I know no movie ends well whenever robots takeover but I kind of think this might work for us, so try to put The Terminator and iRobot out of your mind for a bit and let’s talk bakkies. ‘Not another Ford Ranger..’ well this one comes boasting new technology that will blow your mind.
I recently took a trip to the Wild Coast to get a feel of the Ford Ranger FX4, new to Ford’s Ranger line-up. Aesthetically, this Ranger has a lot of similarities to the other Ranger models, same stuff different badge. Now, I am not saying this doesn’t look good, it does, extremely so. It feels good too, a practical, capable, and overall awesome double cab. The beloved Ranger is now adding the FX4 to their line-up and it comes with what I found most interesting, the FordPass.
Ranger models are equipped with what they are calling FordPass Connect. The vehicles are fitted with an embedded modem that pairs with the FordPass smartphone app to unlock a range of new connected services. So basically this means that you download an app and it gives you access to your vehicle remotely. This is not only fitted on the new Ranger FX4 but also comes standard on all Ford XL, XLS, XLT, Wildtrak and Ranger Raptor models. Your app will allow you to do things like: Remote start and stop – imagine those winter mornings getting inside an already warm car! Remote lock and unlock vehicle status and remote vehicle monitoring – owners can check fuel level, and things like oil status and tyre pressure. Owners can further check maintenance schedules, Roadside Assistance service; have instant access to call Ford’s 24 hour emergency Road Assist. I could go on and on about FordPass, rather see other tricks here www.fordpass.co.za/FordPass
Back to the FX4, the Ranger is powered by a 2.0-litre single turbo diesel engine producing 132kW and 420Nm of torque. The 10-speed automatic gearbox offers conventional automatic, sport and manual shift modes. Our trip gave us the opportunity to prove Ford’s “Built for tough” theory as we navigated through Port St Johns Mountains with ease thanks to the Electronic Stability Programme with traction control and Hill launch Assist. On any given day, I wouldn’t want to rough it out in the mountains, but the Ranger made it so much easier, the FX4 can take on any terrain you put in front of it.
Looks like the same Ranger, different stitching in the interior, different badge but doesn’t make it any less capable. You still have sufficient power, good looks, different terrain capabilities, fuel efficiency and a convenient app trick thingamajig; for a reasonable price. The Ranger maybe the second bestselling bakkie in SA after the Toyota Hilux, let’s just keeping watching this segment closely shall we? One thing is for sure, the Ranger is South Africa’s beloved bakkie and it looks like it’s here to stay.
Model & Pricing
- 2.0 Single Turbo FX4 10 AT 4×2 R618 900
- 2.0 Single Turbo FX4 10AT 4×4 R687 900
