NEWS New Ford Ranger FX4 Introduces Trend-setting Style, FordPass and Connectivity to the Pickup Segment
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NEWS
New Ford Ranger FX4 Introduces Trend-setting Style,
FordPass and Connectivity to the Pickup Segment
• Stylish new Ranger FX4 offers a distinctive exterior design with sporty black mesh grille,
black mirrors and door handles, black 18-inch alloy wheels, extended-leg tubular sports bar
and practical drop-in bedliner with 12-volt power socket
• Premium cabin features 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
• 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
PRETORIA, South Africa, 23 February 2021 – Ford South Africa has added an alluring
combination of distinctive style and innovative connected technology to its Ford Ranger line -up
with the launch of the new Ranger FX4.
Based on the popular 2.0-litre Single Turbo XLT Double Cab, the Ranger FX4 is available in 4x2
and 4x4 derivatives, offering exceptional capability, unrivalled fuel economy and a superb range of
design and functional features – including FordPass Connect which makes its debut on the FX4,
and is now standard fitment on all new Ranger XL, XLS, XLT, Wildtrak and Ranger Raptor models.
“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,” says Neale Hill, MD of Ford South Africa. “The FX4 broadens our Ranger line-up, which
is produced at our Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria. It offers a distinctive new model for
discerning, lifestyle-oriented customers.”
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.
“The new FX4 elevates the unique character of this exclusive model to new heights with eye-
catching exterior styling, premium-level interior appointments and several practical features that
make it a unique and very desirable vehicle,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager, Marketing
at Ford South Africa.“The attractive new FX4 also spearheads the introduction of FordPass Connect which adds a wide
range of connectivity services to the Ranger line-up,” Mashinini adds. “FordPass Connect allows
customers to access and control a number of vehicle features remotely via the FordPass app on
their smartphone, bringing an entirely new level of innovation, functionality and convenience to the
segment.
“Combining the FX4’s eye-catching design, practical features and the trend-setting connectivity
provided with FordPass Connect and the FordPass app, embodies the values of our Live The
Ranger Life campaign, and shows how the Ranger enhances peoples’ lives for both work and
play.”
Bespoke styling
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 gr ille
derived from the Ranger Thunder, which gives it an even more assertive appearance. This is
complemented by the distinctive sweep of the integrated LED daytime running lights , along with
the LED headlamps that are standard on all Ranger XLT, Wildtrak and Raptor models.
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 demeanour, while
adding further practicality to the load box – particularly for carrying bicycles, canoes or other gear
for sporting or working applications.
A drop-in bedliner protects the bin from damage during everyday use, with six cargo tie-down points
provided for securely fastening loads being hauled. A practical 12-volt power socket is provided in
the bedliner, which is ideal for powering a portable fridge or other accessories. Two further 12-volt
sockets are located in the front of the cabin and an additional socket is provided for rear-seat
occupants. The Ranger’s innovative Easy Lift tailgate remains one of the vehicle’s most useful
features, allowing the tailgate to be easily lowered or raised with minimal effort.
In keeping with the Ranger FX4’s dynamic styling, it is available in five distinctive colour choices:
Sea Grey, Frozen White, Race Red, Agate Black and Moondust Silver.
Upmarket interior
Echoing the exclusive design elements that characterise the exterior of the Ranger FX4, the
upmarket cabin incorporates a soft-touch leather-trimmed dashboard with red stitching, 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.
2The 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.
SYNC®3 is standard on the FX4, incorporating voice activation, an eight-inch touch-screen colour
display, two USB ports and Bluetooth. SYNC®3 provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part
of its multimedia and connectivity features, facilitating access to numerous smartphone functions
along with popular navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze.
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.
Efficient performance
As with the existing Ranger XLT derivatives, the FX4 is powered by Ford’s impressive 2.0-litre
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.
3Additionally, the Progressive Range Select (PRS) function gives the driver the ability to lock out
gears from the automatic shifting range simply by pressing the ‘+’ or ‘-’ buttons on the gear lever.
This offers greater control to suit specific driving conditions – such as when towing or climbing
steep gradients, for example.
The combination of the frugal 2.0 Single Turbo engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission
proved a winning formula in the 2019 WesBank Fuel Economy Tour, with the XLT 4x2 derivative
proving unbeatable in the pickup segment with an average fuel consumption of 6.8 litres/100km
over the 2 500km test route.
The same model emerged victorious in the 2020 AA-Kinsey Report on parts pricing, achieving the
lowest total cost of service, repair and replacement parts in the popular double cab segment. It
also ranked as the lowest parts basket in its class as a percentage of selling price, at 13.86 percent
– the second-lowest figure in the 2020 AA-Kinsey Report across all vehicle segments.
The Ranger FX4 can be specified in 4x2 or 4x4 models, both of which are equipped with an
electronic differential lock as standard. The 4x4 derivative gains shift-on-the-fly engagement of the
four-wheel drive system, along with Hill Descent Control.
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.
The Ranger FX4 is equipped with a full complement of airbags to protect the occupants in the
event of a collision, including dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags, plus a driver’s knee
airbag. Secure anchorage points are fitted to mount ISOFIX-equipped child seats.
PRICING
2.0 Single Turbo FX4 10AT 4x2 R618 900
2.0 Single Turbo FX4 10AT 4x4 R687 900
All Ranger models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four -year/120 000km
comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-
year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year/90 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km
service intervals.
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Read the latest news from Ford South Africa by visiting the Newsroom:
https://www.ford.co.za/about-ford/newsroom/
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs,
manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford trucks, utility vehicles, and cars – increasingly
including electrified versions – and Lincoln luxury vehicles; provides financial services through Ford Motor
Credit Company; and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self -
driving services; and connected vehicle services. Ford employs approximately 186,000 people worldwide.
For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit
www.corporate.ford.com or www.quickpic.co.za - follow us at www.facebook.com/FordSouthAfrica ,
www.twitter.com/FordSouthAfrica , www.instagram.com/FordSouthAfrica or
www.youtube.com/FordSouthAfrica
Contact(s): Felix Sebata
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa
+27 12 842 2534
f sebata@ford.com
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