In every aspect of life, be it work, family, or leisure, prioritizing safety is of utmost importance. The forthcoming generation of the Ford Ranger is poised to raise the bar by offering cutting-edge crash protection features and driver assistance technologies, instilling greater confidence on the road.
This blend of passive and active safety components, encompassing elements like vehicle structure and airbags, along with advanced driver assistance technologies, designed to preemptively avert collisions, forms the core of Ford's upcoming Ranger evolution.
Dedicated Ford engineers invested countless hours in the development and validation of the next-gen Ranger's safety attributes. This meticulous process involved a dual approach, combining computer simulations and the most extensive physical testing regimen ever executed by Ford outside of Europe and the United States.
A plethora of computer-aided engineering (CAE) models were meticulously constructed to scrutinize diverse accident scenarios. These ranged from full-frontal impacts to frontal offset crashes, pole tests, rear offset collisions, pedestrian impacts, roof crush evaluations, and more. Additionally, a battery of physical tests was conducted to ensure the vehicle's safety performance aligned with the CAE modeling.
Franco Moras, Vehicle Safety Manager at Ford Australia, emphasized the brand's commitment to safety, building on the robust legacy of the Ranger's "Built Ford Tough" heritage. He stated that customers demand the ability to travel safely with their loved ones and transport cargo with confidence. The next-generation Ranger not only empowers them to tackle work and family activities but also provides the safety and peace of mind they desire, thanks to a host of new driver assistance technologies and safety features.
Key Features Enhancing Safety and Confidence in the Ranger:
1. (NEW) Far-side Airbag: Introducing a new far-side airbag that separates the driver and front passenger, reducing the risk of collision impact between them. This elevates the total airbag count to nine, inclusive of front driver and passenger airbags, dual knee airbags, dual seat side thorax airbags, and dual side curtain airbags, varying by model and market.
2. (NEW) Post-Collision Braking: Ford's post-collision braking system engages the brakes following an initial collision to minimize the chances of secondary collisions. It applies moderate brake pressure automatically after an initial impact.
3. (ENHANCED) Pre-Collision Assist: This system utilizes a wide-view windshield-mounted camera and front bumper radar to scan the road ahead, detecting potential collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists directly in front of the Ranger. It issues audible and visual warnings upon detecting an imminent collision, with the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system engaging automatically if the driver's response is inadequate.
4. (ENHANCED) Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): The AEB system, part of the smart technology safety suite, has been enhanced to include cyclist and pedestrian detection and the ability to provide AEB support at intersections in specific scenarios. This advanced feature aids in reducing the severity of frontal collisions when corrective action is not taken by the driver.
5. Forward Collision Warning: In cases of potential frontal collisions, the forward collision warning system alerts the driver with an audible warning tone that also mutes the audio system.
6. Dynamic Brake Support: This system assists the driver in situations where additional braking support is needed by "pre-charging" the brakes. It lowers the emergency brake-assist threshold for quicker reactions. Notably, DBS does not automatically activate the brakes but provides full-force braking when the brake pedal is pressed, even if lightly.
7. (NEW) Evasive Steer Assist: A pioneering feature, Evasive Steer Assist, aids the driver in avoiding potential collisions with slower or stopped vehicles by offering steering assistance. It reduces the steering effort when braking alone won't prevent a collision. The system operates at both urban and highway speeds, utilizing the same camera and radar as the Pre-collision Assist feature.
8. (NEW) Reverse Brake Assist: Designed to prevent or mitigate potential collisions while reversing, this system detects moving vehicles, stationary pedestrians, and objects behind the Ranger. It can apply the brakes momentarily if the driver fails to react promptly.
9. (NEW) BLIS® with Trailer Coverage: Recognizing that Ford Ranger customers often tow trailers, the blind spot information system (BLIS) has been improved to incorporate trailer coverage, a first not just for the Ranger but for the segment as a whole. This system can be customized based on the trailer's dimensions, enhancing safety during lane changes and freeway merging.
10. (NEW) Lane-Keeping System with Road Edge Detection: Tailored for use on rural roads at speeds ranging from 65km/h, this system employs a front camera to monitor road edges up to 50 meters ahead, whether in daylight or darkness. It provides gentle steering support when necessary to prevent the vehicle from veering off the road. If the driver remains too close to the edge after initial support, the system vibrates the steering wheel as a prompt to steer back to the lane's center.
11. (NEW) Cross Traffic Alert: Navigating tricky reversing situations becomes less stressful with the next-gen Ford Ranger's Cross Traffic Alert system. Active when shifting into reverse, it notifies the driver of approaching vehicles from the sides, offering peace of mind when reversing from driveways onto streets or out of busy parking spots.
12. (NEW) Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go: A novel addition to the Ford Ranger is adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go feature. This feature allows drivers to set a cruising speed, automatically maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front. When the lead vehicle slows down, the Ranger follows suit, even coming to a stop in traffic. When traffic accelerates, the Ranger resumes its pre-set speed and distance. The system can also adjust cruise speed based on traffic sign recognition. It incorporates Lane Centering Assist, utilizing onboard cameras to detect lane markings and provide continuous steering support for staying centered within the lane.
These advancements in safety and driver assistance technologies highlight Ford's commitment to providing a safer and more confident driving experience in the next-generation Ranger. Note that specific feature availability may vary by market, with precise details communicated upon launch.
In summary, the forthcoming Ford Ranger is poised to redefine safety standards in its segment, blending advanced safety features and driver aids to ensure road safety and instill confidence among drivers, whether at work or with loved ones.
