Double cab cruising in the new Ford FX4
)ord recently reintroduced the Ranger FX4 derivative. It's the second time the FX4 badge is applied to a Ranger model, the previous time three years ago when Ford spruced up the 3.2 XLT.
For the new FX4 Ranger, Ford again used the XLT spec but, while XLT is still available with the old five-cylinder 3.2 turbodiesel engine, the new 2.0-litre SiT XLT was chosen.
Autodealer recently spent a week driving the FX4 2.0 SiT to get a clear picture of what this special Ranger model has to offer.
8QLTXH ORRN
While positioned below the fancy Wildtrak, the XLT-based FX4 double cab Ranger is, of course, also aimed at the leisure market and Ford's plan with this limited edition is to give buyers a vehicle that stands out and which makes travelling a bit more comfortable.
The FX4's standout exterior features are a black mesh grille as on the Ranger Thunder, black side mirrors and door handles in place of the chromed ones on the normal XLT, and gloss-black 18-inch alloy wheels instead of chromed 15-inchers.
In the bin Ford dropped a 'load box' as found in the Wildtrak, with cup holders in the tail gate section and a 12V socket against the side.
This load box works well when using the bin as a bench from which to watch a game of cricket, but is not so practical for loading heavy stuff as the hard plastic will get damaged.
Then there's what Ford calls an 'extended-leg sports bar'.
This is basically a black tubular cab protector with extra long legs which almost reach the rear corners of the bin.
And if that oddly shaped cab protector is not enough for people to recognise this Ranger as a special edition, FX4 decals have been generously applied all around the vehicle.
Inside, Ford also made sure the FX4 is distinguishable from the normal XLT with the FX4 logo embossed on the front seats and carpets, and red stitching for the leather-clad dash and steering wheel.
As with the XLT it is based on, the FX4 has a decent amount of kit, which includes dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and a start/stop button, rearview camera, front and rear park sensors and cruise control.
The new FX4 is the first Ford in SA to come with the brand's FordPass Connect software system.
With FordPass Connect, the FX4 owner can download the FordPass application on his smartphone which enables remote functions such as locking and unlocking the doors, establish the vehicle's location, start the engine to activate the climate control and other features linked to the bakkie's maintenance schedule and warranty information.
However, the FX4 Ranger must be linked to the internet for FordPass Connect to function.
These days leisure-focused double cab bakkies are just as much used as family transport as sedans, so it was with this purpose in mind that Autodealer took the FX4 on a 1 400km cross-country trip on highways, country roads and even dirt roads.
The 2.0-litre SiT engine fitted in the FX4 makes 132kW and 420Nm, and is linked to
Ford's latest 10-speed automatic transmission.
Unlike the bi-turbo unit of the same displacement, but with outputs of 157kW and 500Nm, the single turbo feels like it lacks power, especially when the need to overtake arises.
When you put your foot down, it just feels like that 132kW and 420Nm are not being applied to the tar in the brisk manner necessary to overtake a 20m-long truck for instance.
The 10-speed auto box probably has something to do with it, the transmission just running through the large number of gears in its repertoire.
One can switch over to the box's manual function, but that's not ideal.
However, in all due fairness, fuel economy proved to be very good because in one run the
FX4 covered 717km, after which the trip computer indicated that another 180km was still doable before refilling.
The FX4 Ranger also performed excellently on all the road surfaces covered during the journey, delivering a compliant ride even on roads where the money allocated to fix potholes was embezzled many years ago.
9HUGLFW
At R618 900 for the 4x2 and R687 900 for the 4x4 version of the Ranger FX4, the pack carries a R30 000 premium over the normal Ranger XLT, but taking into consideration everything you get for the extra cash, like the bigger wheels and the bin liner plus 'extended-leg sports bar', then the FX4 is good value for money.
It's comfortable to drive over long distances and has enough luxury features to keep everybody happy during a cross-country trip. A huge plus is the big bakkie's safety factor; one just feels safer in such a large, raised vehicle.
It's excellent fuel economy figure is another bonus and makes it perfect for travelling long distances, but remember to make use of the 10-speed transmission's manual setting when overtaking.