By Staff Reporter

The bakkie wars are fierce and Ford is pulling all the stops to keep its healthy market share of the segment. Importantly, consumers buying in the middle range have something to look forward to with Ford’s new Chrome Styling Pack for the Ranger XLS.

The new Chrome Styling Pack will be offered at no extra cost on the 10 XLS derivatives available locally comprising the Single Cab, SuperCab and Double Cab body styles. In terms of the lineup, the XLS will slot in between the workhorse Base and XL models at the affordable end of the pricing spectrum, and the XLT and Wildtrak on the premium end of the scale.

Chrome Styling Pack

In place of the matt grey finishes previously used for the XLS models, the front offers a bright chrome trapezoidal grille with twin horizontal bars. A chrome finish also adorns the exterior mirror housings, door handles, rear step bumper and tailgate handle. Additionally a standard stainless steel sports bar with integrated high-mount stop light is made available.

Furthermore, 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels used on the Ranger XLT are also now available as a no-cost option on the XLS in place of the standard model’s 16-inch rims. Customers are given the choice of traditional silver or bold gloss black finishes – again, with no price penalty.

Additional driver conveniences

The Ranger XLS comes with a number of driver conveniences such as cruise control operated via the multi-function steering wheel, daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlight activation, front and rear fog lamps, a rear-view camera with parking sensors, and a high-grade Thatcham-specification security system. The remote-operated central locking system incorporates tailgate lock.

Multimedia and infotainment functionality is provided by Ford’s SYNC system with Bluetooth and Voice Activation, USB and Aux connections and a colour multi-function display.

Safety

Active driving safety features include ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Control, Hill Descent Control (on 4×4 models), Hill Launch Assist, Roll-over Mitigation, Adaptive Load Control and Trailer Sway Control. In the event of a collision, occupants are protected by means of dual front and side airbags, as well as curtain airbags on all SuperCab and Double Cab derivatives.

Performance

The Ranger XLS derives its power from a 2.2-litre four-cylinder TDCi engine which produces 118kW of power and 385Nm of torque. Single Cab and SuperCab models can be specified with a 3.2-litre five-cylinder engine with 147kW of power and 470Nm of torque.

Customers have the choice of both two and four-wheel drive options, as well as Ford’s six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

Price

The Ford Ranger XLS is priced as follows:

Single Cab

2.2 TDCi XLS 6MT 4×2                                              R406,800

2.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4×4                                               R467,500

3.2 TDCi XLS 6MT 4×2                                              R418,100

3.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4×4                                               R478,800

SuperCab

2.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4×2                                               R443,600

2.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4×4                                               R491,600

3.2 TDCi XLS 6MT 4×2                                              R442,100

3.2 TDCi XLS 6MT 4×4                                              R500,500

Double Cab

2.2 TDCi XLS 6MT 4×2                                              R473,600

2.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4×4                                               R530,100

Prices included a four-year/120,000km warranty and service plan, and a five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty, and three-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance.