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Car Tech • 25 February 2021

FX4 Ranger bakkie brings new Ford Connect tech

By Lance Branquinho

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The introduction of a new FX4 variant to the Ranger bakkie portfolio ushers in a new era of digital technology for local followers of the Ford brand.

The South African double-cab bakkie market is very competitive. And while most bakkie enthusiasts will debate engine power, gearbox durability, or loadbox size, there is an increasing value to device syncing.

Ford has a proven record of innovating the bakkie digital convergence space. Former Ford CEO, Alan Mullaly, used his experience as a junior engineer developing Boeing’s original automated 737 cockpit, to improve the company’s bakkie infotainment systems.

This design philosophy has remained in place with Ford.

With the FordPass Connect and FordPass app now available in SA, Ranger owners will have a lot more smartphone control over their bakkies.

The FordPass technology will let you remotely lock and unlock your Ranger. It even enables remote starting of the diesel engine and using the climate control system to cool a cabin before you get inside. This is especially handy when a bakkie has been standing in direct sunlight during a sweltering South African summer’s day.

Other functions on the FordPass app include parking location tracking. There’s also integration with your nearest Ford dealership regarding scheduled or recommended maintenance.

Beyond this new smartphone technology becoming available throughout Ford’s Ranger product portfolio, the FX4 bakkie offers an interesting value proposition.

It is powered by the single-turbo version of Ford’s 2-litre diesel engine, boosting 132kW and 420Nm.

Equipped with a ten-speed automatic transmission, the FX4 Ranger has more forward gears than any of its rivals. This creates the potential for lower overall fuel consumption and better throttle response.

New Ford Ranger FX4 price in South Africa

Positioned above the Ranger XLT, but below Ford’s premium Wildtrak time, this new FX4 rightfully earns ‘best-buy’ status in the company’s updated bakkie line-up.

Ford is marketing the Ranger FX4 4×2 at R618 900. If you need superior all-terrain ability, the 4×4 version retails for R687 900.

Feature image: Ford

Lance Branquinho

Lance Branquinho is an award-winning automotive and cycling technology journalist who spends weekends trying to fix his collection of M42 specification vintage camera lenses.