The Ford Ranger MS-RT – a sporty ‘street truck’ version of Australia’s best-selling vehicle – is now a stronger chance to go on sale locally, after launching in Thailand.
Unveiled in February, the Ranger MS-RT is an on-road performance version of the popular dual-cab 4×4 ute, developed by MS-RT, which is an offshoot of Ford’s rally partner M-Sport.
Though it initially launched in Europe and the UK, Ford has now released the Ranger MS-RT in Thailand, opening the door for a potential Australian debut.
“We have no news to share around Ranger MS-RT for Australia right now,” a Ford Australia spokesperson told CarExpert.
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While the latest Ranger MS-RT, based on the new-generation ute launched in 2022, is not yet confirmed for Australia, previous versions were available here via MS-RT Australia, and the new model will be produced for the first time in Thailand, which has strong links with our local market.
All Australian-delivered Ford Rangers – with the exception of the upcoming Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which is built alongside the Volkswagen Amarok in South Africa – are produced in Thailand.
The new Ranger MS-RT modifications are also applied by the Thai-based RMA Group, a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier which not only fits third-party upgrades to the Blu Oval’s vehicles, but also in-house in some markets.
RMA Automotive is responsible for the left- to right-hand drive remanufacturing of the Ford F-150 in Melbourne, allowing the carmaker to sell its pickup in local showrooms.
The Ranger MS-RT features a raft of changes – both cosmetic and mechanical – compared to the ute upon which it’s based.
This includes upgraded rear suspension and firmer front dampers, as well as a 40mm lower ride height and 40mm wider track width to give the Ranger “greater handling precision and stability through corners”.
A set of 21-inch diamond-cut wheels shod in low-profile 275/45R21 tyres fill the guards, which have been widened to bulk out the Ranger’s overall width by 82mm.
A new front bumper and splitter and a restyled, honeycomb grille sit up front, while down back there’s a unique rear bumper with integrated diffuser, plus a ducktail spoiler and cab spoiler.
Ford claims they’re not just for show, saying the spoilers were “optimised using computer simulations to assist with overall aerodynamic balance and to enhance high-speed stability”.
Inside, there are new front seats with grippier bolsters. All five seats are finished in leatherette and suede upholstery with blue stitching and distinctive patterning.
The only area in which the Ranger MS-RT hasn’t been upgraded is its drivetrain, which remains as a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system.
At present, the Ford Ranger Platinum V6 is the flagship of the model’s on-road lineup in Australia, priced from $80,640 before on-road costs.
The Ranger Raptor – which is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 and is set up for high-performance off-road driving – currently caps the range at $90,440 plus on-road costs.
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