As Ford Authority reported nearly two years ago, the Ford Ranger is being produced in China for the local market as one of many new models joining that lineup as part of FoMoCo’s massive shift in strategy in the world’s largest automotive market. Rather than design vehicles specifically for Chinese customers, Ford is instead leaning on its off-road expertise to appeal to shoppers in that market, though the Ford Ranger is being sold with its own unique array of accessories in China tailored to the tastes of local customers. Now, a new Ford Ranger variant has been revealed for China – the FX4 Sand Fox.
According to Gasgoo, the Ford Ranger FX4 Sand Fox Special Edition is unique in a variety of ways, including its paint color, which is exclusive to that model – Cliff Gray. Other interesting accessories adorning the Sand Fox are a winch, fixed running boards, unique bumpers, a snorkel, beadlock-capable wheels wrapped in off-road tires, plus black side mirrors, door handles, fender flares, and a sport bar in the bed. Inside the cabin, one will find an array of yellow accents, but it’s otherwise pretty much identical to the rest of the Ranger lineup.
Power for the Ford Ranger FX4 Sand Fox comes from one of two engine options – the turbocharged 2.3L I-4 EcoBoost churning out 190kW (255 horsepower) and 450Nm (332 pound-feet) of torque mated to the 10-speed automatic transmission, or a diesel option delivering 137kW (184 horsepower) and 470Nm (347 pound-feet) of torque, mated to the eight-speed automatic gearbox. Underneath, one will find FOX nitrogen shocks, a Watts link rear suspension, and adjustable damping capability. Pricing for the new Ford Ranger FX4 Sand Fox ranges from 285,800-289,800 yuan ($39,432-$39,984 USD).
The new Ford Ranger FX4 Sand Fox joins an ever-growing lineup of off-road focused Blue Oval models in China, a lineup that already includes the Ford Bronco and Ford F-150 Raptor. The automaker also recently opened its very first off-road park in China, which aims to give owners a place to test out their rides in their natural habitat, too.
Comment
A niche market, but a good opportunity I think. I just returned from my first trip to China, and the only pickups I saw (in a large city) were a handful of Nissans for municipal maintenance.
Competing with a sea of low-cost EVs is a sure loser, so pushing something different can’t hurt.