It is the second time the FX4 badge gets applied to a Ranger model, the previous time having been three years back 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 turbo-diesel engine, the new 2.0-litre SiT XLT was chosen.
Autodealer recently spent a week driving the FX4 2.0SiT to get a clear picture of what this special Ranger model has to offer.
Unique look
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 that 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 also 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 that 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-glad dash and steering wheel.
As with the XLT it’s based on, the FX4 has a decent amount of kit, which includes dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and a start/stop button, rear-view camera, front- and rear park sensors and cruise control.
Then, 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 like locking and unlocking the doors, establish the vehicle’s location, starting 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.
Compliant drive
These days, leisure-focused double cab bakkies are just as much used for family transport as sedans are, 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 a large number of gears in its repertoire.
One can switch over to the box’s manual function, but that is 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 excellent on all the road services covered during the journey, delivering a compliant ride even on roads where the money allocated to fix potholes was embezzled many years ago.
Verdict
At R618 900 for the 4×2 and R687 900 for the 4×4 version of the Ranger FX4, the pack carries an R30 000 premium over the normal Ranger XLT, but taken in consideration everything you get for the extra cash, like the bigger wheels and the bin liner, plus extended-leg sports bar, 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.
Photos: Quickpic
