Latest news with #XLT
The Advertiser
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Ford Ranger PHEV won't be for tradies
If you're thinking about buying a Ford Ranger PHEV and replacing the tub with a steel tray or work canopy, the Blue Oval has a word of advice: don't. The first plug-in hybrid Ranger will only be available in four dual-cab 4×4 pickup variants from launch: XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, and Stormtrak. The new PHEV powertrain option won't be offered in the same fleet- and trade-oriented single-cab, 4×2 and cab/chassis configurations as the diesel-powered Ranger, leading to questions around whether workhorse modifications like a steel tray can be retrofitted to the electrified dual-cab ute. Speaking at the Ranger PHEV's local launch, chief program engineer Phil Millar said owners shouldn't fit their own steel trays post-purchase, citing incompatibilities with PHEV-specific components and warranty issues. "At this point, we're not recommending you do that. There's a number of critical features under the vehicle that are protected by the tub, as well as the fuelling system, the integrated high-voltage system, a whole raft of critical components in the back," he said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "There's other integrated systems like a… fuel vapour recovery system. There could be long periods of time running that [internal combustion engine], building up vapour in the system. "So it's got a locking fuel door, which then, when run off the fuel door button inside, which is unique to PHEV, allows the system to vent." That's despite Mr Millar outlining that the Ranger PHEV's 11.8kWh battery is mounted to specially designed chassis rails under the tub, rather than being integrated into the floor of the tub itself. "It's mounted on the chassis. If you see underneath, the battery's got an aluminium casing with in-built cooling channels at the bottom of the casing, and that's mounted up and on top of the spare wheel," he said. Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson says any issues that arise from owners modifying the Ranger PHEV's tub wouldn't be covered by warranty. "From a warranty perspective… if the issue or fault is incurred because of something that the customer did that is not recommended, then that warranty is not paid out," he said. "But if something happened at the front and it's not related, then it's still covered by the warranty. So it's about whether it was directly related or not." As it stands, the Ranger PHEV is a dual-cab pickup-only ute starting at $71,990 before on-roads for the XLT. Still, the Ranger PHEV-rivalling BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV are also offered exclusively as dual-cab utes. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: If you're thinking about buying a Ford Ranger PHEV and replacing the tub with a steel tray or work canopy, the Blue Oval has a word of advice: don't. The first plug-in hybrid Ranger will only be available in four dual-cab 4×4 pickup variants from launch: XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, and Stormtrak. The new PHEV powertrain option won't be offered in the same fleet- and trade-oriented single-cab, 4×2 and cab/chassis configurations as the diesel-powered Ranger, leading to questions around whether workhorse modifications like a steel tray can be retrofitted to the electrified dual-cab ute. Speaking at the Ranger PHEV's local launch, chief program engineer Phil Millar said owners shouldn't fit their own steel trays post-purchase, citing incompatibilities with PHEV-specific components and warranty issues. "At this point, we're not recommending you do that. There's a number of critical features under the vehicle that are protected by the tub, as well as the fuelling system, the integrated high-voltage system, a whole raft of critical components in the back," he said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "There's other integrated systems like a… fuel vapour recovery system. There could be long periods of time running that [internal combustion engine], building up vapour in the system. "So it's got a locking fuel door, which then, when run off the fuel door button inside, which is unique to PHEV, allows the system to vent." That's despite Mr Millar outlining that the Ranger PHEV's 11.8kWh battery is mounted to specially designed chassis rails under the tub, rather than being integrated into the floor of the tub itself. "It's mounted on the chassis. If you see underneath, the battery's got an aluminium casing with in-built cooling channels at the bottom of the casing, and that's mounted up and on top of the spare wheel," he said. Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson says any issues that arise from owners modifying the Ranger PHEV's tub wouldn't be covered by warranty. "From a warranty perspective… if the issue or fault is incurred because of something that the customer did that is not recommended, then that warranty is not paid out," he said. "But if something happened at the front and it's not related, then it's still covered by the warranty. So it's about whether it was directly related or not." As it stands, the Ranger PHEV is a dual-cab pickup-only ute starting at $71,990 before on-roads for the XLT. Still, the Ranger PHEV-rivalling BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV are also offered exclusively as dual-cab utes. