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• The Ford Ranger FX4 joins the Wheels24 garage on an extended test.
• The bakkie slots in between the XLT and WildTrak model in the Ranger hierarchy.
• The engine powering the bakkie is Ford's 2.0-litre single-turbo mill.
• For more motoring stories, go to Wheels24
In Ford South Africa's Ranger line-up, the FX4 sits between the Ranger XLT and Ranger WildTrak in the bakkie hierarchy. Not to tread on the WildTrak's toes, the FX4 offers a similar package to that of the XLT, but with several features you'd find on the WildTrak. These include the red stitching adorning the dashboard and 'FX4' logos embroidered onto the seats.
As standard across most of the Ranger range, the bakkie does not come equipped with a tonneau cover, but the FX4 features a sturdy tubular sports bar over the loading bay. The loading bay is decked with a drop-in bed liner and features six cargo tie-down points. What we particularly like is the 12-volt power socket found in the loading bay.
The first month
With the bakkie's first month few weeks drawing to a close, we haven't spent as much time behind the wheel as we would have liked, thanks to the reinstated Alert Level 4. Where we could, we made the best use of our time and gave the bakkie its first shakedown. From transporting cargo to the odd trip around the mountain, the Ranger FX4 got to stretch its legs.
READ: DRIVEN | Ford's Ranger FX4 returns - here's what SA's new bakkie is all about
Though it shares an architecture with the rest of the Ranger family - bar the impeccable Ranger Raptor - the FX4 is fitted with Ford's single-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine. Power comes in at 132kW and 420Nm, sent to the rear wheels via the automaker's 10-speed automatic gearbox. Thanks to the familiar rotary knob that controls the 4x4 system, toggling between 4x2 and 4x4 is a breeze. And while we did undertake a brief off-road excursion in the bakkie, we are planning a more rigorous trip in August (provided President Cyril Ramaphosa relaxes the Alert Level in his next address).
The Ford Ranger FX4 retails for R704 500 (July 2021) and comes with a six-year or 90 000km service plan. A four-year or 120 000km warranty is standard.
Km on arrival: 8 040km
Km now: 8 604km
Distance covered: 564km
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel, single-turbo
Power: 132kW @ 3 500rpm
Torque: 420Nm @ 1 750 - 2 500rpm
Gears: 10-speed automatic
Economy: 10.3-litres/100km
Drive: 4x4
Tyres: 265/60 R18
Ground clearance: 237mm
Wading depth: 800mm
Approach angle: 25.5 degrees
Departure angle: 21.8 degrees
Service plan: Six-years or 90 000km
Warranty: Four-years or 120 000km
