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2017 Ford Ranger updates announced: Reverse camera on more variants, Sync 3, Euro 5 engines

The Australian-developed Ford Ranger line-up will receive a host of new features from the third quarter of 2016, as the Blue Oval guns for the top-selling Toyota HiLux in the ute sales race.


All 2017 Ford Rangers in the pick-up body-style will get a rear-view camera and reverse parking sensors, with the exception of the XL Plus derivative, as standard, bringing the Ford closer in line with its Toyota nemesis.

The standard camera will not be available on Ranger cab-chassis drop-tray variants. Previously, the reversing camera was standard only on the Wildtrak and part of an option pack on the XLT only — something we have criticised before.

Further up the range, the strong-selling XLT adds front parking sensors, while both the XLT and Wildtrak also get Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, which means a new capacitive (like a phone) 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and a revised home screen, compared to the current Sync 2 system.

Beyond this, the Ranger Wildtrak will take the safety lead with new standard features such as adaptive cruise control with the forward collision alert light, automatic high-beams, lane-keeping assist and a lane-departure warning system.

There are a few mechanical changes, too. The 2017 Ranger line-up that currently comprises a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder and 3.2-litre turbo-diesel five-cylinder will feature “a minor powertrain upgrade” to meet Euro 5 emissions standards. No more specific data has been officially disclosed.

Beyond this, the 4x4 XL Super Cab Chassis derivative with the 3.2 engine now has the option of a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Finally, there are two new colour options: Jet Black replaces Black Mica, and Meteor Grey replaces Metropolitan Grey.

“Standard new features such as rear view camera and SYNC 3 will help our customers get more done at work while staying better connected to their lives,” said Ford Australia president and CEO Graeme Whickman.

“These innovations combined with Ranger’s unsurpassed towing and hauling capability will help continue Ranger’s momentum as we continue closing the gap on Hilux.

“In particular, Australians are being drawn especially to the XLT and Wildtrak variants, which now account for 62 per cent of all Rangers sold this year, up from 51 per cent in 2014.”

As we know, the Ford Ranger is Australia’s second top-selling ute behind the HiLux and regularly in the overall top five. This year, Ranger 4x4 sales are up 38 per cent, and its 20.1 per cent market share is breathing close to Toyota 20.7 per cent. The gap is much wider in the 4x4 space, but Ford is still number two there as well.

Ford Australia has not yet announced pricing details on the MY17 line-up, with you can expect to see launch in August/September.

Standard tech:

XL (Excluding XL Plus)
Rear view camera (pick-up models only)
Rear parking sensors (pick-up models only)
Automatic transmission for 4X4 XL Super Cab Chassis 3.2L (previously available as manual only)

XLS
Rear view camera
Rear parking sensors
2nd key fob

XLT
Sync 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Rear view camera
Front parking sensors
Black fog lamp bezel

Wildtrak
Sync 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert, Driver Impairment Monitor, automatic high beam control, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning

All variants
The 2017 Ranger will feature a minor powertrain upgrade to meet Euro 5 emissions standards

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