Standby for some 'special effects' as Ford introduces the new FX4
At some stage or the other, we all want to show-off our latest wheels to family and friends.
Imagine this: You are several metres away from your vehicle and with the Ford App downloaded and paired with your new Ford FX4, you can remotely start the vehicle. Now, why would you want to do this? It might be very hot in your parts of the country and you would want to cool down the cabin by turning on the air-conditioning, or it might be very cold and you want to warm-up the engine.
Whichever way one looks at it, the Ford Pass Connect is a welcome addition. 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
What else can we expect in this latest offering from Ford?
The Ranger FX4 offers a distinctive exterior design with a sporty black mesh grille, black mirrors and black door handles, black 18-inch alloy wheels and extended-leg tubular sports bar. It looks slightly different from the conventional Ranger, but it is unmistakably Ford.
It has premium cabin features such as a soft-touch leather-trimmed dashboard, along with leather for the steering wheel, gear lever and seats – all finished with striking red stitching. FX4 logos embossed on front seats add further flair.
The FX4 spearheads the launch of FordPass Connect on all Ranger XL, XLS, XLT, Wildtrak and Ranger Raptor models – providing innovative remote command and control functionality through the FordPass app, plus an extensive range of convenient alert, service scheduling and information tools.
Ranger success story
The Ford Ranger is a real success story for the Silverton-based automotive company.
They are made for the SA market as well as overseas export and following the remarkable success of the Ford Ranger Thunder, it’s clear that there is great demand among South African buyers for exclusive, value-added derivatives that offer a premium level of style and features, particularly in the important and rapidly growing leisure-oriented pickup segment.
The FX4 badge was first introduced on Ranger in South Africa in 2017 as a limited series, and the new model further raises the bar while building on the ‘Built Ford Tough’ DNA that defines the Ranger, which is locally assembled for domestic sales and export to over 100 markets globally.
Styled to sell
The new Ford Ranger FX4 returns to the fold offering bespoke styling cues that set it apart from the rest of the Ranger line-up and adds significant appeal compared to its competitors.
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.
Back in black
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 look while adding further practicality to the load box.
Upmarket interior
Soft-touch leather-trimmed dashboard with red stitching is immediately noticeable, 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.
Engine room
As with the existing Ranger XLT derivatives, the FX4 is powered by Ford’s impressive 2l 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 10 Speed Auto Gearbox is the differentiator for me and assists greatly with commendable fuel consumption of 6.8l per 100kms.
Pricing
- 2.0 Single Turbo FX4 10AT 4x2 - R618,900
- 2.0 Single Turbo FX4 10AT 4x4 - R687,900
About Naresh Maharaj
Naresh Maharaj is a petrol head who loves cars and writing about them. He is also a Member of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists. Naresh is also an international sports correspondent and an acclaimed corporate MC and voice-over artist. Naresh is a sports/news producer for community radio stations and also an award-winning sports journalist. Contact Naresh on moc.liamg@123jarahamn.