Ford gets stylish with Ranger Raptor X and FX4

HOT on the heels of launching 4 new Ranger variants, Ford Australia is again at it with the arrival of the brand new jazzed-up Ranger Raptor X and the third coming of the lower-spec FX4.

Priced from $79,390 and $59,990 plus on-roads respectively, the brand new and returning trim ranges are aimed squarely at upping the Ranger’s visible prowess each on the high and in the course of the vary with the FX4 as soon as once more being primarily based on the XLT.

Flaunting a heap of recent styling cues – ‘excessive’ (OTT) stripes, matte black grille, entrance bumper, door handles, tailgate deal with, fender vent, mirror caps, foglight bezels, rear bumper cowl, wheel caps and tailgate ‘Ford’ lettering – the Raptor X boasts no mechanical enhancements over the usual Raptor with even the tyres going unchanged.

Additional enhancing the look is a brand new ‘Asphalt Black Matt’ end for the prevailing 17-inch alloy wheels and an prolonged leg sportsbar pinched from the FX4 Max.

The beauty enhancements proceed throughout the cabin too with purple distinction stitching (as a substitute of blue) together with ‘hydrographic’ and ‘Black Alley’ trim accents.

Because of arrive in native showrooms from July, the Raptor X is powered by the acquainted bi-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, connected completely to a 10-speed automated transmission.

The ensuing 157kW/500Nm is put to the bottom by a part-time, selectable all-wheel-drive system as per the common Raptor.

The FX4 in the meantime as soon as once more sits between the volume-selling XLT and the brand new Raptor wannabe FX4 Max each on worth and commonplace tools ranges, that includes loads of exterior and inside upgrades over the XLT.

In comparison with its donor car, the FX4 may be recognized by its darkened LED excessive efficiency headlights, distinctive black FX4 mesh grille and 18-inch alloy wheels, FX4-specific flank and tailgate decals, black prolonged sportsbar, wing mirrors and exterior trim.

Related tweaks have been made contained in the cabin with leather-appointed seats entrance and rear embossed with FX4 logos and purple stitching, soft-touch instrument panel high, ‘Tinted Graphite’ trim accents and FX4-specific ground mats.

In contrast to the Raptor X, the FX4 is offered with both the bi-turbo 2.0-litre engine or the established 3.2-litre turbo-diesel five-cylinder mill (147kW/470Nm), the latter of which may be paired to both a six-speed guide or automated transmission – simply as it may be on the XLT.

Each new variants include the established array of Ranger 4×4 commonplace tools options with the highlights together with the SYNC 3 infotainment system with voice-activated sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, a reversing digital camera and digital instrumentation whereas lively security options embrace autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane retaining help with lane departure warning and driver alert, adaptive cruise management, site visitors signal recognition and automated high-beam.

Ford Australia and New Zealand president and CEO Andrew Birkic stated the FX4’s return was in response to buyer suggestions whereas the Raptor X was designed to “flip heads”.

“This extremely regarded member of the Ranger household offers Ranger patrons much more worth and selection with a bundle providing all the potential of the XLT however with its personal design components and options,” he stated.

“One of many issues that prospects at all times inform us concerning the Ranger Raptor is how exhausting you may push it off-road, and but it’s nonetheless so comfy and straightforward to drive on-road.

“The styling modifications made as a part of the Ranger Raptor X will assist it to maintain turning heads as a stand-out member of the Ford Efficiency household.”

Ford has offered 9115 Ranger 4x4s up to now this 12 months ending March, 763 greater than it did over the identical interval final 12 months, marking an 8.6 per cent gross sales enhance year-on-year.

2021 Ford Ranger FX4 pricing*