Transit, Ranger XLS, Falcon and Territory headline Ford arrivals in 2014

MELBOURNE – Dec 23, 2013: Ford is readying a stable of new vehicles for customers in 2014 with the arrival of the much-anticipated Transit models, enhanced Ranger line-up and the new Falcon, Falcon XR8 and Territory SUV.

The Ford SUV lineup will also be expanded with the arrival of the new EcoSport Ambiente and Trend models in February, complementing the Territory and Ford Kuga which receives two new colours and optional hands-free tailgate.

Key additions in 2014 will be the new Ranger XLS adding 2.2-Litre to the already available 3.2-litre, both available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Ford Transit
Both the Transit Custom (FWD) and Transit (RWD) are truly global vehicles packed with Ford technology. They will take the Australian van market in an exciting new direction with purpose-built applications for customers who need the ultimate in capability, combining impressive load-carrying abilities with frugal turbo-diesel engines.

The Ford Transit Custom short wheelbase van arrives in dealers from January with long wheelbase and the larger load carrying RWD Transit arriving in the second quarter.

Powering the Transit Custom is a proven 2.2-litre TDCi engine that develops 92 kW and 350 Nm.

Australian businesses, small and large, will welcome the Transit Custom’s new integrated and stowable roof rack, which folds away when not in use and twin battery setup. Ford’s SYNC in-car connectivity system, including DAB radio and Bluetooth® connectivity is also featured on the Transit Custom. Transit Custom will also feature an extensive suite of safety features including front, side and curtain airbags.

The rear cargo area of the Transit Custom will feature a robust protection package that includes a sealed load floor, rear compartment trim board, front partial headliner and eight load compartment tie-down loops.

Importantly in the van segment, Trailer Hitch Assist and front and rear parking sensors and an electro chromatic rear mirror with rear camera display will also be available.

The newest Ford Transit Custom is the latest in a long line of market-leading Transits, which have sold 7 million vehicles since the first model was introduced in the UK in 1965.

Ranger
The award-winning Ford Ranger gains additional features and new variants for 2014.

The Ranger XLS was added to sit between the XL and XLT and is now available in either 2.2-litre or 3.2-litre engines mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Apart from the arrival of new XLS models, the 4x2 XL Single Cab Chassis 2.2-litre low-rider Ranger gains side airbags as standard while satellite navigation has been added across the entire XLT line-up.

“We have responded to customers who have been asking for satellite navigation, as well as a more private buyer-focused Ranger in the XLS which offers improved exterior appearance and interior comfort while delivering outstanding off-road abilities,” said Ford Australia Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service Graeme Whickman.

Whickman said the addition of satellite navigation on the XLT 4x2 and 4x4 models was in response to customer demand. “This is a feature our customers value so we’ve added it into the XLT models,” he said.

“The Ranger has been one of our strongest selling vehicles in 2013. We’ve sold more than 20,000 and the Ranger continues to impress our customers with its ‘can do’ functionality and performance.

“We expect the popularity of the Ranger to continue in 2014 by offering customers more features and models.”

As with all Rangers, the award-winning pickup is available with Bluetooth, USB and iPod2 integration and voice control over the radio, CD, iPod, USB, and mobile phone standard on all models. Similarly, cruise control is standard across the entire range.

The Ranger was designed and engineering Australia. It is being manufactured in three continents and sold in more than 180 countries.

Ford Kuga
Ford’s lauded hands-free tailgate is now available as an option on Ford Kuga Trend. The option pack includes Ford’s Smart key-free system and is available for a recommended MLP3 of $1200 on Ford Kuga Trend EcoBoost and Diesel models.

“Ford Kuga customers tell us they lead busy lives and the hands-free tailgate is a practical feature that they want and value,” according to Ford Australia Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service Graeme Whickman. “Offering the hands-free tailgate and key-free entry as an option on Ford Kuga Trend offers customers more choice when finding a Ford Kuga that suits their lifestyle needs.”

“The Ford Kuga Trend is already well equipped and adding the option of the hands-free lift gate gives our customers the power of choice.”

A gentle kicking motion under the centre of the rear bumper activates, unlocks and raises the tailgate when the driver has the Ford Kuga key-free fob in their hand, pocket or bag. This allows quick and easy access to the luggage area without needing to set down packages or dig around for keys. The same motion closes the tailgate.

The system safeguards against accidental openings by being programmed to open with leg motion and the breaking of a miniature electric field – not when a ball rolls under the car or when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.

The system was tested in various settings, including at minus 40 degrees Celsius in the company’s climate chamber in Germany to freeze the bumper. The Ford Kuga’s tailgate passed with flying colours. There were no unintended openings, and it still opened when the test subject needed it to.

The new Ford Kuga also benefits from two new colours in 2014. The Ford Kuga’s exterior design has a bold, strong presence from almost any angle and two new colours, Race Red and Deep Impact Blue, make the all-new Ford Kuga shine even more.

“We launched the Ford Kuga with some great colours including Ginger Ale and Burnished Glow and by adding Race Red and Deep Impact Blue we are giving customers even more choice when building their car.” Whickman Said.

“Customers have been asking for a wider range of colours and we feel these two new arrivals really fill out the range on offer.”

Race red is a bold, vibrant red that is vivacious and lively. Race Red is a solid colour and a no-cost option for customers.

Deep Impact Blue is a sophisticated yet sporty, metallic blue with a vibrant enhancing highlight. Deep Impact Blue is a prestige paint option with a recommended MLP3 of $385.

Falcon and Territory SUV
Rounding out 2014 will be the arrival of the much-anticipated Ford Falcon and Territory SUV.

As well as the arrival of the Falcon, Ford has confirmed the return of the venerable XR8 sedan to the Falcon lineup.

The return of the XR8 will coincide with the introduction of the 2014 Falcon and Territory updates. Ford enthusiasts will also be able to buy the XR8 through Ford’s full network of dealers throughout Australia, making the renowned “Miami” performance engine more accessible for V8 lovers.