New Ford Escape, Ranger variants on offer

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Thu, 03/16/2006 8:17 AM  |  Life

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

American carmaker PT Ford Motor Indonesia (FMI) recently launched the latest variants of its Escape sports utility vehicle (SUV) and Ranger one-ton truck.

The Ford Ranger Severe Off-Road Vehicle (SORV) was launched in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, March 3 as the only tough double-cab pickup built especially for super-heavy-duty applications.

Meanwhile, the Ford Escape XLT Sporty was launched Feb. 20 in Denpasar with a sportier and more rugged look, suitable for those who lead an active lifestyle.

PT FMI president director Richard Baker said the Ford Ranger SORV would meet all customers' demands, particularly in heavy-duty applications, thanks to its exceptional specifications.

The latest variant of the Ranger is available in three versions, all with manual transmission and four-wheel-drive: the XLT, XLT-STD and Base.

There are two diesel engine options with naturally aspirated 2.9L and turbo diesel intercooler 2.5L engines.

The 2.5L is capable of developing maximum power of 110 horsepower (hp) at 3,500 revolutions per minute (rpm) and maximum torque of 267 Newton-meters at 2,200 rpm. Ford says it is the most powerful engine in the 2.5L class.

What's the difference between an ""ordinary"" Ranger and this new, tougher model?

First, the Ranger SORV is equipped with a heavy-duty suspension kit that has a role in strengthening the undercarriage area, usually known as the feet. The kit consists of heavy-duty shock absorbers, torsion bar, lower arms, leaf springs, urethane bush kit and mount kit.

The Ford Ranger SORV is fitted with a heavy-duty rubber trunk, heavy-duty brake pads and extension breather to ensure that oil pressure can be perfectly maintained during operations in off-road terrain.

It also comes with a snorkel -- allowing it to be driven in areas with a high water level -- and a pre-filter feature to separate dust particles contained in the absorbed air.

The vehicle is equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), airbag, safety belt, collapsible steering wheel, child lock protector, side door impact beam and crash cage.

As for the Escape XLT Sporty, it still comes with a 2,261cc Duratec HE inline-4 engine employing variable inertia-charging systems (VICS) unleashing maximum power of 157 horsepower (hp) at 6,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 198 Newton-meters (Nm) of maximum torque at 4,500 rpm.

Externally, the Escape 2.3 XLT Sporty has a tougher look, with front and rear skid plates on the lower part of the car. The plates are designed to prevent the underbody sustaining damage, particularly on off-road terrain.

Offered at Rp 258.5 million, it also comes with side step to help the driver get into the car with ease. An aluminum scuff plate is a standard feature.

What else is new on Escape 2.3 XLT Sporty? Its retractable mirrors, colored the same as the body, have a new LED turn lamp while the exhaust tip muffler adds a tougher and sportier look to the car.

Inside, luxury leather seats are a standard feature. Baker said he was confident that the customers would acknowledge the competitive benefits offered by the Ford Escape 2.3 XLT Sporty.

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