2023 Ford Ranger: Manual gearbox axed for next-generation ute
Just 1.6 per cent of Ranger buyers in Australia opted for three pedals last year, according to Ford. Now, Australia’s second best-selling ute has gone automatic only.
Ford Australia has confirmed its new 2023 Ford Ranger ute line-up will not be offered with a manual gearbox, citing a lack of consumer demand.
Every previous iteration of the nameplate has been offered with a three-pedal layout since its inception in 1982.
However, according to Ford just 1.6 per cent of buyers were opting for the manual by 2021 – leaving 98.4 per cent in an automatic.
A spokesperson for the marque in Australia told Drive: “With sales volume so low, the decision was taken to remove the manual from [the] next-generation Ranger.”
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six-speed automatic is now standard with the entry-level 2.0-litre single- turbo diesel four-cylinder, while a 10-speed automatic is fitted to the 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 diesels, the latter pair featuring electronic shift levers.Pricing is yet to be confirmed for Australia, however you can read full local specifications for the 2023
Ford Ranger line-up by clicking here.
The prevalence of manual gearboxes has fallen dramatically in recent years, due to buyers’ preference for their ease of use – plus the improved dynamics and efficiency of
torque converter and dual-clutch transmissions. Last year an estimated five per cent of new cars sold in Australia had a manual, down from approximately 30 per cent in 2001.You can view all the new cars still available in Australia with a manual transmission by clicking here.
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