LED notification units, keeping the driver and co-driver up-to-date on the track status in their peripheral view. In addition, an integrated screen on the steering wheel enables live data exchange with the team at the pit wall. The whole interior is designed to help the driver to minimize any sort of distraction during the race and heighten the enjoyment of racing.
From CAD to reality in 7 weeks
Team Fordzilla P1 is Ford’s first ever car built digitally without any face-to-face interaction throughout the process. Due to the current pandemic, it was designed by a team who had never met, working remotely – and spread across 5 different countries. It was built in just 7 weeks which is less than half of the time it would normally take. The finished build is a full-size, inside-outside model with extreme proportions and truly unmistakable character.
Being co-created by gamers for gamers, the hypercar features a few special touches that speak to the sim-racing community. On the floor in front of the co-pilot’s seat, there is an AFK (Away From Keyboard) message, a playful reminder that occupants of that seat are away from keyboard. A #levelup graphic acknowledges that gamers and racing drivers aim to better themselves each time they play or race, while a #liftoff graphic is a nod to the lifting off of this race car from a virtual world and transitioning it to the real one.
On the front of the 4731 mm long car, by the lower spoiler, there’s the most important message: a GLHF (Good luck, Have Fun) reminder to every gamer and racing driver to truly have fun and enjoy the ride.
“This project had so many firsts. It was the first fully digital project for us. It was the first car to be designed publicly with full transparency and the first we’ve ever designed remotely with designers located in 5 different countries, some of whom have never met face to face. That we completed it all in less than half of the usual time is a real testament to the team and the passion they had for the project,” said Boris Ferko, Design Manager at Ford of Europe.
Ford owners who bring their vehicle to Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) from today until February 15, 2021 can enjoy up to 20% savings and additional free perks. Announcing the Service Promotion, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion, encouraged owners to ensure their vehicle is in good health.
“As the country looks forward to a new year and the hope of coming out of the pandemic, a focus on better health will continue to be a top priority for many people. Likewise, we encourage all our Ford owners to ensure their vehicle health is also being taken care of going into the new year by taking advantage of these service deals,” he said.
Savings and free perks
When customers book a service during the promotion period, they can take advantage of savings up to 20% on vehicle maintenance on selected parts and engine oils. There’s also a 10% discount on labour fees for lubricant, brake and timing belt packages.
Although the CMCO and need to be more cautious will limit holiday travel this year, vehicles should still be checked periodically, especially if they are not used much. SDAC is offering a 27-point inspection by Ford-certified technicians to ensure their vehicles are in tip-top condition at no additional charge.
Customers who spend more than RM350 in a single receipt will receive an exclusive multipurpose bag (while stocks last).
Genuine Ford Parts used
When servicing at any of the 42 Ford authorised service centres nationwide, owners are always assured that only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are used. Genuine Ford Parts are made to the highest standards of quality, fit and finish and specifically designed for Ford vehicles.
Additionally, all Ford Genuine Parts (excluding wear and tear parts) purchased and installed are covered by a warranty for a period of 12 months or 20,000 kms, whichever occurs first.
Booking an appointment
SDAC recommends that owners make an appointment first as there is a need to observe crowd control and social distancing at the company’s premises. This can be done by booking online, calling an authorised Ford Service Centre (click here for the contact details of operational service centres) or call the Customer Care Hotline at 1300 38 3181.
All Ford service centres and showrooms are open, subject to CMCO conditions at their specific locations. Customers are advised that Standard Operating Procedures such as registration, temperature checks and sanitary measures will be observed in accordance with government requirements.
How often have you made a move to overtake a vehicle ahead, moved to the right lane – and got the blast of a horn from another vehicle behind? You quickly have to swerve back to your lane as the other car passes by with an angry driver glaring at you. Sometimes, you might even have looked in the mirror and not noticed any vehicle because it was in the ‘blind spot’ and if you are unlucky, a collision might occur.
