HEIR APPARENT

THE FORD RANGER MADE PLENTY OF GROUND ON THE HILUX IN 2016, ONLY TO BE PIPPED AT THE POST.

THE Ford Ranger is the big mover in 2016, picking up a whopping 7444 extra sales compared to its 2015 total. That results in a massive increase of 31.8 per cent on its already strong sales from the previous year. The 2016 sales come off the back of an additional 2762 units in 2015 compared to 2014.

Back in 2012, the first full year of sales for the then new-generation PX, Ranger 4x4 sales were just 12,743. That means that in the five years since the PX arrived in late 2011, Ranger 4x4 sales have increased by an astounding 142 per cent. If this trend continues (and with the popularity of dual cabs, it’s likely) the Ranger will be number one in 2017, breaking the Hilux’s 12-year reign as 4x4 sales champion.

The Ranger’s strong sales have come off the back of a significant mid-life upgrade in late 2015. To keep it new and competitive the refresh brought a quieter and more responsive engine, electric power steering, more safety kit, a new dash with a bigger touchscreen, and revised styling.

These changes built on the Ranger’s core strengths of a big grunty engine, wellsorted on-road dynamics, spacious cabin, and class-leading towing and load carrying. And that’s not just on-paper, as our recent load and tow test comparison proved the Ranger to be the champion work ute among its peers. All these factors seem to be resonating with buyers.

The MY16 upgrade also saw the Ranger’s already solid off-road credentials improved thanks to a tweak to the 4x4 system. When the rear diff locks, which is standard fitment on all Ranger 4x4s, are engaged, the electronic traction control (ETC) now stays active across the front axle. Previously the ETC was deactivated on both axles when the rear locker was engaged, which is generally the norm with factory lockers in competitor utes, the Hilux included.

If the big 3.2 isn’t for you, then Ford also offers a lower-priced 2.2-litre four in a handful of single and double-cab 4x4s that punches well above its weight.