Ford Ranger Sport special-edition released

When it comes to dual-cab 4x4 utes, the Ford Ranger is neck and neck with the Toyota HiLux again this year in the hot-selling market segment and remains Ford Australia’s best selling model by a huge margin.

Now, to boost sales even further, Ford Australia has announced the Ford Ranger Sport special-edition via its public website.

Based on the mid-range 3.2-litre 4x4 dual-cab Ranger XLS, the Sport special adds an array of extras including the latest SYNC3 infotainment unit with smartphone mirroring, which is usually reserved for higher spec models but can be optioned the XLS.

Other standard accessories include all-weather floor mats, a drop-in bed liner for the tray and, perhaps most importantly for most, a tougher new look courtesy of black-out treatments for exterior components such as the grille, side steps, sports bar, door-handles, mirrors and rear bumper.

Adding to the black-ops theme, customers will also get 17-inch alloy wheels in -- you guessed it -- black, as well as darkened headlights and unique decals.

Ford says the value of these extras totals around $6000, but customers will be expected to pay just half of that with a drive-away price of $47,790 in six-speed manual form and $49,990 for the six-speed automatic.

Last month Ford released an upgraded ‘MY19.75’ Ranger including a host of safety features as standard across the range.

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane assist, traffic sign recognition and auto high-beam are now standard on every new Ranger.

As a current MY19.75 model, all of these important safety features are included in the Ford ranger Sport.

Ford is also currently offering drive-away deals for other versions of the most popular 3.2-litre dual-cab 4x4 Ranger variants, including the MY19.75 XLS ($44,790 drive-away manual, or $43,990 for the MY19) and the MY19.75 XLT ($53,990 drive-away manual, or $52,990 for the MY19 and $49,990 for the MY18).