Ford bolsters Ranger with 4x4 XL Plus

Ford says its new Ranger 4x4 XL Plus was developed with the needs of the mining industry, key government agencies and fleet buyers in mind, but it also offers caravanners and campers all the usual benefits of a Ranger 4x4 with a number of upgrades that primarily enhance its off-road ability.

Those features include 4x4 shields, mud flaps and tow bar; running boards (double-cabs only); 17-inch steel wheels with all-terrain Continental tyres (265/65 R17); heavy-duty canvas seat covers; expanded wiring harness and switch bezel; 75ah main battery with 80ah deep-cycle accessories battery (and isolator); moulded black bumpers; daytime running lights; and an optional steel bumper.

The model’s rugged nature is underlined by a locking rear differential and a tow bar rated to 3500kg, while its five-star ANCAP rating will enhance its appeal for both fleet and private buyers alike.

The new model will arrive in dealerships next month in single cab/chassis ($46,280 plus on-roads), double cab/chassis ($51,760 plus on-roads) and double-cab pick-up ($52,760 plus on-roads) formats. The 'Plus' pack adds around $6000 to the price of the standard model on which it's based.

All of them will be fitted with Ford’s 3.2-litre turbo-diesel and six-speed automatic transmission.

The new model keeps the Ranger family’s momentum rolling – the 2014 line-up has also seen airbags included as standard across the range, the availability of the Ranger XLS in both 2.2-litre manual/auto and 3.2-litre auto versions, and improved supply of the flagship Ranger Wildtrak.