Sime Darby Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd is a subsidiary of the mega Sime Darby entity which came into being more than 60 years ago. The group’s interest ranges from plantation, motor, energy & utility, healthcare and plantation with manpower strength of more than 100,000. This Auto Connexion subsidiary was set up in 2008 as the sole Ford distributor after a rationalisation exercise of the various motor divisions with the view of being lean and more effective in coping with the overall downturn in the global economy. It is also unique as there are a number of marques in its stable but the front line personnel are brand dedicated. Although set-up only last year, the division has many experienced personnel and some long time stalwarts in the Malaysian automotive industry.

As a 4x4, Ford is the brand that can be credited as being the initial creator of the 1-tonne pick-up truck segment. Prior to the arrival of similar models from the land of the rising sun, the segment was solely dominated by Ford. Even until today, a Ford pick-up is still considered as the benchmark. Today though, with some many models to choose from, the market place has become so competitive and at the same time there are many pretenders with claims of being an absolute work horse but to match the ‘Built tough’ Ford is not a simple matter. It is pedigree to say the least as far as pick-up trucks, Ford had always been way ahead of the competition. With the segment showing healthy growth in numbers, the Ranger will reinforce its rightful place.

With a DNA of a work horse, the design of the Ranger underlines the masculinity all the way. Taking the hues from the legendary F-150 in the US, the grille comes in a three-bar form with ‘Ranger’ embossed. To many this may seem not too contemporary but in this segment, softening the ruggedness will defeat the main purpose of being a tough and versatile companion. The mesh grille and the twin vertical nostrils plus the large opening below the bumper are in place not only for improving the appearance but also to add functionality in providing better air-flow to the air conditioning system and the turbo intercooler. The sports bar and side step come standard compared with most other models which is an added plus. The wrap around large head lamps and the neat execution of the tail lamps will make the Ranger stand out in any environment.

The area of application for the Ranger is literally anywhere meaning in the urban jungle and equally off-road, off the beaten track plus also the real jungle. Many may recall the ‘Lanun Darat’ club which used the Ranger as their means of transport and no other. For the fleet managers in plantation, transport, telecommunication, businessmen and many others needing a versatile work horse, the Ranger will face little competition.

For the added assurance of after sales, there are 21 outlets in Peninsular Malaysia and 8 in East Malaysia. Of these, 24 offer full 3S facilities that will make the ownership experience much more fruitful. In an attempt to have more presence in the market, more centres are planned to be opened within the next few years. This certainly underlines the brand’s commitment to their valued customers.

Open the door and step inside to note the substantial car-like features of this Ranger in the form of the colour hue that is the ever dependable grey colour with the seats sporting fabric material. The interior harmony is a point which gives this double-cab a car-like feel and presence. There is also an arm-rest to further underline this fact. The centre facia holds the climate control with an AM/FM tuner and a CD player while below it is a 12-volt power input with AUX input for the MP3 or iPod devices. The dash even has a pull-out tray above the glove compartment to place you notebook or diary and be a work station. Even more is available in the form of a water bottle holder on the driver’s door, storage space for CDs and bottle holder for front passenger. The steering wheel is four-spoke plus it is well proportioned for apt responsiveness and manoeuvring. For the instrument cluster, there are 3-dails with matt metallic rims as highlights and red illumination for better around visibility both during the day and night. The rear seats felt firm and the leg room offered should fit most of normal proportions.

The powertrain is the inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve 2.5-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine that comes complete with an intercooler and variable geometric turbocharger. It is rated to produce 141 PS at 3500 rpm and the torque of 330 Nm at 1800 rpm. If this compared with similar pick-ups in the market, the Ranger will more than stands on its own. During our test, we recorded the speed of 110km/h at 2300 rpm and 120 km/h at 2600 rpm. This was the result of mainly driving around town in the 2H gear position and only sparingly the 4H and 4L positions.  The engine felt willing to accommodate the demands of the driver without displaying features of resistance. With the mating of the 5-speed manual transmission, the couple are a comfortable match. The fuel tank capacity is 70 litres and in our test we consumed about 35 % that delivered 236 km. One of the features that deserve mention is the added attention paid to reduce road noise in the cabin. The low range gearing ratio makes this vehicle extremely versatile in all condition especially with the added steel plating for the essential components.

The cross-braced ladder chassis as opposed to the H-beam or open-beam types adds more character by way of better ride & handling, towing and loading. The front suspension is double wishbone with torsion bar springs while the rear is long-leaf with 32mm gas shock absorbers.

This package is made more formidable with the safety features like the EBD, ABS and the torque sensing limited slip differential in the rear axel that helps optimize torque balance in the rear wheels. The stopping power is in the form of the four-sensor, three-channel, four-wheel antilock braking system. Ventilated disc are the front brakes and rear being drum with LSPV. Airbags are also available for the front occupants with the seats equipped with seat belt pretensioners.

For warranty, it is 3 years or 100,000 km which ever comes first while for 24 hours auto assist, the Auto Connexion Voice toll free number is 1 800 883 181. Under the Sime Darby Motors Insurance program which is underwritten by AIG and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, customers stand to enjoy a host of benefits which include:

1) 24-hour toll-free emergency towing and roadside repair up to RM 300.00
2) No premium loading and excess for up to 15 years
3) Deferred betterment for up to 10 years
4) Approval within 24 hours for car repairs estimated below RM 20,000
5) Genuine auto parts from Sime Darby Auto Connexion

The colours offered are Winning Blue, Cool White, Arizona Gold, Titanium Gray, Black Mica and Silver Metallic with the on-the-road company registration price in Peninsula Malaysia of RM 93,341.51 for the Automatic XLT (full-specs) variant and RM 87,177.71 for the Manual XLT (full-specs) variant. There is also a lower-spec Ranger 4x4 XL Turbo Diesel with Intercooler variant priced at RM 76,877.41 for company registration, including insurance.

Prices valid as on 2 July 2009.