Ford plugs Ranger line-up with mid-spec model

FORD Australia has plugged an important hole in its Ranger ute line-up, releasing a mid-specification model aimed at private and small business buyers.

The $48,090 Ranger XLS bridges the entry-level $44,390 XL twin cab featuring the 3.2-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder engine and the more richly equipped $55,390 XLT.

The four-door XL and XLT models have been the Ranger’s best sellers since the Australian-penned ute’s launch in late 2011.

“We’re excited to be able to offer the XLS to our customers, many of whom have been asking for a mid-range model between the XL and XLT,” said Ford Australia marketing general manager David Katic.

While not as richly equipped as the XLT, the new mid-spec model includes the same 147kW engine pushing out a beefy 470Nm of torque.

Extra equipment over the base XL includes 16-inch alloy wheels, fog-lights, silver-coloured grille, body-coloured side mirror surrounds, carpet instead of rubber floor mats, and a locking rear differential replacing the XL’s open diff using the Ranger’s anti-lock brakes to prevent wheelspin.

Standard equipment includes a Bluetooth phone connection, cruise control, locking tailgate, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, six airbags, a six-speed manual transmission, and a 3500kg tow rating.

Ford says the new model expands the number of variants in the ranger line-up to 22. The Ranger also joins a growing list of five-star crash-rated trade utes entering the Australian market.