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: If you're thinking about buying a Ford Ranger PHEV and replacing the tub with a steel tray or work canopy, the Blue Oval has a word of advice: don't. The first plug-in hybrid Ranger will only be available in four dual-cab 4×4 pickup variants from launch: XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, and Stormtrak. The new PHEV powertrain option won't be offered in the same fleet- and trade-oriented single-cab, 4×2 and cab/chassis configurations as the diesel-powered Ranger, leading to questions around whether workhorse modifications like a steel tray can be retrofitted to the electrified dual-cab ute. Speaking at the Ranger PHEV's local launch, chief program engineer Phil Millar said owners shouldn't fit their own steel trays post-purchase, citing incompatibilities with PHEV-specific components and warranty issues. "At this point, we're not recommending you do that. There's a number of critical features under the vehicle that are protected by the tub, as well as the fuelling system, the integrated high-voltage system, a whole raft of critical components in the back," he said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "There's other integrated systems like a… fuel vapour recovery system. There could be long periods of time running that [internal combustion engine], building up vapour in the system. "So it's got a locking fuel door, which then, when run off the fuel door button inside, which is unique to PHEV, allows the system to vent." That's despite Mr Millar outlining that the Ranger PHEV's 11.8kWh battery is mounted to specially designed chassis rails under the tub, rather than being integrated into the floor of the tub itself. "It's mounted on the chassis. If you see underneath, the battery's got an aluminium casing with in-built cooling channels at the bottom of the casing, and that's mounted up and on top of the spare wheel," he said. Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson says any issues that arise from owners modifying the Ranger PHEV's tub wouldn't be covered by warranty. "From a warranty perspective… if the issue or fault is incurred because of something that the customer did that is not recommended, then that warranty is not paid out," he said. "But if something happened at the front and it's not related, then it's still covered by the warranty. So it's about whether it was directly related or not." As it stands, the Ranger PHEV is a dual-cab pickup-only ute starting at $71,990 before on-roads for the XLT. Still, the Ranger PHEV-rivalling BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV are also offered exclusively as dual-cab utes. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: If you're thinking about buying a Ford Ranger PHEV and replacing the tub with a steel tray or work canopy, the Blue Oval has a word of advice: don't. The first plug-in hybrid Ranger will only be available in four dual-cab 4×4 pickup variants from launch: XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, and Stormtrak. The new PHEV powertrain option won't be offered in the same fleet- and trade-oriented single-cab, 4×2 and cab/chassis configurations as the diesel-powered Ranger, leading to questions around whether workhorse modifications like a steel tray can be retrofitted to the electrified dual-cab ute. Speaking at the Ranger PHEV's local launch, chief program engineer Phil Millar said owners shouldn't fit their own steel trays post-purchase, citing incompatibilities with PHEV-specific components and warranty issues. "At this point, we're not recommending you do that. There's a number of critical features under the vehicle that are protected by the tub, as well as the fuelling system, the integrated high-voltage system, a whole raft of critical components in the back," he said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "There's other integrated systems like a… fuel vapour recovery system. There could be long periods of time running that [internal combustion engine], building up vapour in the system. "So it's got a locking fuel door, which then, when run off the fuel door button inside, which is unique to PHEV, allows the system to vent." That's despite Mr Millar outlining that the Ranger PHEV's 11.8kWh battery is mounted to specially designed chassis rails under the tub, rather than being integrated into the floor of the tub itself. "It's mounted on the chassis. If you see underneath, the battery's got an aluminium casing with in-built cooling channels at the bottom of the casing, and that's mounted up and on top of the spare wheel," he said. Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson says any issues that arise from owners modifying the Ranger PHEV's tub wouldn't be covered by warranty. "From a warranty perspective… if the issue or fault is incurred because of something that the customer did that is not recommended, then that warranty is not paid out," he said. "But if something happened at the front and it's not related, then it's still covered by the warranty. So it's about whether it was directly related or not." As it stands, the Ranger PHEV is a dual-cab pickup-only ute starting at $71,990 before on-roads for the XLT. Still, the Ranger PHEV-rivalling BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV are also offered exclusively as dual-cab utes. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Ford Ranger PHEV won't be for tradies
