Launched: Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0 Bi-Turbo Diesel – RM248,888!

The 'baby' Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0 Bi-Turbo Diesel has landed!

Malaysian Ford vehicles distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) sees its Next-Generation Ranger pick-up truck line up grow further today as it introduces a new addition in the form of the new Ranger Raptor 2.0 Bi-Turbo Diesel variant.

Slotting between the range-topping Ranger Wildtrak and flagship V6-powered Ranger Raptor, this ‘baby’ version of the latter is visually similar to said flagship. It only lacks racing stripes, as well as twin-tailpipes.

Unlike the flagship V6 version, this 'baby' Raptor makes do without racing stripes and twin-tailpipes.

The big difference lies underneath as this ‘baby’ Raptor swaps out the flagship’s monstrous petrol V6 mill for Ford’s more ‘sensible’ and award-winning 2.0-litre 4-cyl bi-turbo diesel mill instead. This mill is similar to what's primed in the Wildtrak and XLT Plus variants, offering 210 PS and 500 NM.

The powertrain is similar to that primed in the XLT Plus and Wildtrak, offering 210 PS and 500 NM.

Also derived from the Wildtrak are both the full-blown 4x4 driveline and selectable drive modes, albeit with several key differences. Amongst them is the absence of a front diff-lock, followed by the addition of the sporty ‘Baja’ drive mode that’s tailored exclusively for the Raptor variants.

Like the flagship V6-powered Raptor, this ‘baby’ version also benefits with a set of beefed up Fox 2.5-inch Internal Bypass shock absorbers. However, said hardware isn’t laced further with the intelligent ‘live’ (adaptive) damping suite as found in the pricier V6-powered flagship.

Beefy Fox 2.5-inch Internal Bypass shocks are present, but they lack 'live' (active) damping in this 'baby' variant.

Matching said sporty suspension hardware are the inclusion of BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2 tyres shod on all four corners. Other key Raptor-specific features present include a pair of supportive sports front seats upholstered in leather and alcantara, as well as decorative Raptor and Ford Performance badges in the seats, side sill and dash.

Beyond which, much of the features primed on board mirror closely with the range-topping Wildtrak variant. Included are things like the 12.4-inch digital driver’s display and 12-inch portrait-oriented central infotainment unit, the latter offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

There’s also a thumping 8-speaker bang & Olufsen premium audio suite present, plus a Qi wireless charging pad.

Things look and feel familiar here too, and it's loaded with plenty of bells and whistles as seen
in the Wildtrak.

As for safety, the list again mirrors the Wildtrak variant as it includes 7 airbags, plus a full swing of active drive assists (ADAS) such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-Go and Lane-Centering, Blind-Spot Info System, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Evasive Steer Assist. Included too are things like a 360-degree camera feature.

Simply put, if you already liked what the Wildtrak had to offer but still yearn for  sporty driving, then the new Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0 Bi-Turbo Diesel could be the ideal choice, provided you don’t mind meeting its rather steep asking price of RM248,888 sans insurance and on-road costs.

Yes, said price sees this ‘baby’ Raptor costing RM79,200 more than the Wildtrak below it, and just RM11,000 less than the V6-powered flagship. If it eases your mind, a 5-year or 160,000 KM warranty is included, which can be extended to 7 years via the optional PremiumCare extended warranty.

Costing RM248,888, it's safe to say that this 'baby' version of the Ranger Raptor is no bargain!

Additionally, the first 300 customers of the new Ranger Raptor 2.0 Bi-Turbo Diesel will also benefit with a Kenwood DRV-A700W forward and rear dashcam set added for free. Said early customers will also benefit with a RM500 discount promo code for the Ford Ranger Getaways.

What do you folks reckon, then? Keen on this ‘baby’ version of the Next-Generation Ford Ranger Raptor? Hit the comments below – and via our social platforms – with your thoughts!