FORD Philippines invited 10 local media personalities and bloggers to test-drive its top-of-the-line Ford Ranger pick-up series during a two-day event called Cebu Media Drive in March 2019.
The group was divided into two-car convoys, each using Ford’s top-of-the-line Ranger Bi-Turbo Wildtrak 4x4 AT and Turbo Wildtrak 4x2 Atm, respectively. They switched cars halfway to West 35, a mountain resort located about 50 kilometers west from the Ford Philippines Cebu Display Center at Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City. The convoy traversed a rugged route across Cebu City hinterland barangays to test the prowess of the new Ranger Wildtrak model, besides its lifestyle-designed look.
Ford Philippines launched the new model of the Ford Ranger late last year equipped with enhanced power, performance, and smart and safe features. This is Ford’s answer to one auto industry update which says the hottest global trend now is the growing popularity of pick-up trucks as lifestyle vehicles.
The new “Built For Tough” Ranger expands on its capacities and off-road credentials to best complement and enable the wide-ranging diversity of its customers’ work and lifestyles.
The new Ranger offers a choice of three diesel powertrains to deliver greater versatility and consumer demands: 2.0L Bi-Turbo and 2.0L Turbo engines and the Ranger’s proven 2.2L: TDCI engine.
“The new Ranger will continue to build on its already strong and widening appeal among Filipino customers, setting a new benchmark in the country’s growing pick-up truck segment,” said Bert Lessard, managing director of Ford Philippines
The Cebu Media Drive’s tortuous route highlighted the latest Ford Ranger new generation features like the 10-speed automatic transmission and the Autonomous Emergency Banking (AEB) which detects pedestrians and vehicles.
Wow! The 10 drivers exclaimed as they easily maneuvered through rough and narrow, winding roads beside steep cliffs.
Jesse Jake Daan of jessekake.com said he likes the easy maneuvering of the vehicle downhill and uphill and sideways.
“What I like first is the look. That’s my first consideration in buying a car,” said Carlo Andrew Olano of kalamicebu.com.
Meanwhile, Jonas Panerio of istorya.net was amazed by the power of the Ford machine.
Ford Philippines’ Cebu Media Drive was the first of its kind launched by the company outside Metro Manila.
“We will replicate this kind of event in other parts of the country,” said EJ Francisco, assistant vice president for communications of Ford Philippines.