All-New Ford Ranger Goes Big On Creature Comforts

MELBOURNE – May 12, 2011: Say the word and your wish will be the all-new global Ford Ranger’s command.

Select models with the Bluetooth®1 Voice Control system allow drivers to operate their mobile phone, audio, satellite navigation system and climate control using voice-activated commands – all wirelessly.

The voice control buttons are located on the steering wheel and are conveniently accessed when driving, leaving the drivers free to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Voice commands are detected by a microphone housed in the cab.

The driver can easily make or take phone calls and access the mobile’s phone book and calling history. The system can also record voice tags for favourite numbers.

In the same way, the driver has effortless control over the radio, CD player, iPod®2 and other external devices via the USB port. It is also possible to stream audio from a mobile phone.

Ranger's integrated audio system is an integral and unique part of the centre dashboard, effectively deterring theft. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) on the central control panel is inspired by the latest communication devices, with a joy stick as a central control element and a soft-feel number pad to enter phone numbers.

When integrated with the audio system, the in-dash navigation system (where fitted) will provide audio and visual direction to the programmed destination via the five-inch colour screen, along with current location and surrounding details. Maps are stored and upgraded via an SD card.

To further improve interior comfort, the new-to-Ranger dual zone climate control allows the driver and passenger to set separate temperature settings.

"The Bluetooth® Voice Control system sets Ranger apart from some other competitors because it keeps drivers connected to their customers and business safely while enjoying the convenience of their iPod®2 and automatic climate control systems while on the road – all with a voice command," the manager, Electrical Integration, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa, Con Papadomanolakis, said.

Premium comfort and convenience features
New from the ground up, Ranger now utilises a common global electrical architecture that is also shared by the current Ford Focus and Ford Mondeo. This means that engineers are able to use globally developed and engineered components in the all-new Ranger platform, resulting in more new features and technologies in the pickup which can be upgraded in the future.

For a start, select Ranger models will have cruise control, theatre-dimming, drive-away locking, rain-sensing wipers, automatic wiper park, auto defrosting, an electro-chromatic rear view mirror that is able to automatically dim to prevent glare from the lights of following vehicles, and a Thatcham3-rated alarm system complete with interior motion sensors, battery back-up siren and dead locks.

The list continues with automatic headlights that respond to low light conditions, puddle lights that come on when unlocking the vehicle, Follow-Me-Home safe lights which remain on for a minute after you've switched off the engine, and hazard lights that come on to warn the drivers behind if you hit the brakes suddenly.

When backing up, Ranger's innovative Rear View Camera System - on select models - displays the rear view video image in a section of the rear view mirror, along with overlaid marker lines to indicate the width of the vehicle and distance to the closest object. Based on the ultrasonic reverse parking sensors, the radio will beep at a rate proportional to the distance between Ranger and the object. The in-car screen will also display an image of the pickup with sensor ranges marked behind it. When an object is detected, the display places a solid bar behind the vehicle image to indicate approximate location of the object.

Inside, the new instrument cluster design offers an outstanding array of information. Other than the vehicle system gauges, a central LCD display provides Trip Computer functions with information such as distance to empty, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption, average speed and outside air temperature.

"Customers who are used to these convenience features from their passenger cars will be delighted to find the same – if not higher – level of comfort in Ranger," Papadomanolakis said.

"Packed to the gills with smart technology and creature comforts previously seen only in premium passenger cars, the all-new Ranger offers a no-compromise choice for those looking for an all-in-one work and family vehicle."

Final Australian specifications and equipment of the all-new Ranger will be announced closer to its launch later this year.