The Ford Ranger FX4 has made its way to SA
It was just last year when our news feed got flooded with articles about the all-powerful Ford Ranger Thunder. But as time would have it, a new Ranger would steal the spotlight. Introducing the all-new Ford Ranger FX4, and with its distinctive style and innovative technology, it is bound to take the Ranger nameplate to new heights.
The Ranger FX4 will be powered by Ford’s popular 2.0-litre Single Turbo diesel engine and will be offered in 4x2 and 4x4 derivatives. It will produce a power output of 132kW and 420Nm of torque. It will come equipped with Ford’s highly advanced 10-speed automatic transmission, offering all your conventional modes such as automatic, sport, and manual.
In terms of exterior styling, the Ranger FX4 will come in a range of styling cues that will set it apart from the rest of the Ranger line-up. The Ranger FX4 will get a black mesh grille which looks familiar because it is in fact borrowed from the Ranger Thunder. It gets further complemented with distinctive integrated LED daytime running lights, along with standard LED headlamps which get taken from the Ranger XLT, Wildtrak, and Raptor models. Black mirrors and door handles will further add appeal to the FX4 as well as its bold red ‘FX4’ decals. The Ranger FX4 will ride on stylish 18-inch multi-spoke black alloy wheels.
The cabin of the Ranger FX4 will get an upmarket appeal offering a leather-trimmed dashboard that gets wonderfully contrasted with red stitching. Its sporty presence is further emphasized with its leather steering wheel, gear lever, and seats. The FX4 logo will appear on the front seats to further distinguish it from the rest of the Ranger range. Some high-level specifications that come with the Ranger FX4 will include dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless Passive Entry and Passive Start, and a rear-view parking camera. SYNC®3 will be standard on the Ranger FX4 which will incorporate an eight-inch touch-screen colour display, voice activation, two USB ports, and Bluetooth. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will come standard as well as navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze.
In terms of safety, the Ranger FX4 will come equipped with dual front, side, and full-length curtain airbags, as well as a driver’s knee airbag. Secure anchorage points will come fitted to mount ISOFIX-equipped child seats. Other additional safety features will 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.
Along with the launch of the new Ford Ranger FX4 will also be the introduction of FordPass Connect and the FordPass app in South Africa. FordPass is an app that will be available to customers for download on their mobile phones and will allow them to command and control various vehicle functions remotely. The vehicle will come embedded with a FordPass
Connect modem which enables the communication between the app and vehicle. This highly innovative connected service will be standard on all Ranger XL, XLS, XLT, Wildtrak, and Ranger Raptor models, including the Ranger FX4.
All Ranger models will come standard with Ford Protect, which includes a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance, and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year/90 000km service plan will be included too, with 15 000km service intervals.
Pricing
Ford Ranger FX4 10AT 4x2 2.0 Single Turbo R618 900
Ford Ranger FX4 10AT 4x4 2.0 Single Turbo R687 900
Also worth a look: the Ford Transit Custom and the Ford Escort Mk1 RS Returns as 800kg Track Weapon.
FAQ
Q: What does the Ford Ranger FX4 cost in South Africa?
Ford hasn't released official pricing for the Ranger FX4 yet, but expect it to slot between the XLT and Wildtrak models, likely starting around R650,000 for the 4x2 and pushing towards R750,000 for the 4x4 variant.
Q: Is the Ford Ranger FX4 worth buying over other Rangers?
The FX4 offers solid value if you want Wildtrak looks without the full price tag, featuring that Thunder-inspired black grille, leather interior with red stitching, and 18-inch alloys, all powered by the reliable 132kW 2.0-litre turbo diesel.
Q: What's the difference between the Ford Ranger FX4 and Wildtrak?
The FX4 uses the smaller 2.0-litre single turbo engine producing 132kW instead of the Wildtrak's more powerful 2.0-litre bi-turbo with 154kW, but gets similar styling touches like LED headlights and leather trim at a lower price point.
Q: Does the Ford Ranger FX4 come with 4x4?
Yes, Ford offers the Ranger FX4 in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, both paired with the advanced 10-speed automatic transmission that includes automatic, sport, and manual modes.
Should You Buy It?
The Ford Ranger FX4 hits the sweet spot for buyers wanting premium Ranger styling without breaking the bank. At an estimated R650,000 to R750,000, it's the best looking Ranger under R800,000 in SA, offering Thunder-inspired aesthetics, leather everything, and Ford's bulletproof 2.0-litre turbo diesel. If you can live with slightly less power than the Wildtrak's bi-turbo setup, the FX4 delivers serious bang for your buck with 132kW, 420Nm, and enough style to make your neighbours properly jealous. Buy it if you want to stand out from the sea of standard Rangers without paying Raptor money.
