The Ford Ranger XL Sport could represent something more than just another flavour for this popular double-cab bakkie. It’s one of three derivatives the company has launched recently, the others being the more luxurious Thunder and FX4 models.
When I drove it at the recent media launch, mostly in off-road settings, I reported that it’s aimed at customers who will use it as a family vehicle, for work and the occasional detour out the bush, but importantly, all on a budget.
Having tested it in the latter setting for a week, it was time to put it through its paces as an everyday car, with entrepreneurs in mind.
There’s no doubting its interior offering. Plenty of leg and headroom, easy steering and comfortable cloth seats make for an effortless drive. The 2.2l diesel motor’s 118kW and 385Nm make it the least powerful double cab in the Ford harem, but it’s able to tow 3,500kg.
You can choose between six-speed manual or auto, while the wily entrepreneur should view the average power with an eye on saving fuel. It retuned 9.9l/100km instead of the 8.2l/100km claimed by Ford.
From a features standpoint and in view of its entry-point XL grade, the test vehicle was fitted with a good balance of important basics. These include Bluetooth connectivity, a multifunction steering wheel and an optional touch-operated 20.3cm display screen in place of the standard 10.1cm LCD display unit for better running of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, especially for navigational purposes. The messaging text-to-speech function is a great help too, as is a wifi hotspot and a pair of USB slots for charging.
The new FordPass system that remotely links upper-spec Rangers through a smartphone app to remotely lock, unlock and start the vehicle is optional.
A foible is a lack of cruise control. With the six-speed automatic transmission, self-throttling would rank in the top must-have items. Cruise control is no longer a luxury, but a health and safety feature, Ford.
Also, if your parking skills aren’t exceptional you could be frustrated with the XL Sport as it has no park distance control sensors.
A plus is the availability of a purely rear wheel-driven Ranger XL Sport. Not every businessperson will have clients in the mountains or be interested in serious bundu-bashing, as offered by this 4x4 workhorse and leisure chariot.
Leisure tools include a two-speed transfer case with 4Lo, a rear diff-lock, all-terrain rubber and hill-descent control, which uses ABS brakes to inch down steep descents. It’s the off-road gear, cushy drive and its ability to carry a team of engineers or an eager family into the bush for the price that wins my vote.
Tech Specs
ENGINE
Type: Four cylinder turbo diesel
Capacity: 2.2l
Power: 118kW
Torque: 385Nm
TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed auto
DRIVETRAIN
Type: Part-time 4WD
PERFORMANCE
Top speed: N/A
0-100km/h: N/A
Fuel Consumption: 8.2l/100km (claimed), 9.9l/100km (as tested)
Emissions: 214g/km
STANDARD FEATURES
Cloth upholstery, multifunction steering wheel, remote central locking, power steering, steel wheels, air conditioning, Bluetooth telephone and voice control, USB ports, daytime running lights, tow bar, two airbags, ABS brakes, stability control
COST OF OWNERSHIP
Warranty: Four years/120,000km
Maintenance plan: Six years/90,000km
Price: R573,800
Lease*: R12,286 per month
* At 10% interest over 60 months no deposit
Ford Ranger 2.2TDCi double cab 4x4 XL Sport auto
WE LIKE: Comfortable drive, price, 4x4 drivetrain
WE DISLIKE: Lack of cruise control
VERDICT: Sensible bakkie that covers many lifestyle bases
Motor News star rating
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Competition
Isuzu D-Max 250 4x4 X-Rider auto, 100kW/320Nm — R527,400
GWM P-Series 2.0TD DLX 4x4 auto, 120kW/400Nm — R469,900
Toyota Hilux 2.4GD-6 Raider auto, 110kW/400Nm — R551,700
Mahindra Pik Up 2.2CRDe 4x4 S11 Karoo auto, 103kW/320Nm — R421,999
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