Ford Ranger Wins Truck of the Year 2014- 2015
For two consecutive years, the Ford Ranger has been hailed the Truck of the Year- Philippines (TOTY-P) from the Car Awards Group, Inc. The Ranger was selected out of sixty other entries that were tested last October in Filinvest City Alabang during the group’s four day testing event.
CAGI tested 64 extensively revised cars of different sizes for the Truck of the Year 2014 event from the subcompact hatchback the Toyota Wigo to the luxury car the Rolls-Royce Wraith. CAGI is an organization of motoring journalists who hold the yearly event to raise car buyer’s awareness of the best car models available on the local market.
Performance of the Ford Ranger
The Ranger has two powerplant options: a 2.2 liter Inline 4-Cylinder Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) 16 Valve engine which produces 150 horsepower and 375 of torque; and an Inline 5-Cylinder 3.2 DOHC 20 Valve engine which sports 200 horsepower and 470 of torque. The latter is available on the Ford Ranger Wildtrak with 4x4 drivetrain.
When driven in highway conditions, this pickup can reach a top speed of more than 180 kilometers per hour and can pounce from 0-100 kph in around 12 seconds. The Ranger has an average fuel efficiency rating of 13 km/L, when driven in extra-urban conditions.
Features and equipment
The Ford Ranger’s main selling point is its ahead-of the competition sporty design. Unlike most of its competitors that go with the preppy and luxurious look, the Ranger stayed true to its contemporary design which has dark trim elements on the side mirrors, door handles, bumpers and grille. Its non-LED tail lamps and non-projector headlamps are mated with 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Ranger’s all black cabin is accentuated by Casio G-Shock inspired detailing on its instrument panel and carbon fiber inserts that make it both ergonomic and functional. Leather-fabric combination covered seats streamline its interior which has a lot to offer in terms of headroom and legroom.
Other equipment (including those installed on the Wildtrak) include dual-zone climate control, automatic headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
Mini Cooper S grabs Car of the Year award
The small but stylish Mini Cooper S went out to win this year’s Car of the Year- Philippines (COTY-P). The Cooper replaced the midsize compact car the Mazda 6 in the prestigious award. This car's strong points are its powerful 192 horsepower 2.0 liter gasoline engine and its fuel economy of 21.7 km/L. A brand new unit costs P2.7 million.
Sponsors
The 2014-2015 Car of the Year Philippines was sponsored by some of the country’s top brands and institutions from the automotive industry including Caltex with Techron, the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), Team Spyder, Victoria Court, Brother’s Burger, Columbia Sportswear, Incubus Solutions, Winner Graphics and MG Madrid & Company.