That’s why many manufacturers now install a Blind Spot monitoring system which scans the rear three-quarter zone of the car, alerting the driver if there is another vehicle. It’s a valuable feature and could save expensive damage as well as injuries to others.
Ford has offered Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) technology on many models for more than a decade now. The system can alert drivers to the presence of vehicles in their blind spot using a warning light in the door mirror.
More advanced BLIS
Now, Ford is going further with a more advanced system – the new Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Assist. Besides monitoring the blind spot, the system can now also take pro-active action to discourage a lane-change manoeuvre if a potential collision is detected.
“Many drivers will at some point have been caught by surprise when another vehicle seemingly ‘appears out of nowhere’,” said Glen Goold, a programme engineer at Ford. “Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Assist is like having an extra pair of eyes in the back of your head, helping prevent just a second’s lapse in judgement from escalating into something more serious.”
Watching your back
While the original BLIS merely warned the driver, the new system applies a gentle force to the steering wheel to discourage drivers from changing lanes into the path of another road user and even guide the vehicle away from danger.
Radar sensors scan parallel lanes for vehicles up to 28 metres behind, 20 times per second, while the vehicle is moving at speeds from 65 km/h to 200 km/h. An intervention can be automatically activated if the control system senses a lane-change by monitoring road markings using the forward-facing camera, and the technology calculates that the two vehicles are on a collision course.
The Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Assist can intervene to help prevent collisions with vehicles approaching with a closing speed of up to approximately 30 km/h.
Looking forward as well
Along with Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Assist, Ford has also developed Intersection Assist technology. This uses the vehicle’s forward-facing camera, combined with radar, to monitor for potential collisions with oncoming vehicles at intersections. One study found that more than one in 10 severe accidents at junctions in Europe involved cars colliding with other cars, vans buses or trucks at cross-junctions.
The technology can automatically apply the brakes when travelling at up to 30 km/h to help prevent or mitigate the effects of accidents in scenarios where a driver is turning across the path of an oncoming vehicle, such as commonly encountered at junctions or small roundabouts.
Intersection Assist operates without the need to detect lane markings or kerbs. It can even intervene in carparks, worksites or other locations without clear markings or traffic priorities. Both technologies can operate in daylight and in darkness with headlights activated.
Ford has already introduced the two new technologies in Europe and will progressively add it to other models as time goes on. These join an already extensive range of safety technologies available in all Ford models, including pick-ups such as the Ranger.
Visit www.sdacford.com.my to know more about the safety features in Ford models available in Malaysia
It’s hard to imagine that a pick-up truck – especially one as big and heavy as the Ford F-150 – can win the Green Truck of the Year Award. However, the version that won the award from Green Car Journal is the latest one with a 3.5-litre PowerBoost full hybrid powertrain. Green Car Journal, in given it the award, also noted the F-150’s high-strength, military-grade, aluminium alloy bodywork which continues as a differentiator in the pick-up segment.
Hybrid an important differentiator
“The Ford F-150 earns its well-deserved 2021 Green Truck of the Year honour for an array of important reasons that distinguish it from the crowd,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and GreenCarJournal.com. “The 2021 F-150’s redesign keeps things fresh. The addition of a full hybrid engine option is an important differentiator, as is this pick-up’s available Pro Power Onboard output system with 120-volt and 240-volt outlets for tradesmen and construction sites.”
EcoBoost, 10-speed transmission + electric motor
The PowerBoost full hybrid V6 powertrain (described above) is said to deliver the most torque and horsepower of any light-duty full-size pickup in America. The powertrain combines Ford’s proven EcoBoost engine and 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with a 35-kW (equivalent to 47 horsepower) electric motor integrated into the transmission. A range of 1,120 kms is claimed for a full tank of fuel.
Most significant electric vehicle effort
Ford also won the Green Car Journal’s 2021 Green Car of the Year for its Mustang Mach-E, the fully electric variant of the bestselling sportscar in the world. The Journal recognised the Mustang Mach-E as being Ford’s most significant electric vehicle effort to date, calling it a truly special entry in today’s electric vehicle market. It also praised the decision to expand the Mustang stable for instant name recognition, while keeping aligned with Mustang’s well-established heritage and lineage.
“With the all-new Mustang Mach-E and F-150 with PowerBoost hybrid and Pro Power Onboard, we’re electrifying two of our most popular nameplates to give customers new capabilities and choices not possible without electrification,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford Chief Product Platform and Operations Officer. “We’re honoured that earning the Green Car and Green Truck of the Year awards affirm Ford is on the right path working to meet our sustainability commitments while innovating to give our customers more.”
The F-150 is not available in Malaysia but Sime Darby Auto ConneXion offers the Ford Ranger, also Built Ford Tough, with a choice of powertrains. To locate a showroom to view or test-drive one, visit www.sdacford.com.my.
Ford’s annual Chairman’s Award programme – launched regionally in 2016 – saw its 2019 winners announced recently, with those distributors deemed at the top of their Customer Satisfaction game honoured.
“These awards are not only the ranking of a survey result: they are a measure of leadership, of commitment, and of hard work,” said Randy Krieger, President Ford Direct Markets. “These are the crucial characteristics of high-performing organisations; organisations such as this year’s winners who deliver outstanding performance to their customers, employees, and shareholders.”
Recognising hard work in promoting Ford
The Chairman’s Award has continually evolved, ensuring the Sales and Services Customer View Point (CVP) is of paramount importance, and an integral part of core criteria in deciding annual winners. New Vehicle Sales, Parts Purchases Sales, and Ford Standards Financial Reporting also play a crucial role in recognising the hard work of distributors in promoting the Ford brand.
Complementing the Chairman’s Award, for the second year running, Ford presented the President’s Award for managers in the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa, crowning some of the Best Sales Director/Manager for CVP, Best Service Director/Manager for CVP, and Best Parts Director/Manager for Part Sales with top honours.
In all, across Ford’s vast Direct Markets business unit, a total of 14 winners were announced, hailing from Angola, Egypt, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, New Caledonia, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Western Samoa.
Though there were 18 President’s awards titles going, and six coveted Chairman’s winners, Al Tayer Motors in the UAE, Oceanic Motors in the Seychelles, and Sime Darby Auto ConneXion in Malaysia top-scored in both prestigious categories and were honoured with at least one trophy from each, while SCAMA in Morocco continued its storied history of exceptional customer service, winning a Chairman’s Award for an incredible ninth time.
The Ford Mustang has been sold all over the world although in earlier years, its availability only in lefthand drive limited it to specific markets where cars drove on the right side of the road. Although there were people who converted to righthand drive, it was only with the current sixth generation launched in 2015 that an official factory-built RHD version became available.
As a result, it could be officially sold in Malaysia and Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) wasted no time in ordering a batch soon after the model was launched. With its head-turning looks, it’s no surprise that the Mustang population in this country has grown and recently, 137 owners got together to set a new record in the Malaysia Book of Records.
137 owners from Mustang Club Malaysia
Organised by Mustang Club Malaysia, it was the largest gathering of Ford Mustangs in Malaysia. The get-together was held at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur where the certificate of recognition was presented to the Club’s President, Alfred C.K. Joseph, by the Malaysia Book of Records’ Chief Operating Officer, Christopher Wong.
“We are delighted to have earned a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records for having the title of biggest gathering of Ford Mustang vehicles in the country. Our aim is to show unity and harmony by bringing all walks of life together in our multiracial community through our passion and love for cars,” said Mr. Joseph.
Mustang Club Malaysia was formed in 2018 and has 245 members currently. The club was created for the purpose of sharing information on the latest Mustang as well as to promote safe and responsible driving habits. It also provides a platform for Mustang enthusiasts to embrace and build comradeship through a common interest.
“Kudos to Mustang Club Malaysia for spearheading this event and setting a new record in the country. It is a tremendous feat to organise and mobilise 137 Mustang vehicles and club members. We are incredibly proud of their efforts,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
“We continue to be committed in maintaining close relations with the network of various Ford owners’ clubs and supporting their activities to foster deeper mutual understanding and camaraderie,” he added.
