2021 Ford Ranger FX4 officially hits SA: prices and specs confirmed…

By: CAR magazine

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has officially rolled out fresh FX4 derivatives of its popular Ranger bakkie.

Of course, we were the first to bring you pricing for the two new locally built FX4-badged models, which are offered in double-cab configuration with the Blue Oval brand’s 2,0 SiT powertrain (with the choice of 4×2 or 4×4). This 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine makes 132 kW and 420 N.m, delivered either to the rear axle or all four wheels via a ten-speed automatic transmission.

As a reminder, the new Ranger FX4 slots in below the Wildtrak and Thunder models but just above the XLT on which it is based. The Ranger 2,0 SiT XLT FX4 4×2 starts at R618 900, while the Ranger 2,0 SiT XLT FX4 price kicks off from R687 900. A spot of quick maths suggests the FX4 package thus effectively costs R30 000.

Interestingly, the local launch of the FX4 derivatives signals the arrival of FordPass Connect (and the FordPass smartphone application) to the automaker’s broader bakkie line-up. The system now ships standard on all new Ranger XL, XLS, XLT, FX4, Wildtrak and Raptor models.

The app allows customers to control various vehicle functions remotely, communicating with the FordPass Connect modem embedded in the vehicle. Functions include the locking and unlocking of doors, starting the engine (to activate the climate control system), locating the vehicle and accessing information such as fuel level and oil life. The FordPass app furthermore allows owners to find Ford dealers, schedule servicing bookings, keep track of services and view the vehicle’s warranty information. It also enables “direct access” to Ford’s roadside assistance service as well as the owner’s manual.

So, back to the Ranger FX4. As we pointed out in that original story, the newcomer offers various updated styling cues, such as the black mesh grille first seen on the Thunder, black side-mirror caps, black door handles, black 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and red “FX4” decals on the lower parts of the front doors (plus a 3D-effect “FX4” badge affixed to the tailgate).

The FX4 furthermore features an extended tubular sports bar and a drop-in bedliner, the latter complete with a 12 V power socket. The newcomer is available in five exterior colour choices: Sea Grey, Frozen White, Race Red, Agate Black and Moondust Silver.

Inside, you’ll find a leather-trimmed facia with red stitching, with the latter treatment repeated on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear lever and seats. The front pews furthermore gain embossed “FX4” logos.

The FX4 badge is not a new one to South Africa, with a similar package having been offered on the Silverton-built Ranger back in 2017. Still, this new version is not quite as extreme as the FX4 Max kit available in markets such as Australia nor the Tremor package offered in North America, which include items such as uprated Fox shocks, all-terrain tyres and a Raptor-style grille.

As with other Ranger variants, the new FX4 derivatives ship standard with a four-year/120 000 km warranty and a six-year/90 000 km service plan (with 15 000 km intervals).

Pricing:
Ford Ranger 2,0 SiT Double Cab XLT FX4 10AT 4×2: R618 900
Ford Ranger 2,0 SiT Double Cab XLT FX4 10AT 4×4: R687 900

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