AUTOMATIC CHOICE
Ford's next-generation Ranger, a significant new model not just for the 4x4 and ute markets but for the overall new-car market in Australia, isn't available with a manual gearbox.
No manual, of course, in Toyota's 300 Series LandCruiser, as there wasn't with the 200 Series. And you can no longer buy a manual Prado or a manual in the other popular 4x4 wagons: Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. There's also a good chance the next-generation Hilux will be auto-only, at least in up-spec 4x4 variants.
Meanwhile over at Land Rover/Range Rover, manual gearboxes disappeared long ago, while Jeep doesn't offer a manual at all, not even in the Wrangler Rubicon.
Lack of buyer demand, claims Ford, is the reason it doesn't offer a manual in the new Ranger. A manual is available with the new Ranger in some overseas markets, just not here in Australia. Lack of buyer demand is also the reason why Toyota dropped the manual option from the Prado.
This story is from the January 2023 edition of 4x4 Magazine Australia.
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This story is from the January 2023 edition of 4x4 Magazine Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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