OREANDA-NEWS. Ford Thailand recently invited agricultural media to the Farmer’s Best Companion Caravan, testing the exceptionally tough capabilities of the new Ranger XL and XLS models. The Ranger features great performance, an outstanding, bold design and fully-equipped safety systems.

Beginning in Bangkok, the 200-kilometer drive to the scenic northeastern province of Nakorn Ratchsima offered drivers on- and off- road experience in the new Ranger. The drive highlighted the pickup truck’s excellent performance, ride handling and safety features.

During their visit to Harmony Life Organic Farm, media participants tested the loading and towing capabilities of the Ranger XL and XLS models, both built to be number one pickup trucks in the market.

The Ranger XL and XLS variants come equipped with the 2.2-liter Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi Turbo diesel engine, offering 125 horsepower, 320 Nm of torque and a six-speed manual transmission. The Ford Ranger Open Cab Hi-Rider XLS can handle a maximum cargo load of 1.5 tons, making for effortless on- or off-road towing.

Designed to take on the most inhospitable environments, including steep slopes, sand dunes, slippery mud or rocky terrain, the new Ranger Hi-Rider variants can navigate challenging terrain with ease. The Ranger boasts best-in-class water-wading capability of 800 mm, ground clearance of 230 mm, 28-degree approach angle and 25-degree departure angle.

Ford also set up a station to test the Ranger’s payload capability by loading fertilizer bags on the truck. With the powerful Duratorq TDCi Turbo diesel engine, participants were able to easily haul a load weighing 1.3 tons.

The new Ranger XLS variant comes equipped with in-car connectivity to help drivers keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. These technologies include Bluetooth and voice command systems, allowing drivers to connect their mobile devices or access the entertainment system.

Additionally, both the new Ranger XL and XLS models come with several safety systems, including three-point front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, and front-seat airbags.

Prices for the new Ranger XL start at THB 549,000 while the XLS will start at THB 659,000. Available colors include Aurora Blue, True Red, Cool White, Black Mica and Aluminum Metallic.