Ford has introduced a new Ranger variant in Thailand, and the FX4 MAX isn’t just an XLT given the usual dress-up treatment. The version gets plenty of mechanical improvements, enough to make it sort of a Raptor “lite.” At 1.19 million baht, it’s perfect for buyers wanting most of the mod-cons from the higher-end model without having to fork out the extra dosh.
The changes start with the engine. Where
the previous FX4 edition came with a Puma 2.2 litre TDCi VGT turbodiesel engine
offering 160 PS and 385 Nm, the FX4 MAX is equipped with a 2.0 litre EcoBlue
twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel as seen on the Raptor and WildTrak. The
Bi-Turbo unit, which delivers 213 PS and 500 Nm of torque, is paired with a
Ford 10R80 10-speed automatic gearbox with SelectShift manual override.
The suspension has also been given a boost
with the inclusion of Fox monotube dampers offering a two-inch lift, in essence
following on the off-road package seen on the US FX4. There’s a new 29 mm front
stabiliser bar, and the rear dampers feature a sub-tank to improve off-road
performance. The kit offers the FX4 MAX a 20 mm higher ground clearance than
the XLT, at 256 mm. Unlike the previous FX4, which rode on 18-inch wheels, the
MAX rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with all-terrain KO2 BF Goodrich 265/70
tyres.
Of course, there are dress-up bits, with
grey a running colour theme on components such as the front grille and door
handles, and the front/rear bumper and side mirrors are finished in a Bolder
Grey scheme. The variant also gets a matte black roll bar, off-road metal side
steps with a black anti-slip finish and dedicated front/rear wheel arch
cladding. The FX4 MAX also makes the transition to LED projector headlamps.
Inside, the FX4 package for this one
includes Alcantara leather upholstery with carbon-pattern accent strips and an
embroidered FX4 MAX logo on the front seats. Another visible highlight is a
bank of six auxiliary switches housed on top of the dashboard. Working in
tandem with a 250A alternator, the switches allow owners to connect accessories
such as a hoist and spot lights in a tidy manner.
