The all-new
Ford Ranger might be the talk of the town at the moment but what if you are not concerned about the latest or the greatest? What if you just want a really good bakkie that offers modern luxuries and the latest safety features? We recently drove the previous generation
Ford Ranger FX4 and after spending a few days behind the wheel we found it to be more than enough. Here is what you need to know about the FX4.
The previous generation
Ford Ranger was a local and international hit! It transformed the bakkie segment and the fact that it topped the local sales charts is testament to that. While the
Ranger was offered in a variety of spec levels it is the
FX4 that really caught our fancy.
Based on the popular 2.0-litre Single Turbo XLT Double Cab, the
Ranger FX4 is available in 4x2 and 4x4 derivatives, offering exceptional capability, unrivalled fuel economy and a superb range of design and functional features – including FordPass Connect.
In
FX4 specification, the muscular styling of the Ranger double cab benefits from a black mesh grille derived from the
Ranger Thunder, which gives it an even more assertive appearance. This is complemented by the distinctive sweep of 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 upmarket image, which is further reinforced by the eye-catching 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 special status in the
Ranger portfolio.
The rear load compartment boasts several
FX4-specific enhancements too, most notably the tubular sports bar with extended legs that gives this Ranger an even sportier demeanour, while adding further practicality to the load box – particularly for carrying bicycles, canoes or other gear for sporting or working applications.
The upmarket 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 eight-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.
Additional active safety features include Electronic Stability Programme with Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, Roll-over Mitigation, Adaptive Load Control, Trailer Sway Control and ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist.
The
Ranger FX4 is equipped with a full complement of airbags to protect the occupants in the event of a collision, including dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags, plus a driver’s knee airbag. Secure anchorage points are fitted to mount ISOFIX-equipped child seats.
As with the existing
Ranger XLT derivatives, the
FX4 is powered by Ford’s impressive 2.0-litre Single Turbo diesel engine, which produces 132kW of power and a substantial 420Nm of torque. It is matched to Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission, which offers conventional automatic, sport and manual shift modes.
The
FX4 offers everything that you expect from a bakkie. We were not left wanting and found it to strike a near perfect balance in terms of spec and pricing. Now we know that you might not find many of these on the new car showroom floor at your local Ford dealer but an Approved Used model might be worth your time and consideration. We suggest heading down to your nearest Ford dealer to find out if they don’t perhaps have one hiding at the back or if there is not one on the used car floor with a really attractive price-tag.
Credit: Justin Jacobs
