The press release say the all-new Ford Ranger Wildtrak has thorax-protecting front-seat side airbags. (We've provided a diagram if you don't know what that means, or if you happen to have an exoskeleton.)
The Australian-developed Ranger is the first commercial vehicle developed under the One Ford global strategy. But does the Ranger's world include the US? No it doesn't. Still, the Ranger will get towing capacity of 7,385 pounds. Power for fjording (Ford says it can wade into 31.5 inches of water) comes from Ford's 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel (148 hp and 277 ft/lb) and a new 3.2-liter 5-cylinder diesel (197 hp and 347 ft/lb).
Ford's offering the Ranger — produced in Thailand, South Africa and Argentina for more than 180 markets worldwide (but not the US) in three cab body styles, 4x2 and 4x4, two ride heights and up to five series choices. So why no Ranger for the US? It's been reported that the deciding factor was size. The Ranger is 90 percent of the size of the F-150.
The Ranger also gets a sort of hybrid-like Smart Regenerative Charging system that shuts off the alternator during acceleration and turns it on during deceleration, improving fuel economy. Ford also says the Wildtrak has a stiffer frame, highly tuned aerodynamics, ground clearance of up to nine inches and driveline components mounted above the frame rail. Look for one somewhere not near you, if you live in the US.