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Ford Ranger MS-RT is a Europe-exclusive, motorsport-inspired truck

THE Ford Ranger lineup for the European market has been further expanded with the introduction of a new sporty variant called the Ranger MS-RT.

The latest offering from Blue Oval is developed in collaboration with M-Sport (Ford’s partner in rally), but don’t expect it to come with any more power as upgrades are limited to aesthetics.

That being said, the Ranger MS-RT is guaranteed to turn heads with its motorsport-inspired styling. At the front, there’s a honeycomb grille and integrated splitter inspired by extreme Ranger racing trucks that compete in Asia.

The side profile appears lower thanks to sculpted side skirts, while the rear is adorned with an integrated diffuser. The rear tailgate comes with MS-RT graphics and a ducktail spoiler, which is complemented by a cab spoiler.

You may not realise, but the Ranger MS-RT is 82 mm wider than the standard version. The bulging fenders are matched with 21-inch diamond-cut rims wrapped in low-profile 275/45 tyres – the largest wheels ever to be offered on a Ranger.

The interior displays new seats that not only look sportier but also offer better support. They are upholstered in eco-leather and suede with distinctive MS-RT pattern and blue stitching.

Other features include a sports steering wheel with heating and a blue 12 o’clock marker, a 12-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4 infotainment system, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, and Intelligent Speed Limiter.

Under the hood, there’s a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine making 240 PS and 600 Nm. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the new e4WD all-wheel-drive system also found in other Ranger variants.

Despite not getting any additional power, the Ranger MS-RT promises better handling through new, firmer front dampers and retuned rear suspension. Its height has also been reduced by 40 mm, giving the truck a more aggressive stance and greater handling and stability through corners.

More importantly, its capability as a pickup truck remains intact. It can still carry loads of up to 1,000 kg and has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg.

NEWS

2024 Ford Mustang ‘lost’ 52hp for Europe

The increasingly stringent emission regulations have compelled vehicle manufacturers in Europe to take measures such as reducing the number of cylinders or adding turbochargers.

Remarkably, the Ford Mustang for the European market still retains its delicious 5.0-liter V8 naturally-aspirated engine, but there comes some bad news. The engine’s output has been reduced.

The standard version, which previously boasted 440hp, has now been reduced by 40hp to comply with the stringent regulations.

The torque has also been ‘only’ 540Nm, which is 28Nm less than the American version. Nevertheless, European consumers should be grateful that Ford can still offer a car with a V8 engine in today’s era.

The power is still quite impressive. For those who feel it’s not enough, there’s the Dark Horse version. This top-of-the-line Mustang produces 448hp and 540Nm of torque (a reduction of 52hp and 28Nm), and you can even pair it with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

It can accelerate to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 263km/h. Opting for the 10-speed automatic model can achieve 0-100 acceleration in 4.4 seconds, but the top speed is limited to 250km/h.

This new Ford Mustang was introduced in Europe since September 2022; however, it is only now being officially sold. In the UK, it is offered at a price of £55,585 (RM331,842) for the GT model, and £65,585 (RM391,542) for the Dark Horse variant.