By Staff Reporter

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has announced a new limited-edition Ranger XLT, finished in an exclusive Chill Grey exterior colour. This shade is unique to this special edition and is not available on any other Ranger derivative in South Africa.

Production of the Chill Grey Ranger XLT is limited to 250 units. The model is based on the XLT specification and includes Upgrade Pack 6, which adds a range of cosmetic and interior enhancements. The upgrade pack is priced at R58,600 including VAT.

On the outside, the limited-edition Ranger XLT features a sports bar, black side mirrors and door handles, and 17-inch alloy sport wheels fitted with all-terrain tyres. Underbody protection is also included, reinforcing the Ranger’s suitability for tougher driving conditions.

Inside, the cabin receives leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a leather gear knob. Wireless charging is fitted as standard, along with accessory switches that allow owners to integrate additional equipment to suit work or lifestyle needs.

Safety features form part of the standard specification and include Collision Mitigation, Post Impact Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring. These systems are designed to support driver awareness and occupant protection across a range of driving environments.

The introduction of the Chill Grey paint finish is linked to ongoing upgrades at Ford’s local manufacturing facility. In 2023, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa invested in a new skid cleaning facility as part of broader improvements to its Paint Shop operations.

The robotic skid cleaning system uses high-pressure water jets to remove paint residue from the skids that carry vehicles through the painting process. This helps ensure accurate positioning of vehicle bodies and loadboxes, contributing to consistent paint application and improved overall finish quality.

The new facility forms part of a series of Paint Shop upgrades, which also include extended ovens, paint inspection tunnels and an updated automated wax sealant application process. These investments are aimed at improving build consistency and paint quality across locally manufactured vehicles.