Ford Ranger StormTrak – only 200 units available

The longer production cycle of each generation of pick-up trucks presents challenges marketing them as those who buy them as lifestyle vehicles and an alternative to the passenger car are influenced by the ‘latest and greatest’. It’s a consumer mindset and in order to satisfy that expectation, there are special editions or limited editions. These offer a new look and some extras which freshen the model.

The latest model in the market with this approach is the Ford Ranger which has been in the market since 2022 in its current generation. The truck that changed people’s perception of trucks, it’s still among the more popular models and has been the brand’s bestseller in the region for years.

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford (SDAC-Ford) now offers a limited edition of the Ranger called the StormTrak, and only 200 Malaysians will be able to own one. Imported from the Ford factory in Thailand, the StormTrak is priced from RM181,888 (without insurance). There are three choices for body colour – Arctic White, Meteor Grey and Absolute Black – but the drivetrain is only the 2-litre bi-turbo 210 ps/500 Nm diesel engine which is available in most of the other versions.

Even at a glance, the Ranger StormTrak stands out with its a distinctive grille, 20-inch wheels with Asphalt Black matte paint and Race Red inserts, as well as emblems and livery. The exterior scheme is replicated inside the cabin with the dashboard accented with Race Red stitching, seats featuring StormTrak Logo, Race Red stitching and Miko suede inserts.

The instrument panel of the Ranger has been fully digital and graphic for some time, and on the centre of the dashboard is a 12-inch vertical infotainment screen which offers lots of space for different apps that can be mirrored from a smartphone using wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The e-Shifter to manage the automatic transmission, found on the Ranger Platinum and Raptor models, is also installed in the Ranger StormTrak. More compact than the traditional tall shifter, the e-Shifter is easy to grasp and also has the option of manual selection of the 10 gear ratios.

As with the other Rangers, there is also Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF), which means switching from high range to low range or vice-versa can be done without stopping the vehicle. With a 2-range transfer case, this system offers 2-wheel drive (rear) or 4-wheel drive in High range and can be manually selected to 4-wheel drive with a low range of ratios for use at lower speeds in very difficult conditions. Torque goes to the front wheels by mechanically interlocking the front and rear driveshafts.

For enhanced functionality, the Ranger StormTrak comes with Auxiliary Lamps to provide extra illumination, with Zone Lighting to brighten the areas immediately around the vehicle. This would certainly be welcome getting out in the jungle where you may want to see what’s on the ground or what the condition is.

Ford has also fitted the innovative Flexible Rack System (FRS) and Swing-in-Place Roof Rails that are available with the Ranger Platinum. The FRS, developed in collaboration with JAC Products, is a unique Ford accessory that allows transportation of timber, a ladder, a door, canoe, surfboards or even bicycles on top of the vehicle. Designed like a sports bar, it has variable positioning which can be set with one hand, and together with the versatile roof rails, can take loads of up to 80 kgs (dynamic) and 250 kgs (static).

Safety has been a strong point for the Ranger, right from the first generation which was among the first trucks (in ASEAN) to come with airbags for the front occupants. The Ranger has led in this area with active safety technologies that have kept advancing with each generation.

The Ranger StormTrak has the full suite of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) which uses  radar and a camera to detect other vehicles on the road. The systems are integrated and can adjust the speed of the truck when in cruise control and even activate the brakes to prevent a collision.

There is also a 360-degree view of the vehicle from overhead and all sides, with sensors to add to awareness of nearby obstacles. So in spite of its size (especially the length), manoeuvring and parking the Ranger is made easier.

Besides its showrooms nationwide, SDAC-Ford also offers the convenience of an online showroom where customers can also book their Ford vehicles. Those who book one of the 200 Ranger StormTraks will receive an exclusive Ranger StormTrak Windbreaker jacket with their new vehicle.

To know more about Ford vehicles or locate a showroom in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my.

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