The Ford effect
The new Ford Ranger FX4 has been given a significant revamp since the first model made its appearance in 2017. These days, says it’s rather fancy.
The Ranger FX4 is based on the 2 ℓ single-turbo XLT double cab and is available in 4x2 and 4x4 versions. Ford says its special versions of the Ranger XLT offer unmatched fuel economy, a sleek new look and a host of electronic features, including the FordPass Connect making its first appearance in the FX4 (from now, it will come standard in all new Ranger XL, XLS, XLT, Wildtrak and Raptor models).
What do we have here?
“Following the success of the Ford Ranger Thunder, it’s clear that there is demand among South African buyers for exclusive, value-added derivatives that offer a premium level of style and features, particularly in the growing leisure-oriented pickup segment,” says Neale Hill, MD of Ford SA. “The FX4 broadens our Ranger line-up, which is produced at our Silverton Plant in Pretoria.”
In short: Ford has learnt from Simba that the more flavours of the same product you introduce, the more chips you sell.
Inside and out
The interior gets plush upholstery with flashy red stitching on the seams as well as FX4 emblems printed on the backrests of the front seats and embroidered on the floor mats. Even the dash, doors, gear lever and steering wheel boast red thread to confirm you’re now inside a special vehicle.
The SYNC3 multimedia system is standard in the FX4 and consists of voice activation, a 8” touchscreen, two USB sockets and Bluetooth. There’s also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so your FX4 can access apps like Google Maps and Waze from your phone.
Speaking of apps: download FordPass Connect on your smartphone and use this app to lock and unlock your bakkie’s doors remotely, turn on the engine, switch on airconditioning, and check fuel and oil levels – you can even locate your FX4 in a parking lot if you forget where you left it. The only requirement for the system to work is that both your phone and your FX4 have access to the internet.
Externally, the FX4 gets a black grille taken from the Ranger Thunder, LED daytime running lights as well as the standard LED headlights that are already available on the XLT, Wildtrak and Raptor. It also gets black wing mirrors, door trim and alloys. The latter is 18” compared to the regular XLT’s 17” rims.
And how does the average Joe know you’re driving an FX4? Large red FX4 stickers on the doors and a smaller FX4 emblem on the tailgate should do it.
The load bay is lined with plastic to protect the metal body, and a sports bar curls over the load bed. Inside the load bed are six anchor points to secure your camping gear and mountain bikes as well as a 12 V power socket (20 A) if you want to plug in a fridge/ freezer here (note, a dual-battery system is not included).
Ford has kept the same 2 ℓ single-turbo diesel engine of the XLT with its 132 kW of power and 420 Nm of torque as well as the 10-speed automatic gearbox.
Electronic driving aids include stability control, traction control, ABS, brake force distribution and all the other safety devices that make the XLT so popular.