Growing demand for individuality has spurred Ford South Africa to add the FX4 to its Ranger complement, this variant based on the 2,0-litre Single Turbo XLT Double Cab.

The Ranger FX4 is available in 4×2 and 4×4 derivatives and includes a range of functional features – including FordPass Connect which makes its debut on the FX4, and is now standard fitment on all new Ranger XL, XLS, XLT, Wildtrak and Ranger Raptor models.

“Following the remarkable success of the Ford Ranger Thunder, it is clear there is great demand among South African buyers for exclusive, value-added derivatives that offer a premium level of style and features, particularly in the important and rapidly growing leisure-oriented pickup segment,” says Neale Hill, MD of Ford South Africa.

“The FX4 broadens our Ranger line-up, which is produced at our Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria. It offers a distinctive new model for discerning, lifestyle-oriented customers.”

The FX4 badge was first introduced on Ranger in South Africa in 2017 as a limited series.

“The new FX4 elevates the unique character of this exclusive model to new heights with eye-catching exterior styling, premium-level interior appointments and several practical features that make it a unique and very desirable vehicle,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager, Marketing at Ford South Africa.

“The attractive new FX4 also spearheads the introduction of FordPass Connect which adds a wide range of connectivity services to the Ranger line-up. FordPass Connect allows customers to access and control a number of vehicle features remotely via the FordPass app on their smartphone, bringing an entirely new level of innovation, functionality and convenience to the segment.”

The styling of the Ranger double cab benefits from a black mesh grille derived from the Ranger Thunder, complemented by the integrated LED daytime running lights, along with the LED headlamps that are standard on all Ranger XLT, Wildtrak and Raptor models.

Black mirrors and door handles add to the image, which is further reinforced by the 18-inch multi-spoke black alloy wheels that replace the 17-inch versions fitted on the XLT. Bold red ‘FX4’ decals located at the base of the front doors, along with a 3D ‘FX4’ badge on the tailgate, reinforce this model’s status.

The rear load compartment boasts a tubular sports bar with extended legs and a drop-in bedliner protects the bin from damage during everyday use, with six cargo tie-down points provided for securely fastening loads being hauled.

A 12-volt power socket is provided in the bedliner, which is ideal for powering a portable fridge or other accessories. Two further 12-volt sockets are located in the front of the cabin and an additional socket is provided for rear-seat occupants.

The cabin incorporates a soft-touch leather-trimmed dashboard with red stitching, with this sporty theme also carried through to the leather steering wheel, gear lever and seats. Embossed FX4 logos on the front seats add a further splash of dynamic flair.

The FX4 has a high level of standard specification, including dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless Passive Entry and Passive Start, a rear-view parking camera, and front and rear sensors to aid manoeuvrability in tight parking spaces.

SYNC3 is standard on the FX4, incorporating voice activation, an 8-inch touch-screen colour display, two USB ports and Bluetooth. SYNC3 provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of its multimedia and connectivity features, facilitating access to numerous smartphone functions along with popular navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze.

The launch of the new Ford Ranger FX4 signals the introduction of FordPass Connect and the FordPass app in South Africa – Ford’s connected service, which is now standard on all Ranger XL, XLS, XLT, Wildtrak and Ranger Raptor models, as well as the new Ranger FX4.

FordPass is an app that customers can download on their smartphones, allowing command and control of various vehicle functions remotely once the app has been paired with their Ranger. The app communicates with the FordPass Connect modem that is embedded within the vehicle, regardless of where they are – as long as both the smartphone and the vehicle have internet connectivity.

This makes it possible to lock and unlock the doors, start the engine to activate the climate control system, find the vehicle’s location, and even access information such as fuel level and oil life. The FordPass app also allows the driver to search for available parking within South Africa, find Ford dealers across the country, schedule maintenance and servicing bookings, keep track of past and future services, and view the vehicle’s warranty information.

Furthermore, the FordPass app enables direct access to Ford’s Roadside Assistance service, which is included as standard on all new Ford models, including the Ranger, for three-years with no mileage limit. It also provides online access to the owner’s manual and tutorial videos on key features, while FordPass Connect enables seamless over-the-air updates for the vehicle’s software.

As with the existing Ranger XLT derivatives, the FX4 is powered by Ford’s 2,0-litre Single Turbo diesel engine, which produces 132 kW of power and 420 Nm of torque. It is matched to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission, which offers conventional automatic, sport and manual shift modes.

The Ranger FX4 can be specified in 4×2 or 4×4 models, both of which are equipped with an electronic differential lock as standard. The 4×4 derivative gains shift-on-the-fly engagement of the four-wheel drive system, along with Hill Descent Control.

Additional active safety features include Electronic Stability Programme with Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, Roll-over Mitigation, Adaptive Load Control, Trailer Sway Control and anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist.

PRICING

2.0 Single Turbo FX4 10AT 4×2 R618 900

2.0 Single Turbo FX4 10AT 4×4 R687 900

All Ranger models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000 km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year/90 000 km service plan is included, with 15 000 km service intervals.