If you're thinking about buying a Ford Ranger PHEV and replacing the tub with a steel tray or work canopy, the Blue Oval has a word of advice: don't. The first plug-in hybrid Ranger will only be available in four dual-cab 4×4 pickup variants from launch: XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, and Stormtrak. The new PHEV powertrain option won't be offered in the same fleet- and trade-oriented single-cab, 4×2 and cab/chassis configurations as the diesel-powered Ranger, leading to questions around whether workhorse modifications like a steel tray can be retrofitted to the electrified dual-cab ute. Speaking at the Ranger PHEV's local launch, chief program engineer Phil Millar said owners shouldn't fit their own steel trays post-purchase, citing incompatibilities with PHEV-specific components and warranty issues. 'At this point, we're not recommending you do that. There's a number of critical features under the vehicle that are protected by the tub, as well as the fuelling system, the integrated high-voltage system, a whole raft of critical components in the back,' he said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'There's other integrated systems like a… fuel vapour recovery system. There could be long periods of time running that [internal combustion engine], building up vapour in the system. 'So it's got a locking fuel door, which then, when run off the fuel door button inside, which is unique to PHEV, allows the system to vent.' That's despite Mr Millar outlining that the Ranger PHEV's 11.8kWh battery is mounted to specially designed chassis rails under the tub, rather than being integrated into the floor of the tub itself. 'It's mounted on the chassis. If you see underneath, the battery's got an aluminium casing with in-built cooling channels at the bottom of the casing, and that's mounted up and on top of the spare wheel,' he said. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson says any issues that arise from owners modifying the Ranger PHEV's tub wouldn't be covered by warranty. 'From a warranty perspective… if the issue or fault is incurred because of something that the customer did that is not recommended, then that warranty is not paid out,' he said. 'But if something happened at the front and it's not related, then it's still covered by the warranty. So it's about whether it was directly related or not.' As it stands, the Ranger PHEV is a dual-cab pickup-only ute starting at $71,990 before on-roads for the XLT. Still, the Ranger PHEV-rivalling BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV are also offered exclusively as dual-cab utes. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger
7NEWS
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Ford Ranger PHEV won't be for tradies
If you're thinking about buying a Ford Ranger PHEV and replacing the tub with a steel tray or work canopy, the Blue Oval has a word of advice: don't. The first plug-in hybrid Ranger will only be available in four dual-cab 4×4 pickup variants from launch: XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, and Stormtrak. The new PHEV powertrain option won't be offered in the same fleet- and trade-oriented single-cab, 4×2 and cab/chassis configurations as the diesel-powered Ranger, leading to questions around whether workhorse modifications like a steel tray can be retrofitted to the electrified dual-cab ute. Speaking at the Ranger PHEV's local launch, chief program engineer Phil Millar said owners shouldn't fit their own steel trays post-purchase, citing incompatibilities with PHEV-specific components and warranty issues. 'At this point, we're not recommending you do that. There's a number of critical features under the vehicle that are protected by the tub, as well as the fuelling system, the integrated high-voltage system, a whole raft of critical components in the back,' he said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 'There's other integrated systems like a… fuel vapour recovery system. There could be long periods of time running that [internal combustion engine], building up vapour in the system. 'So it's got a locking fuel door, which then, when run off the fuel door button inside, which is unique to PHEV, allows the system to vent.' That's despite Mr Millar outlining that the Ranger PHEV's 11.8kWh battery is mounted to specially designed chassis rails under the tub, rather than being integrated into the floor of the tub itself. 'It's mounted on the chassis. If you see underneath, the battery's got an aluminium casing with in-built cooling channels at the bottom of the casing, and that's mounted up and on top of the spare wheel,' he said. Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson says any issues that arise from owners modifying the Ranger PHEV's tub wouldn't be covered by warranty. 'From a warranty perspective… if the issue or fault is incurred because of something that the customer did that is not recommended, then that warranty is not paid out,' he said. 'But if something happened at the front and it's not related, then it's still covered by the warranty. So it's about whether it was directly related or not.' As it stands, the Ranger PHEV is a dual-cab pickup-only ute starting at $71,990 before on-roads for the XLT. Still, the Ranger PHEV-rivalling BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV are also offered exclusively as dual-cab utes.
