By Khulekani Dumisa

Bakkie wars are intense in Mzansi with buyers in the segment constantly wanting to set themselves apart. To meet this demand, Ford has introduced the rather stylish new Ford Ranger FX4. Along with it, Ford is also ushering in FordPass Connect which will provide a number of conveniences through the Fordpass App.

Looks

The Ranger FX4 is based on the 2.0-litre Single Turbo XLT Double Cab and distinguishes itself with a black mesh grille derived from the Ranger Thunder. This is complemented by integrated LED daytime running lights and LED headlamps that are also standard on all Ranger XLT, Wildtrak and Raptor models.

Additionally, consumers can look forward to black mirrors and door handles, 18-inch multi-spoke black alloy wheels and red ‘FX4’ decals located at the base of the front doors, along with a 3D ‘FX4’ badge on the tailgate.

The rear load compartment also gets Ranger FX4 treatment with tubular sports bar with extended legs and drop-in bedliner.

The Ranger FX4 comes with five distinctive colour choices: Sea Grey, Frozen White, Race Red, Agate Black and Moondust Silver.

Interior

The lifestyle orientated interior gets a soft-touch leather-trimmed dashboard with red stitching. The sporty theme is 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 also provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Engine

As with the existing Ranger XLT derivatives, the FX4 is powered by Ford’s 2.0-litre Single Turbo diesel engine which produces 132kW of power and 420Nm of torque. It is matched to Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission.

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.

Safety

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.

FordPass Connect

The launch of the new Ford Ranger FX4 signals the introduction of FordPass Connect and the FordPass app in South Africa – Ford’s innovative and convenient 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.

The FordPass app has also been developed for use on Ranger models produced from 2017 onwards, providing selected vehicle, warranty and maintenance details, as well as the available search functions for dealers, fuel stations and parking. However, without the embedded FordPass Connect modem, the command and control functions are not available.

Pricing

The new Ford Ranger is priced as follows:

• 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/120,000km comprehensive warranty, a three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance, a five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty, and a six-year/90,000km service plan.