Two versions for Malaysian market SDAC has been selling the Mustang with a choice of two powertrains – 5-litre 460 ps V8 and 2.3-litre 310 ps EcoBoost. Both engines are mated to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.
Now in its 56th year of production, the Mustang has been the best-selling sportscar in the world for five consecutive years. The range now includes an electrically-powered model – the Mustang Mach E – which made its global debut last year.
The latest Ford Ranger XLT Plus Facelift is now available in Malaysia. Enhanced features include new high-performance Bi-LED headlamps that deliver 17% stronger lighting while the new body-coloured bumper design finished with a silver bumper lip replicates the front exterior of the Ranger WildTrak. The new Ranger XLT Plus also comes with an exclusive new chrome grille.
“We are delighted to introduce the New Ford Ranger XLT Plus facelift that now comes with added premium features that are seen in the Ranger WildTrak and Raptor. The Ranger XLT Plus variant, which was introduced in Malaysia in 2018, has proven to be a popular variant for customers looking for a pickup that is suitable for both work and play with premium touches,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC).
Function and convenience
Interior features that come standard are an 8-inch touchscreen display and SYNC multimedia system with a reverse camera. The Ranger XLT Plus also comes with convenience features such as keyless entry with pushstart button. The Easy Lift Tailgate that makes opening and closing the tailgate effortless. Ford MyKey is also provided to allow owners to program the key to limit certain functions of certain features if the vehicle is loaned to another person.
420 Nm turbodiesel, 10-speed transmission
Under the bonnet is a proven 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine (108 ps/420 Nm) mated to 10-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is the first and still only one in its class. The 4×4 drivetrain can be switched between High and Low ranges, as well as 2WD and 4WD, while on the move using a rotary knob.
The power assistance for the steering system is provided by an electric motor so that no power is drawn from the engine, helping to improve fuel efficiency. A Limited Slip Differential provides stability, grip and can help in difficult conditions.
Safety features like a passenger car
The Ranger has had a strong reputation for safety from the first generation and with the current one, there are dual airbags, ABS with Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, ISOFIX childseat mounts, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Rollover Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control, Adaptive Load Control, Daytime running lights and even rain-sensing wipers.
Hill Descent Control and Hill Launch Assist also provide the driver with confidence on slopes and allow stable and safe movement.
The new Ranger XLT Plus, imported from Thailand, is priced from RM129,888 (on-the-road, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia) and comes with 5 colour options – Aluminium Metallic, Arctic White, Lightning Blue, Meteor Grey and Absolute Black.
As with the entire Ranger line-up, it is covered with a full manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years or up to 100,000 kms, whichever comes first.
Latest Ford promotion
SDAC has also announced its latest promotion which offers 4 free vehicle service and cash rebate options (terms and conditions apply) with the purchase of selected Ranger variants, The promotion, which runs until December 31, 2020, is intended to offer customers more savings and reduce cost of ownership. The free vehicle services are equivalent to 2 years of free maintenance (or up to 40,000 kms, whichever comes first). Alternatively, customers can opt for a RM2,000 cash rebate.
For selected Ranger XL variants, customers can enjoy up to RM7,000 cash rebate, while a RM7,000 cash rebate will be offered on selected Ranger XLT variants.
“We are pleased to announce greater saving options for our customers, with the choice of enjoying 4 free vehicle service or cash rebate options on our Ranger vehicles. With these saving options, we hope this would allow customers more flexibility in their spending,” said Tuan Syed Muzri.
Customers who have a purchase enquiry can WhatsApp the Ford Digital Salesperson at +6019-204 1200 (9 am – 4 pm, Monday – Friday, excluding public holidays). Through this dedicated channel, customers can be linked with an authorised Ford salesperson at a dealership located nearest to them. This will allow customers to transact at their own convenience and pay the deposit for their vehicle wherever they are.
For more information about the latest Ford promotions as well as information on the range of Ford vehicle available and location of showrooms in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my .