The Citizen
31-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Easy-going Ford Ranger XLT the perfect camping companion
Double cab bakkie not only comfortable and safe, but very easy on the juice too. There can be nothing more South African than jumping in a Ford Ranger and going for a weekend of camping at an ATKV holiday resort. And that's exactly what we did when we took our long-term XLT to Buffelspoort recently. Buffelspoort is located around an hour from both Pretoria and Johannesburg on the road out towards Sun City, which meant it was just long enough to appreciate the open road manners of our Ford Ranger double cab. Unfortunately, though, open road driving in this country is a dangerous thing and any and all safety systems are welcome in a vehicle. And even though our long-term Ford Ranger is a mid-spec model, that slots in above the XL and below the Wildtrak, it still comes with a level of active and passive safety features that many of its competitors simply can't match. Ford Ranger safe as a house On board, you have Dynamic Stability Control incorporating ABS, Load Adaptive Control, Roll Over Mitigation, Traction Control and Trailer Sway Control. And if you tick one of the Tech Pack boxes, you can have Pre-Collision Assist, Post-Collision Braking, Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage, Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Keeping System with Road Edge Detection. ALSO READ: Even without a fancy badge, Ford Ranger XLT is a lot of bakkie On the road is also where the Ford Ranger excels with its car-like ride while still retaining its off-road abilities. To achieve this balance, there have been a host of under-the-skin improvements, from increasing the wheelbase by 50mm to moving the rear dampers outboard of the springs. Not that a trip to Buffelspoort required any sort of off-road driving, but it is worth noting that the front approach angle is up from 28.5 degrees to 30 degrees. And the departure angle is up to 23 degrees from 21 degrees. This is with the towbar fitted. The loadbin is large enough to swallow camping gear with ease. Picture: Mark Jones If the road less travelled still calls, the Ford Ranger features an electronic rear differential lock. A differential lock allows both wheels on a specific axle to turn at the same speed, providing additional traction when you're off-roading. This feature might still come in handy, as we chose a 4×2 Ford Ranger XLT instead of a 4×4, knowing most of its life would be spent in the urban jungle. Four driving modes Talking of which, The Citizen Motoring's bakkie comes with four selectable drive modes to help you get traction to the wheels that need it the most and in a way that is best suited for the situation at hand, without you having to be an expert. These modes are Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul and Slippery. They adjust everything from the gearshift to throttle response, traction and stability controls, ABS and more. Tow/Haul mode is a new drive mode that optimises the gear shift timing to maintain power when you're climbing up a hill or deliver the right amount of engine braking when you're travelling down a hill. All of which comes in handy when you know that your Ford Ranger has a braked towing capacity of 3 500kg with a 350kg tow ball download limit. That's a heavy load. The XLT's interior. Picture: Supplied Perhaps the best kept secret of the four Ford Ranger XLT derivatives on offer is that you can have the 154kW/500 Nm 2.0 litre bi-turbo top spec model in 4×2 and 4×4 guise with a 10-speed automatic transmission if you really want the extra urge. Or you can opt for a simpler 4×4, or 4×2, 125kW/405Nm single turbo with easy shifting six-speed auto like we did. Trust me, and I have done the performance testing of our Ranger XLT, when I say that this combo is more than good enough for everyday use. ALSO READ: Ford Ranger's clever onboard systems allow you to tow like a pro Easy on the juice What's even better is the fuel consumption that has settled at 8.9 litres per 100km with a heavy bias towards city-type driving. It went into the high 7s on the trip out to Buffelspoort. It's really hard to fault this bakkie in single turbo guise. The Ford Ranger XLT double cab 4×2 SiT 6AT retails for R681 500. The price includes a four-year/120 000km warranty, with service and maintenance plans available as options.
