The proudly South African-built Ford Ranger is already one of the country’s top-selling vehicles, offering exceptional practicality, outstanding capability, as well as superb comfort, technology and safety. Now, Ford has made the Ranger an even more compelling choice in the pickup segment by introducing the Chrome Styling Pack on the popular XLS models.
And the best part? The eye-catching additions to the Ranger XLS are available at no additional cost to the customer, further entrenching the exceptional value proposition offered across the 31-model Ranger line-up, which starts with the trusty Single Cab Base variants and extends right through to the segment-defining Ranger Raptor high-performance off-road pickup.
Slotting between the workhorse Base and XL models at the affordable end of the pricing spectrum, and the luxuriously-appointed XLT and feature-rich Wildtrak on the premium end of the scale, the Ranger XLS line represents the ideal middle ground for all manner of applications – from hard-working commercial use to family and lifestyle-oriented functionality.
The new Chrome Styling Pack adds a generous dose of styling flair to the 10 XLS derivatives available locally, encompassing the industrious Single Cab, versatile SuperCab and family-oriented Double Cab body styles.
“Where value-for-money and bang-for-the-buck are the primary purchasing considerations, the Ranger XLS is exceptionally hard to beat,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager Marketing at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. “It delivers all of the ‘Built Ford Tough’ capability that the Ranger is renowned for, but now incorporates a level of upmarket sophistication and eye-catching style normally reserved for the premium models in the range.
“The optional Chrome Styling Pack adds approximately R20 000 worth of styling and feature upgrades to the Ranger XLS line-up with no increase in the recommended purchase price,” Mashinini says. “Add this to the comprehensive range of comfort, convenience and safety features that are standard on the Ranger, and are either not available or come at extra cost on our key competitors, and it positions this model in a unique white space in this crucial, price-sensitive segment of the pickup market.”
The Chrome Styling Pack certainly sets the Ranger XLS apart from the traditional workhorse variants in the mid and lower-specification model lines. The treatment is particularly effective in highlighting the attractive design attributes that were introduced with the New Ranger, launched earlier this year. In place of the matt grey finishes previously used for the XLS models, the front boasts a bright chrome trapezoidal grille with twin horizontal bars that take pride of place in the centre.
A chrome finish also adorns the exterior mirror housings, door handles, practical rear step bumper and tailgate handle. Adding to the muscular character of the Ranger is a standard stainless steel sports bar with integrated high-mount stop light.
Enabling a further level of personalization, the trendy 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels used on the Ranger XLT are also now available as a no-cost option on the XLS in place of the standard model’s 16-inch rims. Customers are given the choice of traditional silver or bold gloss black finishes – again, with no price penalty.
Model range
The Ranger XLS specification is available in 10 models across three body styles: three Single Cabs, four SuperCab versions and two Double Cabs. Customers have the choice of both two and four-wheel drive options, as well as Ford’s proven six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
At the heart of the Ranger XLS is the reliable and efficient Duratorq TDCi engine range, starting off with the 2.2-litre four-cylinder version which produces 118kW of power matched to 385Nm of torque.
The Single Cab and SuperCab models can be specified with the gutsy 3.2-litre five-cylinder engine which is revered for its 147kW of power, and the mighty 470Nm peak torque that makes it an extremely popular choice for hard-working and leisure-oriented roles.
The standard features set common to all XLS models is one of the Ranger’s most appealing selling points – particularly regarding safety. All models are equipped with cruise control operated via the multi-function steering wheel, daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlight activation, front and rear fog lamps, a rear-view camera with parking sensors, and a high-grade Thatcham-specification security system. The remote-operated central locking system incorporates tailgate lock operation for maximum convenience and added security.
Active driving safety features include ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Control, Hill Descent Control (on 4×4 models), Hill Launch Assist, Roll-over Mitigation, Adaptive Load Control and Trailer Sway Control. In the event of a collision, occupants are protected by means of dual front and side airbags, as well as curtain airbags on all SuperCab and Double Cab derivatives.
Multimedia and infotainment functionality is provided by Ford’s SYNC® system with Bluetooth and Voice Activation, USB and Aux connections and a colour multi-function display.
Along with the exceptional value the Ranger XLS presents, it also offers a very competitive total cost of ownership. Included in the standard purchase price is a four-year/120 000km warranty and service plan. With service intervals recommended every 15 000km, this covers six scheduled services. Also included in the comprehensive Ford Protect customer care package is a five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty, and three-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance.
Model Range and Recommended Retail Prices:
Single Cab
2.2 TDCi XLS 6MT 4×2 R406 800
2.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4×4 R467 500
3.2 TDCi XLS 6MT 4×2 R418 100
3.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4×4 R478 800
SuperCab
2.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4×2 R443 600
2.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4×4 R491 600
3.2 TDCi XLS 6MT 4×2 R442 100
3.2 TDCi XLS 6MT 4×4 R500 500
Double Cab
2.2 TDCi XLS 6MT 4×2 R473 600
2.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4×4 R530 100
