Ford has made sure that its XL line-up of the Ranger-bakkie is everything but just an entry-level model.
To improve the appeal of the XL model, Ford has added a Sport Pack option that gives a customer the choice of upgrading from the entry-level SYNC 1 system to an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Although it makes do without embedded voice recognition and navigation, it offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto when paired with compatible smartphones. This allows users to access the respective phone’s navigation functions. Two USB slots provide additional multimedia connection options.
Visually, Ranger XL models equipped with the Sport Pack are distinguished by a gloss black grille that replaces the plain black version and the normal 16-inch silver alloy wheels are upgraded to 17-inch Panther gloss black cast alloy rims with larger diameter 265/65 R17 tyres.
The Sport Pack also adds a tubular sports bar in the rear load compartment, as well as a black rear bumper. Customers can also opt for the dealer-fitted black side steps.
The Ranger XL standard features include, amongst others, ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Roll-over Mitigation, Adaptive Load Control and Trailer Sway Control. The four-wheel drive models gain Hill Descent Control (HDC), with a rear diff-lock fitted as standard on all 4x2 and 4x4 derivatives. All Ranger XL models are fitted with a tow bar as standard equipment.
The Ranger XL is powered by Ford’s 2.2-litre four-cylinder Duratorq TDCi engine with a power delivery of 118 kW and torque of 385 Nm. The Single Cab and SuperCab models are available in two- and four-wheel drive specifications mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or a six-speed automatic in the 4x2 derivative. The Ranger XL Double Cab can be specified in 4x2 or 4x4 versions, with both available in manual and automatic.
The XL Sport Pack adds R16 500 to the base price of the Ranger XL series (November 2020), while the optional eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system and dealer-fitted side steps are available for R6 080 and R5 050, respectively.
Competitors include the Toyota Hilux SR range, Mahindra Pik Up, Isuzu D-Max LE and some Hi Rider-models, offerings from Nissan’s Hardbody line-up as well as various Chinese bakkies.
For decades, buying a car has been as much about emotion as practicality. Shiny brochures, polished showroom floors and persuasive sales talk often overshadowed the cold, hard numbers of ownership. But today, where information is currency, consumers are no longer satisfied with glossy marketing – they want data, and they want it now.
According to a Reuters report, South Africa is engaged in discussions with Chinese automotive manufacturers to encourage local investment, with at least one company showing considerable interest in establishing production facilities in the country, a senior government official revealed on Wednesday.
Nissan says the latest wave of launches from the brand in South Africa supports Nissan’s long-standing commitment to the country, underpinned by more than 60 years of local presence.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Nissan says the latest wave of launches from the brand in South Africa supports Nissan’s long-standing commitment to the country, underpinned by more than 60 years of local presence.
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