WORDS ROBERT PEPPER

Ford Ranger XLS Sport limited-edition trim level added

Ford has added a new trim level, XLS Sport, to its popular Ranger ute. The full range is now XL, XLS, XLS Sport, XLT and topped off with the Wildtrak. The Sport XLS level is equipment only, nothing mechanical, and there are just 600 units available.

However, we speculate that if it does well Ford could keep it. For those wondering about the Ranger Raptor, that's a different variant oriented towards high-speed off-road use with equipment levels similar to Wildtrak.

As always with utes, the five Ranger trim levels are not available across all three body styles of single-cab, extra-cab and dual-cab. Rangers are also offered in 2WD, 2WD with a lift (Hi-Rider) and 4WD drivetrains.

The standard engine for the Ranger is the 3.2-litre diesel combined with a six-speed automatic, with the 2.0-litre, 10-speed transmission being an option for XLT and Wildtrak, not for Sport and below. The 2.2-litre engine is standard for the XL trim with a 3.2-litre option. The 3.2 and 2.2 are available in auto or manual, but the 2.0-litre is automatic only.

All 2019.75MY Rangers are offered with a $299 standard service for 'eligible customers' four years or 60,000km whichever comes first, and all new Fords now have a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

The new Sport retails for $52,940 manual, $55,140 auto, both costs plus on-roads. Ford claims there is $6000 of value over the XLS for only $3500 more.

To be helpful, we've listed all the key spec features for the XL, and additions for each trim grade beyond that. There are two option packs, one for the XLS and one for the XLT that add a few features for the next grade up.

XL
Easy-lift tailgate
230V inverter
1 x Aux 12V
Vinyl floor
Single 4.2-inch colour screen
Ford Sync infotainment
Auto high beam
Rear park assist
Rear differential lock
Rear-view camera
17-inch wheels

XLS
Carpet floor
Alarm
Front and rear park assist

XLS Sport
Ford Sync 3 infotainment plus eight-inch touch screen
Satnav
Keyless entry and push-button start
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
DAB+ Digital Radio
Dual 4.2-inch colour screen
Dual-zone climate control

XLT
HID headlights
Heated exterior mirrors
Privacy glass
Towbar
2 x Aux 12V
Cooled centre console
Rain-sensing wipers
Tyre pressure monitoring
Ford MyKey
18-inch wheels

Wildtrak
Puddle lamps
Eight-way driver seat adjustment
Heated front seats
Adaptive cruise

Looking at that list, most of the kit for the Sport has been copied from XLT, addressing the big gap between XLS and XLT. I'd say now that the Sport would perhaps be the value buy as the XLT extras aren't as valuable, and some can be added aftermarket such as the extra lighting, tinted glass and towbar. However, even the humble XL has Bluetooth, aircon, cruise control and the like so maybe consider that first.

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The Nissan Navara SL, ST, and ST-X utes have been upgraded with a new infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new Alliance In-Vehicle Infotainment (AIVI) system measures eight inches, replacing the five-inch unit on SL and seven-inch on ST and ST-X. 

The new range-topper is the N-Trek, which has a number of cosmetic enhancements over the ST-X, but no equipment improvements. Costs are $56,450 manual and $58,950 plus on-roads.

Navara upgrades and new N-Trek

The much-loved Pajero is still on the same platform dating back to the NM days of 1999, complete with noisy diesel, five-speed transmission, dated interior and limited tow capacity. Mitsubishi released the Pajero Sport in 2015, which is essentially a wagon version of the Triton but with an eight-speed auto. Having driven both, I struggle to see why you'd buy a Pajero and not a Sport ... and now the Sport has been updated. Mitsubishi says it is "new" but then also says there are "further improvements to design, convenience, comfort, and quality" which probably means a few panels have been tweaked - the MR Triton face has been transplanted  - and some features such as tech (app communication) and safety have been added. I see they've shortened those awful tail lights too. 

Refreshed Pajero Sport unveiled

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• The Mercedes-Benz G-Class AMG has scored a five-star ANCAP safety rating, something Jeep and Suzuki would do well to note considering their new vehicles of similar age scored far worse.

Quick News

• New car sales for June 2019 were down 9.6 percent compared to last year. The HiLux and Ranger are the most popular vehicles, followed by the i30. Toyota sold most with 21,200, then Mazda with 10,806, Hyundai at 10,001 and Mitsubishi at 8891.

• The new Land Rover Defender looks to be offered in 90, 110, and 130 wheelbases. Sadly, leaked documents speak of "young, affluent fun-seeking individual" and "self-employed adventurers", showing worrying signs that the focus may not be as practical as we'd like. Also looks like three engines including a plug-in hybrid. The image is from bu3amraz_garage on Twitter and is apparently the new Defender, which has also been shown in semi-disguise at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, in the UK.