Ford Ranger Sport launches in Australia

FORD has added the Ranger Sport to its model line-up, slotting it between the XLS and XLT 4x4 models.

With no mechanical changes, the Ranger Sport instead provides an improvement – above the XLS – to practicality and aesthetics. In fact, Ford claims the Sport features an additional $6000 worth of kit over the XLS, but it retails for only $3500 more than a standard XLS dual-cab.

On the cosmetic front, the Ranger Sport’s exterior has copped the black treatment, with a black front grille, black mirror caps, black door handles, and a matte black sports bar and headliner as standard. The 17-inch wheels – the XLS runs 16-inch wheels – are also black, as is the unique ‘Sport’ tailgate decal and rear bumper.

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Moving inside and the Ranger Sport adds dual-zone climate control, smart keyless entry and push-button start, SYNC 3 with 8-0-inch touchscreen, built-in sat nav, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Ranger Sport is available exclusively with Ford’s 3.2-litre engine, capable of 147kW and 470Nm, which can be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. As is the case with the entire Ranger line-up, the Sport comes with up-to-date driver assistance technology including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Automatic high beams.

The Ranger Sport is available in five colours: True Red, Meteor Grey, Arctic White, Shadow Black and Aluminium Metallic.

Available with Ford’s five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, the 2019 Ranger Sport will retail for $52,940* (manual) and $55,140* (automatic).

*Manufacturer’s list price.