Hot on the heels of last month’s Sport model, Ford has announced yet another Ranger special edition — with the return of the FX4.
Where the Sport bridges the XLS and XLT 4×4 models, FX4 sits between XLT and Wildtrak, proving you really can’t have too much of a good thing.
And — you guessed it — it comes with plenty of black bits.
The fact is that like a shark, the juggernaut that is the Ranger must keep moving forward or die, and the addition of the FX4 will give it a gentle push in the back to keep things moving.
The Ranger FX4 special edition will initially be limited to about 1000 units and is expected to arrive in showrooms in December, just in time for Christmas.
FX4 brings a host of new and unique features.
Available exclusively in dual-cab, 4×4 pickup guise, it has a unique front mesh grille, finished in Ebony Black, flanked by darkened versions of the bi-LED headlights introduced with XLT, Wildtrak and Ranger Raptor.
The front has an Ebony Black lower valence and mirrors to enhance the look.
New FX4 specific 18-inch alloy wheels, an inch larger than XLT, continue the black detailing, with tinted windows, door handles and front flares, with striking red ‘FX4’ lower front door and tailgate decals — all with a 3D effect.
Completing the look, the FX4’s tray features a protective bedliner and an extended black-finish sports bar.
Inside the sports bucket seats are leather-accented with a special pattern design, and are embossed with striking red FX4 logos on the seatbacks.
These compliment the contrasting Race Red stitching that’s been applied to the gear selector, handbrake cover and steering wheel, door trim and special FX4-branded floor mats.
Bolstering the overall effect is the Ranger FX4’s premium black ‘soft top’ instrument panel, inspired by Ranger Wildtrak, while the door tops are finished in Tinted Graphite to further bring out the Race Red detailing throughout the cabin.
The Ranger FX4 will be available with a choice of powertrains.
For the first time, the latest 2.0-litre, four cylinder twin turbo diesel will be offered, along with a 10-speed auto.
With 157kW/500Nm, the twin turbo was introduced with the top of the range Raptor, along with the new generation 10-speed paddle shift automatic, that delivers fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km.
Also available is the 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five cylinder turbo diesel offered previously, with a choice of 6-speed manual or auto — with consumption of 8.4L/100km or 8.9L/100km respectively.
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