PickupTrucks.Com Tests New Pack Of Global Mid-Size Trucks
August 31st, 2012 8:32 AM
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Ford Ranger. Volkswagen Amarok. Toyota Hilux. Chevrolet…err…Holden Colorado. These are the mid-size pickups that are unavailable to us Americans, a once thriving segment now hollowed out by market economics and unfavorable CAFE regulations. But the crew at PickupTrucks.com managed to wrangle the four up in Australia, and pick a winner in the segment. Read all about it here. We won’t spoil the surprise.
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I'm guessing Aussie diesel emission regs are much more Euro-like than US-like. So they get diesels that work like "good old" US diesels with nice high compression, non-monster amounts of EGR, and lean AFR at part throttle for good economy. Nice looking trucks, but @ 50 grand maybe my value system is irreversibly off.
CAFE is not the only thing going against non-huge trucks, but it is one thing. Making a smaller vehicle is simplest way to increase efficiency. You can avoid expensive, complex technologies like Aluminum, hybrids, etc. with a lighter, more streamlined, smaller-engine vehicle. The new CAFE law penalizes smaller vehicle by applying higher mpg mandates to smaller vehicles ("foot print", wheelbase * track). Do google search under "Ford f150 wsj" you'll see that Ford is planning to use a large amount of aluminum in future F150 to meet CAFE. This is expensive and costs more to repair. What if Ford had achieved weight savings with a smaller truck made of simpler less expensive materials? CAFE would let them, it would have required an even higher mpg and thus means you gotta use exotic technology on all vehicles. As mentioned diesel regulations also hurt, but incentive to add diesel to small truck is less. Modern diesels add 3-4 k$, this is easier to justify with a giant truck. You save a lot more going from 15 to 20 mpg then going from 24 to 32 mpg. Where the new CAFE discourages small trucks it encourages HUGE trucks. The super-duties etc will not be regulated. Get ready for lots lots more 6500 lb F350's.
" The Tacoma emphasizes comfort, ride, and affordability while the HiLux is a work truck for places where there are no 3/4 ton turbo diesels." Hilux's are the same. A Lot are bought as "cars" The Upmarket Hilux is very similar to the Upmarket Tacoma
"outback ute said "Not quite true Robert, the base Ranger comes with a 2.5 4cyl gas engine and 5sp. Single cab 4×2 only, $19,790 RRP." You are right forgot about that offering. I would say very few would take it up and it is bit of an anomaly with most of the new Pickups dropping their gas options entirely.