Ford Australia will treat light commercial vehicle buyers to a preview of the new V6-powered PH Courier at the 2004 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

On display prior to its official launch, the Courier V6 offers class leading power and torque from its mighty 4.0-litre V6 engine, as well as the option of a sophisticated five-speed automatic transmission on Crew Cab models.

“The Courier range will soon boast six-cylinder power for the first time in its long history,” Falcon Ute and Courier Brand Marketing Manager Damon Paull said.

“With class leading power and torque, the Courier V6 is set to become the new benchmark for customers wanting big six-cylinder performance in conjunction with Courier's renowned workhorse capabilities and light truck versatility.”

Due to go on sale in 2005, the PH Courier V6 employs a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 154kW of power and 323Nm of torque.

It will be offered in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, with the choice of new five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions and a range of body styles and specification levels, providing customers with an even greater selection of Courier models to choose from.

“As well as the awesome power and torque of the new V6 engine, the PH Courier V6 range will come loaded with a host of new features and design improvements,” Paull said.

In addition to the list of enhancements introduced with the recent PH upgrade, Courier V6 will also feature an 80-litre fuel tank, standard air conditioning and a large double-lid centre console storage compartment with integrated arm rest and ‘cooler box’.

Crew Cab models feature headrests for the outer seating positions on the rear bench seat, as well as a rear seat centre armrest with two in-built cup holders, while 4x4 models showcase the centre console-mounted 2WD-4WD-4WD Low selector switch in conjunction with the electronic remote front wheel hub lock.

“The introduction of Courier V6 will raise the stakes in the ultra competitive light truck market,” Paull said.