SDAC Ford Teases New Model – Ford Ranger V6 Coming Soon?

SDAC Ford has put up a new model teaser at its official website. V6-powered Ford Ranger coming soon?

It appears that Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) Ford, the official importer and distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, is gearing up for a new model launch. As indicated on its official website, this mysterious new model will be launched later on Aug 23 this year, with a caption that reads, “We're unveiling a machine built to ignite your senses.”

On the official landing page, this mysterious new model is being described as “Power redefined,” along with a teaser image of said model, with the only visible bit being its headlights. This clearly indicates that the new model might be a new version or variant of the current-gen Ranger pick-up truck.

Prior to this, we reported that SDAC Ford was planning to introduce the V6 diesel-powered version of the Ranger Wildtrak in Malaysia. The V6 Wildtrak is already on sale in other popular right-hand drive (RHD) markets like Australia and Thailand, thus further fuelling said rumour.

Current-gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 Diesel

For reference, both the Aussie and Thai-spec Ranger Wildtrak V6 diesel boast a total system output of 250 PS and 600 NM, while being mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox and a full-time 4x4 driveline.

The current Ranger lineup in Malaysia only features two powertrain options, namely the 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel used on all variants, including Wildtrak, as well as the more potent 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 petrol used on the Ranger Raptor.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.0 Bi-Turbo Diesel

Should SDAC Ford really decide to introduce the V6 diesel variant of the Ranger Wildtrak in Malaysia, we can expect the model to fetch a slightly higher premium over the standard Wildtrak, possibly around the RM200,000 mark. For reference, the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel Ranger Wildtrak currently retails at RM171,888 on-the-road, with said model fully imported (CBU) from Thailand, just like the rest of the current-gen Ranger lineup.

That said, it could be difficult to speculate just how well received this new V6-engined version of the Ranger Wildtrak will be in the local market, given that sales of diesel-powered vehicles have sharply declined since the rationalised diesel fuel price subsidy scheme.

Given said circumstances, we’d reckon it’ll be better if SDAC Ford decides to offer the Ranger with other petrol-powered versions, like both the 2.3-litre and 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 options offered in some markets. But then again, would you prefer your Ranger to be diesel- or petrol-powered?