Ford launches special-edition Ranger FX4

FORD has released a special edition of its hot-selling Ranger one-tonne ute based on the LTZ variant, dubbed the FX4 and featuring a number of visual tweaks that give it a darker and tougher look, and a premium of $3500.

The manual variant of the FX4 will set buyers back $58,915 before on-roads, while opting for the six-speed automatic transmission costs $61,115, making it the second most expensive Ranger variant behind the flagship Wildtrak.

Additional equipment that sets the FX4 apart from the XLT includes new 18-inch stark grey alloy wheels, black roof rails, black bonnet and tailgate decal wraps, side decals with FX4 branding, black sports bar, rear bumper, side steps and door handles, and black highlights on the uniquely-designed grille, foglight bezels, exterior mirrors and fender features.

The dark theme continues inside the cabin, with leather accented FX4-branded seats, front and rear carpet mats, and black interior highlights.

The FX4 also carries over the Sync3 connectivity system that was introduced to the XLT variant in June last year, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It is available in four exterior colours – frozen white, ingot silver, magnetic and shadow black.

Ford last offered a limited-edition Ranger in August last year, when the XLS variant was boosted with an accessory pack worth $4900 including a sports bar, tow bar, side steps and bed and tailgate liners.

The FX4 employs the 3.2-litre turbo-diesel five-cylinder engine that is used extensively throughout the Ranger line-up and punches out 147kW of power and 470Nm of torque.

Ford Australia president and CEO Graeme Whickman said the FX4 was for the buyer seeking a more aggressive look for their Ranger.

“We developed the Ranger FX4 for our customers that are a bit bolder than most and make use of the towing and payload capabilities of the Ranger XLT,” he said.

Last year was a bumper sales year for Ranger, with 36,934 sales making it the second-best selling pick-up behind the venerable Toyota HiLux (42,104 units) and the fourth-best selling vehicle overall.

Its 36,934 sales represented an increase of more than 26 per cent year-on-year.

2017 Ford Ranger FX4 pricing*

4x4 Double Pick-up 3.2L	$58,915
4x4 Double Pick-up 3.2L (a)	$61,115

*Excludes on-road costs