FORD Philippines had a surprise waiting for the motoring media last Sept. 2.
What had initially looked like another gathering before a scheduled drive turned into a double launch at Okada Manila in Parañaque City, where Ford pulled the covers off refreshed versions of two of its most important models: the Ranger pickup and Everest SUV.
The new Everest Platinum finally brings Ford’s 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel to the Philippine-market SUV, producing 250 PS and 600 Nm. FORD PHOTOS
The bigger news was what was underneath the hood.
Ford is bringing more V6 power into its Philippine lineup, led by three new Ranger variants and, perhaps more significantly for families, the arrival of a V6-powered Everest Platinum.
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The unveiling was followed by a ride-and-drive involving much of the Ford lineup, taking the media through roads in Tanay, Rizal and Batangas. There was enough driving involved to warrant a separate story, so for now, the focus is on what Ford has added to the showroom.
At the top of the refreshed Ranger range is the new Wildtrak X 3.0L V6 4×4 Diesel, priced at P2.609 million.
Its 3.0-liter turbodiesel produces 250 PS and 600 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque, sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system.
Unlike the regular Wildtrak, the Wildtrak X has been set up with a stronger off-road bias. It sits higher, rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires and uses Bilstein dampers. Metal underbody protection, a bash plate, and skid plate are also part of the package.
It also gets an electronic locking rear differential and Ford’s Terrain Management System, equipment that should make it considerably more useful once the road turns into dirt, mud, or something resembling neither.
For buyers who want the V6 without the more specialized off-road hardware, Ford is also offering the Ranger Wildtrak 3.0L V6 4×4 Diesel at P2.469 million.
It uses the same 250 PS, 600 Nm engine and 10-speed automatic transmission but retains the more familiar Wildtrak formula. Exterior changes include a new grille center bar with Ignite Orange accents, 18-inch alloy wheels and a black sports hoop.
Then there is the Ranger Raptor 3.0L V6 EcoBoost 4×4, which remains the enthusiast choice.
Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo gasoline V6 produces 397 PS and 583 Nm, also paired with a 10-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel drive. The Raptor continues to use electronically controlled FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve internal-bypass shock absorbers and gets selectable exhaust modes ranging from Quiet to Baja.
The updated Raptor is priced at P2.879 million.
What Ford has effectively done is widen the gap between the Ranger variants. There is now a clearer progression from the regular Wildtrak, to the more trail-oriented Wildtrak X, and finally to the considerably more extreme Raptor.
The bigger surprise for SUV buyers may be the new Everest Platinum 3.0L V6 4×4.
For years, the Everest has shared much of its basic architecture with the Ranger, but Philippine-market buyers have not had access to the Ranger’s larger V6 diesel in the SUV.
That changes now.
The Platinum gets the same 250 PS and 600 Nm 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive.
At P2.849 million, it becomes the flagship of the local Everest range.
Ford has also given the Platinum the equipment expected at that price point: quilted leather seats, heated, and ventilated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory, a 12-speaker B&O audio system, Matrix LED headlamps, and 21-inch wheels.
The rest of the Everest lineup continues with four-cylinder diesel engines.
The Everest Wildtrak 2.0L Turbo 4×4, priced at P2.669 million, gets 20-inch alloy wheels, Ignite Orange exterior details and corresponding Wildtrak interior accents.
Below it is the Everest Sport+ 2.0L Turbo 4×2 at P2.219 million, which gains a 12-inch infotainment screen together with adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centering, a 360-degree camera, and blind spot information system.
The Everest Active 2.0L Turbo 4×2, meanwhile, starts the range at P1.949 million and now gets a 12-inch screen, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and additional driver-assistance systems.
A 10-speed automatic transmission is now standard across the Everest lineup.
Neither launch represents an entirely new generation, but the changes are more substantial than the usual new wheels-and-colors exercise.
Ford has used this update to spread its 3.0-liter V6 diesel farther across the lineup and, in the case of the Ranger, give buyers more distinct choices depending on how seriously they intend to venture off pavement.
The Everest Platinum is perhaps the more interesting addition because it finally gives Philippine buyers the engine many have long associated with the more expensive versions of the Ranger.
And with 600 Nm available in both the Ranger Wildtrak V6 models and Everest Platinum, there should be no shortage of torque.
How much difference that makes once the vehicles leave the ballroom and start dealing with Philippine roads is another question.
We got the chance to find out during the drive through Tanay and Batangas immediately after the launch. But, as they say, that’s another story. Anjo Perez