- Responsive and frugal 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engines
- Manual transmission works well
- Impressive braked towing capacity
- For super cab, useful in-cabin storage
- Quiet, well-insulated cabin
- Good ergonomics
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Vague steering
- For dual cabs, limited rear seat legroom
- Large turning circle for 4×4 models
Review: Ford PK Ranger utility (2009-11)
Overview
Released in April 2009, the Ford PK Ranger was available in single cab, Super cab and Crew cab bodies and with rear or four-wheel drive. The single cab bodies were solely available with a 2.5-litre common-rail, direct-injection turbo-diesel engine, the Super Cab had a more powerful 3.0-litre engine and the Crew cab was available with both engines.
The PK Ranger had an overlapped, cross-braced ladder frame with fully independent double wishbone front suspension and dual rate semi-elliptic leaf spring rear suspension. The rear-wheel drive models were also available as High Rider variants which had increased ground clearance. The four-wheel drive models had a ‘shift on the fly’ function and electronic remote front wheel hub locks. The High Rider and four-wheel drive models were also fitted with a limited slip rear differential
Compared to its PJ predecessor, the PK Ranger introduced an expanded range, revised styling and improved equipment levels. Visually, the PK Ranger could be identified by its new lights, three-bar grille, bonnet with power bulge and front bumper. Inside, changes included new seat fabrics and amber-coloured instrument illumination.
| Cab | Engine | Drive | Variant | Trans. | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single cab | 2.5-litre turbo-diesel I4 | RWD | XL | 5sp man. | 105 kW at 3500 rpm | 330 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| Super (extended) cab | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | RWD | XL High Rider | 5sp man. | 115 kW at 3200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| 4WD | XL | 5sp man. | ||||
| XLT | 5sp auto, 5sp man. |
|||||
| Crew (double) cab | 2.5-litre turbo-diesel I4 | RWD | XL | 5sp auto | 105 kW at 3500 rpm | 330 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | RWD | XL High Rider, XLT High Rider |
5sp auto, 5sp man. |
115 kW at 3200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1800 rpm | |
| 4WD | XL, XLT, Wildtrak |
5sp auto, 5sp man |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Ranger XL included dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. A load-sensing proportioning brake valve – used to control rear braking pressure for improved braking effectiveness under varied load conditions – was also fitted as standard.
The Ranger XLT and Ranger Wildtrak were further equipped with front side head/thorax airbags, ABS and electronic brake force distribution.
ANCAP crash testing
In ANCAP crash testing , the related 2008 Mazda BT-50 4WD dual cab utility received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 22.46. Due to its substantial similarities, this score was also applied to the equivalent Ranger model. In the offset crash test, the integrity of the passenger compartment was compromised; protection from serious leg injury was poor for the driver, while chest and upper leg protection was marginal for the driver. A default score was awarded in the side impact test.
Features
Standard features for the Ranger XL included a two speaker sound system with CD player, MP3-compatiblity and auxiliary input (iPod/MP3), air conditioning, remote central locking, 12 volt power outlet, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering column and immobiliser. The single cab XL had vinyl floor covering, though all other models had cloth floor covering.
The Ranger XLT was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD player, cruise control, ‘Sports Weave’ cloth trim, front fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knobs, bedliner with 12 volt power outlet and an alarm. The XLT could also be distinguished by its aluminium side steps and sport bar with high mounted stop light.
Beyond this, the Ranger Wildtrak featured 18-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara/leather interior trim, compass, stainless steel scuff plates, roller shutter (no-cost option) and aerodynamic sports bar.
Brochure
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