Top selling utility vehicle, Ford Ranger, has introduced an XL Sport variant into its range as it ramps up its work and play consumer offering.
New and enhanced Ford Ranger models, as well as improved standard safety features and powertrain choices for existing variants, have been announced by the carmaker ahead of market launch in July.
The new Ford Ranger 4×2 XL Sport variant boasts black accents, including black 16-inch alloy wheels, a bedliner and a black sports bar.
It is powered by Ford’s 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel which makes 118kW at 3,200rpm and a muscular 385Nm of torque from 1,600 – 2500rpm and six-speed automatic.
As the newest member of the Ranger family, the 4×2 XL Sport is based on the Ranger 4×2 Double Cab and borrows styling cues from the XLS Sport variant and carries more than $4,500 worth of extra features compared with standard XL.
Available in limited numbers, the new 4×2 XL SPORT boasts eye-catching black accent styling as well as a new black rear bumper and unique ‘Sport’ decal on the tailgate.
Buyers will be able to purchase it in Arctic White, True Red, Shadow Black, Meteor Grey and Aluminium Metallic.
Meanwhile, a Ford Ranger 4×4 XL Heavy Duty Special Edition will be in showrooms in July. It features a factory-fitted bullbar, LED lightbar, fixed-head snorkel, Continental CrossContact All-Terrain Tyres and Heavy-Duty suspension.
4×4 XL variants see Ford’s 157kW/500Nm Bi-Turbo powertrain with 10-speed automatic transmission added to the list of engine choices.
This updated Ranger XL 4×4 Heavy Duty Special Edition is available exclusively in Arctic White and combines two previously separate packages into one offering, with nine accessories fitted to enhance its off-road capability, character and value.
“Ranger has been designed and engineered in Australia, and our harsh continent is an ideal place to develop, test and test again to ensure Ranger meets Ford’s Tough Done Smarter mantra,” said Andrew Birkic, Ford Australia and New Zealand President and CEO.
“With the new XL SPORT and 4×4 XL Heavy Duty Special Edition variants, we’re working hard to ensure that tradies and businesses all across the country have the right equipment and support to get on with the job,” he said.
“And our 4×4 XL customers will have even more choice with the inclusion of our premium Bi-Turbo powertrain, while adding Adaptive Cruise Control as standard to XLT, a decision based on customer feedback and Ford Australia’s desire to continually improve our product. These additions will make Ranger even more convenient for those who spend a lot of time on the road.”