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Ford has added a new variant to its impressive Ranger T6 pick-up truck range, The new Ford Ranger 2.2 XL Manual is less powerful than its XLT siblings, but also more affordable at RM79,888 on-the-road with insurance.

The Ranger 2.2 XL Manual is also a high-riding double-cab 4X4 truck like its XLT and Wildtrak brethren (water-wading capability of 800 mm, ground clearance of 200 mm), but its 2.2 litre Duratorq TDCi makes less power and torque – 125 PS/320 Nm versus the XLT’s 150 PS/375 Nm. It may be 55 Nm down on the XLT, but max torque is made at a very low 1,700 rpm, which is 800 rpm lower than the stronger engine.

Another difference is that the detuned engine in the XL uses a fixed vane turbocharger, as opposed to the variable geometry turbocharger in the XLT. No auto option available for the XL, just a six-speed manual, the same MT82 gearbox offered on the XLT.

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Ford says that the XL’s fuel consumption can be as low as 8.1 litres per 100 km. This figure, combined with the 80 litre fuel tank, gives the XL a potential range of over 1,000 km from a single tank of diesel.

Further checks on Ford’s website reveal that the XL misses out on the XLT’s standard ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Load Sensing Proportionate Valve (LSPV) and dual airbags. Most of the chrome bits on the XLT (grille, door handles) have been replaced by black plastic items.

Available in four colours – Cool White, Metropolitan Grey, Highlight Silver, Black Mica – order books for the Ranger XL are now open and deliveries for the first batch of orders are expected within the same month. Additionally, the first 150 Ranger XL customers will enjoy an “Early Bird” incentive program, details of which can be had at Ford showrooms.

Read our review of the Ford Ranger T6 here.