Ford in South Africa has made some significant changes to boost the appeal of the Ranger XL line-up. Photos: Quickpic

The Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has made some significant changes to boost the appeal of the Ranger XL line-up. Ford have launched a range of new options comprising of an attractive Sport Pack, useful side steps and an eight-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system.

Ford in South Africa has made some significant changes to boost the appeal of the Ranger XL line-up. Photos: Quickpic

“The Ranger XL is our value-oriented offering that suits a wide variety of applications, from the hard-working Single Cab with its spacious loadbox, the practical SuperCab that provides additional storage capacity behind the front seats, or the comfortable Double Cab that is equally suited to business or family use,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager Marketing at FMCSA.

The Single Cab and SuperCab models are available in two and four-wheel drive specification.

“With the addition of the Sport Pack option we’re giving the Ranger XL more upmarket flair while enhancing its day-to-day practicality. Customers now also have the choice of upgrading from the entry-level SYNC®1 system to a touchscreen infotainment system with an integrated eight-inch display that provides improved connectivity, ease of use and driving safety.”

The normal 16-inch silver alloy wheels are upgraded to 17-inch Panther gloss black cast alloy rims with larger diameter 265/65 R17 tyres.

Visually, the Ranger XL models equipped with the Sport Pack are distinguished by an eye-catching gloss black grille that replaces the plain black version used on the standard models. The same exclusive theme continues to the wheel and tyre choice, as the normal 16-inch silver alloy wheels are upgraded to 17-inch Panther gloss black cast alloy rims with larger diameter 265/65 R17 tyres.

The Ranger XL can now be ordered with Ford’s optional touchscreen infotainment system.

In keeping with its more dynamic appearance, the Sport Pack also adds a tubular sports bar in the rear load compartment, as well as a black rear bumper.

Aside from the addition of the Sport Pack to the Ranger XL options list, customers can also opt for the dealer-fitted black side steps that greatly improve access to the cabin, whether using the vehicle on a work site or loading up the family for a weekend of adventure.

Connectivity and in-car entertainment are also taken up several notches, as the Ranger XL can now be ordered with Ford’s optional touchscreen infotainment system in place of the entry-level SYNC®1 unit with a four-inch LCD display.

The system features a large eight-inch full colour touchscreen display. Although it makes do without embedded voice recognition and navigation, it remains a feature-packed offering incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto when paired with compatible smartphones. This allows users to access the respective phone’s navigation functions or other approved apps such as Waze.

It also supports phone calls from a Bluetooth-connected device, text-to-speech for messages and Wi-Fi hotspot compatibility. Two USB slots provide additional multimedia connection options.

In addition to the expanded options, the Ranger XL is equipped with an impressive list of standard features. The safety package consists of:

ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Control

Hill Launch Assist (HLA)

Roll-over Mitigation

Adaptive Load Control and Trailer Sway Control.

The four-wheel drive models gain Hill Descent Control (HDC), with a rear diff-lock fitted as standard on all 4×2 and 4×4 derivatives. All the Ranger XL models are fitted with a tow bar as standard equipment.

Dual front airbags are fitted across the board, with ISOFIX child seat mounting points provided on the Double Cab models. Remote-controlled central locking is standard, along with an immobiliser and a Thatcham-specification alarm system with volumetric cabin sensors for added security.

The Ranger XL is powered by Ford’s proven, economical 2.2-litre four-cylinder Duratorq TDCi engine which produces 118kW of power, along with 385Nm of torque from between 1 500 to 2 500rpm.

The Single Cab and SuperCab models are available in two and four-wheel drive specification mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or a six-speed automatic in the 4×2 derivative. The Ranger XL Double Cab can be specified in 4×2 or 4×4 versions, with both available in manual or automatic.

The XL Sport Pack adds R16 500 to the base price of the Ranger XL series, while the optional eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system and dealer-fitted side steps are available for R6 080 and R5 050, respectively. All prices include VAT. All new Ford Rangers come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year or 120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year or unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year or unlimited kilometre corrosion warranty. A six-year or 90 000km service plan is included which covers six services. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever occurs first.

>

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here