2015 Ford Ranger facelift teased in new video

The 19-second clip shows snapshots of the updated Ranger taking on water, gravel and sand before revealing a computer-generated front three-quarter image of the new ute, giving us our first undisguised look at the popular model’s mid-life facelift.

As previous spy images have uncovered, the 2015 Ford Ranger features a fresh face inspired by the Everest SUV, which has been designed and engineered alongside the Ranger by Ford Australia and shares much of its mechanical hardware.

The 2015 Ranger’s headlights appear identical to the Everest’s, hugging the ute’s new hexagonal chrome grille that continues into its bumper that looks bolder than before with a reshaped lower intake and fog light cut outs.

There are no obvious changes to the side panels, while the rear is unseen at this stage but is not expected to be dramatically different to the current model that launched in 2011.

The 2015 Ranger is set to go on sale in Australia around the middle of next year at roughly the same time as Ford introduces the Everest.

The Ranger is expected to benefit from some of the refinements and technologies developed for the new SUV.

Ford has upgraded the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with a new turbocharger and other enhancements for the Everest and recalibrated the six-speed automatic transmission, though its unconfirmed if these updates will flow through to the ute.

It may also upgrade to the latest SYNC 2 infotainment system and gain some of the Everest’s advanced safety systems, which include hands-free auto reverse parallel parking, adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping, though again Ranger specifications remain top secret at this stage.

The Ranger is a crucial model for Ford Australia. The ute achieved the unprecedented feat of outselling the blue oval brand’s entire passenger car range in October, notching up 2405 sales.

Ranger sales total 22,539 to the end of October, making up almost exactly one-third of Ford Australia’s 2014 tally (67,924). This is a massive increase of about 25 per cent YTD.