Australia’s rugged landscapes are a playground for 4X4 enthusiasts, offering everything from the sun-baked expanses of the Outback to the rainforested slopes of Queensland. It’s no wonder that the 4X4 culture down under is as diverse as the terrain itself, with rigs ranging from utilitarian workhorses to luxury off-roaders. But the latest buzz? The unveiling of the wide-body Ford Ranger MS-RT in the UK, a machine that blurs the lines between a utilitarian ute and a rally car. The question on everyone’s lips: Would Aussie 4X4ers buy a rally car? The XR6 turbo and XR8 utes of yesteryear were wildly popular, so surely there’s a market… right?
Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty of the Ranger MS-RT. Dubbed the “ultimate street truck” by its creators, the UK rally-racing team MS-RT, this beast boasts an aggressive appearance package that includes lowered suspension, 21-inch alloy wheels, and a widebody kit. The aim? To combine aerodynamics and suspension tweaks for improved on-road handling, while retaining the towing and carrying capacity essential for any self-respecting ute.
Under the hood, it’s powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, similar to what Ford offers in Australia but with a slight power decrease to meet European emissions standards. Despite this, it packs a punch with 177kW of power and 600Nm of torque. The Ranger’s overall width has been increased by 82mm, with 275mm-wide tyres and a 40mm wider track on each side to enhance traction and stability. The suspension is also 40mm lower, making for a stance that’s as menacing as it is sporty.
Visually, the Ranger MS-RT is a head-turner, featuring a new honeycomb grille, a deeper front spoiler, side skirts, a rear diffuser-style bumper, a cab spoiler, and a ‘ducktail’ spoiler on the tailgate. Inside, it’s just as impressive, with front sports seats upholstered in synthetic leather and suede, accented with blue contrast stitching, and a heated sports steering wheel with a blue 12 o’clock marker.
Ford Australia has yet to confirm whether this rally-inspired ride will make its way down under. Given the Aussie love for both 4X4ing and motorsports, the Ranger MS-RT could certainly find a niche market among those looking for a vehicle that combines the practicality of a ute with the thrill of a rally car. However, the absence of the previous-generation Ranger MS-RT from Australian shores might temper expectations.
The Australian 4X4 community is known for its adventurous spirit and openness to innovation, but also for a pragmatic approach to vehicle choice, often prioritizing versatility, durability, and off-road capability. The Ranger MS-RT, with its focus on street performance and aesthetic enhancements, might appeal to a specific segment of the market: enthusiasts seeking a daily driver that stands out from the crowd, yet is capable of handling the occasional off-road adventure.
In conclusion, while the Ranger MS-RT’s rally car pedigree and street-focused design present a compelling package, its success in Australia would likely depend on a variety of factors including price, practicality, and how well it can serve the dual purposes of work and play. For those in the 4X4 community looking for something that breaks the mold, the Ranger MS-RT could be a tantalizing option, provided Ford decides to bring it to Aussie shores. Until then, we can only watch, wait, and perhaps start saving up for what could be the ultimate street-legal rally car for the Australian outback.