Ford has had to delete a feature from its outgoing Ranger due to the semiconductor shortage, but for some buyers this might not be bad news.
Automatic stop/start, often a polarising feature among new car buyers, has been struck off the feature list for most Ranger models.
“Due to semi-conductor supply constraints, and to ensure customers receive their vehicles without additional delay, certain Rangers arriving in Australia from January 2022 are not being produced with Auto Stop/Start,” said a spokesperson for Ford Australia.
“This includes Ranger Double Cab XL, XLT, FX4, Wildtrak and Wildtrak X models fitted with our 2.0L BiTurbo engine with 10-speed automatic transmission.”
The Everest, which uses the same engine, is unaffected.
The removal of auto stop/start follows the recent removal of a 230V power outlet for an entirely different reason.
Available until the so-called ‘MY21.75’ Ranger, Everest and Transit sold since June 2021, Ford says its ‘universal socket’ fell afoul of local regulations.
“While the socket is compatible with Australian plugs, the AS/NZS 3112 Standard (‘Approval and test specification for plugs and socket-outlets’) requires a socket that matches an Australian plug specifically as opposed to a universal, multiway configuration,” said a Ford Australia spokesperson.
“We reiterate that our power inverter system has been designed to Ford’s own global engineering standards, and customers who already have a Ranger, Everest or Transit fitted with these sockets can continue to use them.”
The same regulations have also forced Ford to introduce its next-generation Ranger sans the 400W inverter and plug in the tub that’ll be available in other markets.
The company says it’s working with the regulator to resolve this issue.
Ford has also removed the tailgate lock barrel on Ranger Wildtrak and Raptor models, however these models still feature a tailgate that can be unlocked using the key fob. CD players have also been binned across both the Ranger and Everest lines.
MORE: 2022 Ford Ranger’s clever tub details
While a few items have been removed from the Ranger in the lead-up to the new generation’s launch, Ford has also made adaptive cruise control standard in the popular XLT trim level plus the FX4 and FX4 Max.
It’s also expanded the availability of the 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, which can now be had in 4×4 XL Super Cab Chassis, 4×4 XL Double Cab Chassis and 4×4 XL Double Cab Pickup variants.
MORE: Everything Ford Ranger
