By Mxolisi Mhlongo
The Ford Ranger has undoubtedly dominated the bakkie market in South Africa and they have decided to add a new member of the Family which we were given to test drive. The FX4 is Ford’s special edition and they consider it to be “strictly limited”.
This bakkie comes in an already tough market which has the current players such as the Isuzu KB, Nissan Navara, Volkswagen Amarok, Toyota Hilux and the Mitsubishi Triton.
The FX4 is only available in 4 colors namely: Frozen White, Moondust Silver, Panther Black and Sea Grey. You can choose to have either manual or automatic.
SO WHY WOULD AN AFROPOLITAN BUY THIS CAR?
• Business – You can use this as a workhorse for your events or gardening business. Not unless you are well-off and one of the people who buy bakkies for showing off at shopping mall pavements, you cannot buy this vehicle for using it at your construction business.
• Glamping or Hiking – For those Afropolitan fathers who want to bond with their sons, this would be a perfect bakkie for driving to Bela-Bela or Broederstroom.
• Visiting your relatives who stay in rural areas – This is a perfect vehicle for traveling to deep rural Kwa Zulu Natal, Eastern Cape or Limpopo for those unavoidable family weddings, funerals or general visits.
For the Afropolitans who are not so much into cars, the FX4 special edition is an off-road option pack which can be applied to the F150 pickup truck in North America.
THE LOOKS
Our test came in a 3.2L diesel engine, Sea Grey color with black tinted rims, electronic locking rear differential, hill descent control, off-road tuned front shock absorbers while boasting a massive 147kW and 470Nm torque under the bonnet. In simple terms, if this car was an animal it would have a body and power of a Bear with a speed of a Cheetah.
STRENGTHS
It is a perfectly well-rounded family car for both off and on road. Your family will be well seated and comfortable. The front row occupants have spoiled good leg room and decent storage. The inclusion of an armrest, side-impact airbags and map pockets, make the rear of the cabin one of the more practical in the segment.
WEAKNESSES
It doesn’t have many weaknesses except for really short people who love big cars. They will definitely have a problem climbing the side steps trying to get in the car. The steering column only adjusts for rake, not reach and this can result in a legs-splayed driving position in order to get the wheel at exactly the right proximity to your body.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
17” Black Alloy wheels
Bedliner – black
Bonnet, side and tailgate decals Exterior door handles painted black Painted black radiator and fender grilles Fx4 side decals
Black roof rails
Black plastic side steps
Black exterior mirror caps
Fx4 black tubular sports bar
Steel step rear bumper – painted black Black tailgate handle
Black fog lamp bezel
PRICING:
Ford Ranger FX4 3,2 TDCi double-cab 4×4: R593 900
Ford Ranger FX4 3,2 TDCi double-cab 4×4 (auto): R608 900