The Citizen
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Even without a fancy badge, Ford Ranger XLT is a lot of bakkie
Single turbo diesel mill and six-speed auto box powertrain delivers great fuel economy. Keeping up with Ford Ranger badges is a bit like keeping up with the Jones'. Over the last five years or so, our long-term fleet saw the likes of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, Thunder, Raptor, Stormtrak, Wildtrak X, Tremor, Platinum and Stormtrak. The Silverton-assembled Wolftrak would have probably been on that list was it not only for export markets. Ford Ranger XLT a familiar face It was a bit like putting on an old but comfortable pair of shoes when The Citizen Motoring's latest long-term Ford Ranger arrived in XLT guise. Despite the impressive list of mentioned model names, the XL and XLT grading system goes back many years on Ford products. This scribe owning a Ford Bantam XL more than 20 years ago. The XLT is one cut above the entry-level XL bakkies in the Ranger food chain. Our tester is a double cab 4×2 which is only offered in automatic transmission at R681 500. While it is bereft of fancy factory-fitted trim like sports bar, roof rails, side steps, steel roller shutter and pretty stickers, it does at least have a towbar and aftermarket tonneau cover. The loadbox is covered with spray-in loadbin-liner. ALSO READ: Can this Ford Ranger give the Toyota Hilux a Tremor or two? The exterior importance of the addition of the T to the XL means that this Ford Ranger comes standard with the auto C-clamp shaped LED headlights. The headlamps on the XL consist of blocks of very yellowish halogen lights which are not a patch on the commanding look created by the C-clamp LEDs. The Ford Ranger XLT's 17 inch rims are wrapped in chunky rubberware. Picture: Charl Bosch Chunky tyres The standard 17 inch alloy wheels are also clad in chunky 255/70 R16 rubberware. This make the alloys virtually pothole and pavement-scratch proof, something some of the lower profile fancier tyres and rims can't attest to. Inside, the XLT is fairly humble compared to its shinier siblings. There is no leather apart from the gear lever and no fancy finishes. Yet it doesn't bother us one little bit. It comes with a 10.1 inch portrait-style infotainment system and 8 inch fully digital instrument cluster, which makes a huge difference. Not that long ago tech like this didn't even feature in the top bakkies, nevermind in Plain Janes. Lots of tech The SYNC4A infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as FordPass Connect via embedded modem. It also features keyless entry and remote start, six-way manual driver's seat adjustment, reach and rake steering wheel adjustment, rain-sensing wipers, wireless charger and USB Type-A and Type-C ports in the front and rear and rear seat air vents. Safety features come in the form of seven airbags, traction control, dynamic stability control, pre-collision braking, cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, cross traffic alert, lane-keeping assist and hill-descent control. The Ford Ranger XLT also comes with front and rear parking sensors and reverse camera. ALSO READ: Isuzu D-Max X-Rider loses out to Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux Superb single turbo One of the bakkie's best features in our opinion is its 2.0 litre single turbodiesel engine. It makes 125kW of power and 405Nm of torque which is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed auto box. The single turbo has been very much underappreciated ever since it was introduced alongside its 2.0 litre biturbo sibling on the previous generation Ford Ranger. While it looks much less than the biturbo's 154kW/500Nm on paper, it is anything but a slouch as our tests against the clock have proven over the years. And yet the best of the mill is its fuel consumption. We have struggled to get the new bi-turbo under 11L/100km and the 3.0 litre V6 models under 13L/100km. Yet the single turbo mill hardly threatens double figures. The cabin is bereft of top-end creature comforts, but still very comfortable. Picture: Charl Bosch Over the first 1 600km of its stay with us, the Ford Ranger XLT achieved 8.9L/100km. And to be fair, that included a lot of stop/start city traffic. We are sure that with more open road driving, we can get close to Ford's claim of 7.5L/100km. Ford Ranger XLT a plush ride We'll even predict that it can achieve a 'from Joburg to Cape Town on one tank' challenge. It does come with an 80 -litre fuel tank after all. There is the added benefit of an Eco driving mode, which is available alongside Normal, Tow and Slippery. If we do undertake a ride like that, it is guaranteed to be a comfortable one. The Ford Ranger has raised the bar in ride quality. The XLT is no different, albeit not having any of the fancier dampers of its pricier siblings. It is an honest bakkie which versatility allows it to be anything from a rugged worker to a city clicker. We look forward to spending some more time with it.
