Racing cars for Germany to be built by VW in Kariega
South Africa is exporting one of its most successful racing formulas to Germany.
- Industry News
- 7 February 2025
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.
South Africa is exporting one of its most successful racing formulas to Germany.
In the heart of South Africa’s Limpopo province, where rich biodiversity thrives and conservation challenges persist, Lapalala Wilderness School (LWS) is shaping a future where people and nature co-exist in harmony.
Ford South Africa has appointed Tarryn Knight (photo) as its new Head of Marketing.
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Volkswagen has added two new derivatives to its T-Cross line-up for the 2025 model year. The T-Cross has been the best-selling Volkswagen SUV with over 36 000 cars sold since its launch in 2019.
Volkswagen found a gap in it SUV line-up between the range-topping Touareg and the Tiguan and will fill it with its new Tayron set to arrive locally in the second half of 2025 when pricing and engine specifications will be announced. The Tayron will launch with two equipment lines - Life and R-Line.
If you think Golf in South Africa, you think GTI or even the quicker Golf R. Volkswagen, however, has just introduced a new entry-level Golf consisting of four models slotting in below its twin performance siblings.