Ford South Africa recently launched yet another Ranger variant in its well-known model Ranger line up, the new comer Ranger FX4 is built on the same platforms as its siblings and draws strong inspiration from the XLT model, its sits just above the XL and is offered both 4×2 and 4×4 variants. I spent time with the double-back pickup in 4×4 guise to find out what it had to offer compared to its other ranger siblings.
Fast Facts
Model: Ford Ranger 2,0 SiT DC 4×4 XLT FX4
Engine: 2.0Litre 4-cylinder single-turbocharged Diesel
Power: 132kW & 420 N.m
Transmission: 10-speed Automatic
Fuel consumption: 7.5L/100km (claimed)
Tow rating: 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked
Payload: 860kg
Exterior
Unmistakably similar to any other ford Ranger in the lineup, the FX4 retains the same design with minor cosmetic upgrades. which includes a blacked-out mesh grille, black side-mirror caps, black door handles, with a black-painted long-leg sports bar that features a high-mounted brake lamp on the load bay, along with red FX4 decals on each side and a 3D effect FX4 badging on the tailgate. The blacked-out theme is carried onto the 18-inch multispoke alloy wheels which with the 237mm of ground clearance gives the FX4’s a confident stance.
Interior
The interior layout remains similar to any other Ford Ranger. closely similar to the one from the Ranger Thunder. a strong presence of race red stitching is found throughout the cabin on the leather trimmings, such as the gear lever boot, center console, dashboard, and door trims. the seats receive the FX4 logo embossed on the upper backrest as well as FX4 floor mats. In terms of tech, the FX4 features the trusted and user-friendly Ford SYNC®3 eight-inch touch screen infotainment system, compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as MP3 and Bluetooth. this system, on the other hand, does not come equipped with Ford’s built-in navigation system which, to be honest, isn’t the sharpest. The cabin also feature 2x USB ports and 2x 12-volt/20-amp power socket upfront and another 12-volt/20-amp in the loadbay.
Here comes the cool part
The Ford Ranger FX4 boasts a new and interesting remote control feature via a smartphone-compatible Application called FordPass, which can be downloaded both on Android and IOS devices. Through this app, users are able to control certain remote control functions such as checking the vehicle condition (oil level, fuel level, upcoming service ) as well as locate nearby petrol stations, dealerships,s and even locate there the current location of the vehicle. Remote start/stop of the engine is also available through the app for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission with the push start button., for the derivatives paired with an automatic transmission.
Practicality and Safety
As for practicality, the FX4 is as comfortable as the Ranger comes. spacious front cabin space with a manual height-adjustable driver seat and plenty of storage compartments. Decently spacious rear passenger space with ample head, leg, knee room even for passengers over 1.80 m. The rear bench also features ISOFIX child seat anchorage points.
In terms of safety the double-cab pickup comes equipped with 7-airbags, a reverse view camera with parking sensor, along with other passive safety features like , ABS, EBD, and ESP.
The Drive
Making use of a 2.0L single-turbo diesel engine, which develops 132kW and 420N.m mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The FX4 makes about 25kW and 80Nm less than its bigger sibling Ranger Tunder that comes powered by a Bi-turbo diesel engine. This power shortage may seem low on paper, but is barely noticeable when it comes to everyday driving and even off-road. The FX4 still retains the strong Ranger DNA and good driving dynamic with its light steering that gives an SUV-like driving feel as well as its rugged 4×4 drivetrain with a locking differential that will easily get out of trouble in any tricky situations.
As for the fuel -economy, The FX4 displayed a combined average fuel-consumpsion of 10.1L/100km over Ford’s claimed 7.5L/100km.
Verdict
The FX4 is no stranger to the Ranger family, it performs just as well as any of its siblings even with the power shortage. it ticks a lot of boxes in terms of pricing, perceived build quality, and its ability to perform well, both as a daily driver and workhorse. it may lack some of the convenient features such as the electric heated seats and loadbay roller shutter, but is still an overall great product with a strong build quality and I believe should be shortlisted in potential purchase list.
Pricing and After-sales
The new Ranger FX4 comes standard with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty and a 6-year/90 000 km service plan as well as 15 000km service intervals.
Ford Ranger 2,0 SiT DC XLT FX4 10AT 4×2: R618 900
Ford Ranger 2,0 SiT DC XLT FX4 10AT 4×4: R687 900
