Ford Ranger: Plug-in hybrid pick-up, test, consumption and price

The automotive crosses continuous changes, but neither the form nor the substance of the pick-ups has ever changed. Squadi, with a large hood and a long body or, as the Anglo -Saxons call it, the “bed”. It is the details that change its aesthetics and functionality: in the case of Ford Rangera front very aggressive Inspired by that of the “brother” F-150, one of the best-selling vehicles of America, with many accessories to make it more comfortable and versatile. Perhaps for this reason in the last 20 years the ranger has sold over 5 million units In 180 countries and, in Europe, it is the best-selling pick-up for a decade. Today he evolved with one Plug-in hybrid motorization which combines the well -known 2.3 EcoBoost petrol with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery, for a high combined power and of the costs which, for the daily needs of over half of European users, according to Ford should remain contained. We tried it in Iceland, to test its versatility in various conditions.

Stile

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A car (or rather, truck) should normally explain its function through form. With the pick-ups it is simple: it would be enough to draw three rectangles on a sheet to be able to tell it. But then the details must be added and there are not few on the ranger. Modern LED lighthouses with a large e American gridwhich recalls a bull-bar. Massive sides, lightened by a rib that gives a triggering dynamism to the side. And a color, in the case of the car of our test, a decidedly bright yellow.

Interior

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The passenger compartment is appreciated for the robustness of materials And assemblies – which does not mean low quality: the dashboard, dominated by a 12 -inch vertical touch screen, is characterized by contrasts between leather with beautiful stitching and plastics. The double cabin version is approved for five, but the space is good for four passengers. Those who sit behind have little possibility of tilt the seats, unlike what happens on many SUVs, but on the other hand the seats can be folded down, and under them there is also a small storage compartment.

Load

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A pick-up is bought precisely for the body, therefore it is essential that it is rich in solutions that make it more interesting than the competition. On the size front, it is able to host a “Europallet” standard and load heavy objects until they touch the 1.000 kg. Everything that does not enter can be towed, as long as weigh less than 3.500 kg. With the right accessories it is also possible to transport very long objects, such as surf tables.

Practicality

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For daily use, however, you can access more easily thanks to an integrated platform and, if you want to use only the back of the compartment, as if it were the trunk of a car, this can be closed electrically and divided into two parts, in order to access more easily. However, the real flagship remains the integration of electrical outlets 230 V, with a power up to 6.9 kW: ideal for feeding work tools or camping accessories.

Motor

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Basically, the Ranger remains the classic old school pick-up with rear suspension in crossbow, but has an advanced system of all-fit traction, with different calibrations depending on the type of surface and characteristic corners worthy of an off-road vehicle. The new plug-in hybrid system combines a turbo petrol engine 2.3 EcoBoost still 75 kW electric motorsupported by a 11.8 kWh battery. The overall power of 281 HP and the 697 Nm torque guarantee high performance, similar to those of the Raptor, but with much more contained consumption. The declared electric autonomy is 43 km and allows Ford to declare 32 km/l. A fact that, of course, must be understood in the WLTP approval cycle. To be able to even approach it, it is necessary to always keep the battery charged and this implies use the plug-in ranger for daily short-range travel. Otherwise, average consumption can also triple.

How it goes in off -road vehicle

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This is because during our test, among the volcanic landscapes of Iceland, we recorded 39 km of autonomy in electricity: a figure that does not excessively detach itself from that declared by the house and all in all a good result, considering the contained dimensions of the battery and our carefree guide among the ups and downs of the island. The goal of the test, however, was another: to test the pickup skills on mud, fords and climbs steep. In these contexts, thanks to the on -board electronics – which offers different methods for the management of adherence – to the possibility of blocking the differential and inserting the reduced gearsand the excellent grip of semi-taified tires, the ranger showed a real specialist off-road behavior, with moreover the practicality of the cassone.

How it goes on the road

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In EV mode it is appreciated even more the interior, robust but silent, thanks to the system of Active cancellation of the sound – Useful for masking the rolling of the pieces on the asphalt. The running comfort is level, comparable to that of a sedan, especially in the richest settings, with leather seats and Bang & Olufsen audio system. And like a sedan, with the double cabin it can comfortably accommodate five passengers. Even if the off-road tire emphasizes the typical “Dead Zone” central of the steering, the absorption of roughness is good and the reassuring road holding. Here we catch the quality leap in modern pick-ups, of which the ranger is a bonding holder in Europe: the Compromise between commercial and family vehicle has finally been reached. A concrete response to those who work, but also to those who love life in the open air. And now also to those who gladly drive on the road.

Prices and registration

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The Ford Ranger in the Plug-in engine is available in Italy with prices starting from 59,873 euros for the XLT, which reach up to 74,513 euros for the top of the Stormtrak range. In Italy the ranger is enrolled only as a truck n1. But there are two options: the “proper use”, which allows private individuals and VAT holders to use it also for personal movements, like any car; And the “third party use”, which instead binds it strictly to the business, by providing for private use and providing for sanctions and suspension of the registration certificate in the event of an infringement. A important distinction to be considered at the time of purchase.

Strengths and weaknesses

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• Pleases: sedan comfort, the versatility of a 4×4 truck
• NOT LIKE: still little feeling in the steering