Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has
announced that it will be debuting the new Ford Ranger FX4 on June 3 at 11am,
the launch being broadcast via both YouTube and Facebook Live. The model –
which is based on a 2020 Ranger XLT variant – dresses up the T6 facelift with
plenty of stealth in the form of black kit and accessories.
Announced last November, the new FX4
follows the same treatment taken for the previous outing with the same moniker,
which was introduced here in 2017. On the new one, dress-up bits include a new
design mesh grille finished in ebony black, black front/rear bumpers as well as
matching side mirror covers and door/tailgate handles.
It also gets dedicated 18-inch ebony black
alloy wheels, which are wrapped with 265/60 profile tyres, and the bi-LED
headlamps feature darkened bezels. Completing the exterior accoutrements are
unique FX4 side decals and a 3D tailgate Ranger badge. Inside, the FX4 package
introduces black leather-accented seats embossed with an FX4 logo, an ebony
black soft top instrument panel with tinted graphite accents and Race Red
contrast stitching for the steering wheel, gear selector and floor mats.
Otherwise, equipment found on the XLT
remain as is, and these include an eight-inch SYNC 3 infotainment system with
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, six speakers, 4.2-inch colour multi
info display, six-way powered driver’s seat, four-way powered front passenger
seat and electrically foldable side mirrors. Exterior colour options for the FX4 in the
Australian market besides Shadow Black (which should presumably be the leading
choice for most) are Arctic White, True Red, Meteor Grey and Aluminium Silver,
but it remains to be seen what SDAC will offer from the colour palette.
Under the bonnet, the FX4 features the 2.2
litre TDCi VGT turbodiesel engine as seen on the XLT, the Puma unit continuing
on with its output of 160 PS at 3,200 rpm and 385 Nm of torque from 1,600 to
2,600 rpm unchanged. The mill is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, a
four-wheel drive system with on-the-fly shifting and an electronic-locking rear
differential.
To usher things in, SDAC is announcing
that the first 150 customers who purchase the FX4 will receive accessories
worth RM 5,398 for free. These consist of a matte black extended sports bar
(which curiously is part of the listed FX4 package component set in other
markets) and executive window film tint as well as an in-built, high definition
Digital Video Recorder (DVR).