The Ford Ranger XL Street Special is a Thailand-specific model that we want in Malaysia.
Is there a market for a lo-rider pick-up truck with decent infotainment, a manual gearbox and some aggressive looks? Well in Thailand, there is. Ford is releasing the Ranger XL Street Special there to celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary of building vehicles in the Land Of Smiles. Don’t expect it to be exported to any other markets though, including Malaysia.
The 2021 Ford Ranger XL Street Special Edition is built on the XL Street Super Cab variant, which got updated in late 2020. This combines a lowered ride height with a 2-row cab that has seats for 4-5 adults, but just two doors. This configuration is common in Thailand, but not so in Malaysia. It is also known as an ‘extended cab’ or ‘king cab’. The lowered ride height is apparently in connection with the fact that it’s running a rear-wheel-drive setup.
Powering this Street Special is the older, lower output 2.2-litre turbodiesel motor that we’ve seen in the Ranger for years. This motor is paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox that channels 160PS and 385Nm of torque to the rear axle only.
What’s new on the Ford Ranger XL Street Special Edition?
zThe first major difference is a redesigned front grille. It now features the letters that make up “FORD” emblazoned across the front rather than in a little blue oval. The pick-up also features a new body kit which comprise of bumper extensions on both the front and rear. It also has new side skirts and a tailgate spoiler too.
To top the look off, there are also red and white decals, which are inspired by Ford Racing Thailand’s Super Pickup racing series car. A set of 16″ black wheels completes the look.
In terms of equipment, the Ford Ranger XL Street Special isn’t half bad. It comes with an 8″ infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 6-speakers. Inside, you’ll also find an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Only two colour options exist for the Ford Ranger XL Street Special – Lightning Blue and Absolute Black. How much would you pay for such a vehicle if Sime Darby Auto Connexion were to bring it in in this configuration?
