Ranger has what it takes to handle anything
I HAVE recently upgraded to a 3.2-litre turbo diesel Ranger twin cab XLS model after owning the smaller 2.2-litre turbo diesel model for two years.
Fishing
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I HAVE recently upgraded to a 3.2-litre turbo diesel Ranger twin cab XLS model after owning the smaller 2.2-litre turbo diesel model for two years.
A great deal being offered on the new XLS model at the time and the extra power and grunt were among the main reasons I made the change.
The new XLS model Ranger has a few more features than the base XL model, but still comes in considerably less than the XLT model.
Among the impressive main additions are 16-inch alloys, fog lamps and a locking rear differential.
The 3.2-litre turbo diesel engine has been a dream, especially when towing my 5.5m plate boat around.
With 147Kw of power and 470Nm of torque, this Ranger has power to burn.
It also has a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes, which is extremely impressive. The 800mm wading was another feature that sold me on the Ranger as I quite often traverse creek crossings during the wet season when chasing the elusive barramundi.
I recently returned from a four-week driving holiday to South Australia with the family in the new Ranger and it was a pleasure to drive over the long distances.
With an incredibly roomy and comfortable cab, it made the trip with my wife and two boys much more enjoyable.
We ended up travelling more than 9000km, including some driving along the beaches and dunes around Coffin Bay where the Ranger handled the conditions with ease. I also had a canopy added to the tray which allowed us to take heaps of gear with us on the holiday.
In fact I was quite amazed how much I could fit in there.
So if you are looking for an excellent, safe (5-star ANCAP rating) and roomy twin cab for the family or a great ute for towing the boat and fishing with plenty of power and great fuel economy, then you can go no further than having a look at a Ford Ranger.
■ Contact Hidden Valley Ford on 8947 7777 to arrange for a test drive. They currently have great deals on 2014-plated Rangers.
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