Ford resurrects special-edition Ranger FX4

FORD Australia has reintroduced the limited-edition FX4 variant to its popular Ranger ute range, with about 1000 examples set to arrive in local showrooms in December.

Arriving alongside the updated MY20 Ranger line-up, the FX4 adds a number of unique enhancements that set it apart from the rest of the range.

Based on the XLT 4x4 dual-cab pick-up variant, the Ranger will be priced at about $60,000 plus on-road costs as it slots in between the XLT and Wildtrak grades.

The FX4 enhancements start on the outside with an Ebony Black front mesh grille, lower valance and mirror caps; darkened LED headlights, black 18-inch alloy wheels, door handles, window surrounds and front guard fenders; and red FX4 decals on the lower front door and tailgate.

At the rear, a black sports bar and a protective bedliner complete the look of the FX4.

Five exterior hues are available, consisting of Shadow Black, Arctic White, True Red, Meteor Grey and Aluminium Metallic.

The special treatment is not limited to the FX4’s interior, with a raft of extra spec added to the cabin.

Enhancements include front sports bucket seats with leather accents, contrasting Race Red stitching and embossed FX4 logos; leather rear seats with contrast stitching, more Race Red stitching on the gear selector, handbrake cover, instrument panel, centre console and steering wheel; FX4-branded floor mats, and door shoulders finished in Tinted Graphite.

While the previous FX4 only consisted of a single engine option, the new version can be had with two different turbo-diesel powertrains, including the 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder twin-turbo engine, mated to a 10-speed automatic and producing 157kW/500Nm.

The other option is the Ranger’s trusty 3.2-litre five-cylinder unit producing 147kW/470Nm, which can be paired with either a six-speed auto or manual transmission.

Official fuel consumption for the 2.0-litre unit is rated at 7.4 litres per 100km, up to 8.4L/100km in the larger powertrain.

Along with the unique features, the FX4 shares the specification of the XLT, such as an 8.0-inch SYNC3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reversing camera, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian protection, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and high-beam assist.

Ford previously released an FX4 variant in early 2017, which was also based on the XLT and commanded a $3500 premium over its donor vehicle.

Through the first seven months of the year, Ford has sold 22,108 examples of the Ranger 4x4, up 1.3 per cent over the 21,816 managed over the same period last year.

As a result, the Ranger has bested the Toyota HiLux (22,033) for best-selling 4x4 pick-up, however the Japanese ute takes the overall sales prize when combined with 4x2 sales.