The Ford Ranger model range is one that’s filled with variety. Ford offers the single-cab, double-cab and surprisingly one of our favorite body shapes – the super cab. After piloting mid to top-spec models in the Ranger family, we were blessed to find ourselves behind the wheel of the lower spec Ford Ranger Super Cab XL.
Totally off-script as we get to sample more top of the range models in test cars that we receive, the Ranger Super Cab in XL guise is somewhat refreshing. As much as its a lower spec model sitting just below XLT, the XL is quite good looking. It has more of a utilitarian appearance thanks to simple optional 18-inch wheels, blue paint, rubberized bin and rather old school halogen headlights. Halogen lights are not our favorite form of lighting, but these work surprisingly well.
Our highlight on the exterior of the Ford Ranger Super Cab XL is the suicide style doors. Not only does it boost the cars cool factor, but are rather practical for easy access to the back of the cab. For what it is, we think it looks quite good.
Moving inside, it’s a blend of being utilitarian and modern at the same time. It features cloth seats, an 8-inch digital colour instrument cluster display, and a 10″ colour touchscreen. The latter runs on Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Practicality wise, it comes with two USB ports, and of course room at the back with floor storage.
As utilitarian as it looks, that’s exactly how it also feels. There’s an abundant use of plastic which it gets away with quite well as it more workhorse focused. We do, however, love the use of physical buttons to control things such as temperature, fan speed and volume of the radio. Overall, the cabin is solid for someone looking for a functional cabin in a workhorse.
Powering the Ford Ranger XL is a 2.0L turbodiesel engine that produces 125kW and 405 Nm of torque. If there’s one thing we can tell you guys is that it’s quite frugal for its weight. We managed 8.2 L/100km with mixed driving, which is quite close to the claimed 7.7 L/100 km. Open road driving would have seen us dip below the claimed fuel consumption figure. The 10-speed box is not as smooth as the more expensive lifestyle bakkies in the range, but it does get the job done. Built around more for work, the XL Super Cab does have a bit of a stiff ride. That aside, the practical bakkie has an impressive 1000 kg payload for those heavy goods.
We as journos tend to get the longer end of the stick when it comes to testing cars. Manufactures always give us the best of the bunch when it comes to test units. However, this is quite refreshing to try out something that’s actually practical. The Ford XL Super Cab is priced at R593,300 and for that you get a rather practical workhorse. Of course if you’re looking at more comfort and tech you can go higher in the model range, but this right here is perfect for its price and will definitely get the job for those looking for a strong workhorse.
