Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2 South Africa 2015
Did you miss the Ford Ranger Odyssey but still want to show your work colleagues that you’re tough and manly? The new 2015 Ford Ranger Wildtrak – the ultimate Ranger we should say – can help you with that.
“The new Wildtrak takes the Ford Ranger to the next level with an aggressive exterior, a premium, sporty, interior, the latest Driver Assist Technologies and capabilities that ensure it’s up for any adventure,” said Trevor Worthington, vice president, Product Development, Ford Asia Pacific. “Building on the bolder, smarter and more refined new Ranger, the new Wildtrak is a perfect fit for customers who want to combine genuine 4×4 capability with stand-out styling and premium features.”
That’s the marketing talk done. Ford’s goal of recreating the American-o F150 for South Africa seems to have worked. Bigger is indeed better – a Toyota Hilux by comparison looks slightly sheepish. The Ranger Wildtrak is accentuated by metallic grey inserts on the side mirrors, door handles, side air vents and tail lamps. The signature orange colour (although available in others too) is enhanced by bespoke 18-inch wheels and Wildtrak graphics. We’re not convinced the orange interior detailing is such a fab idea.
The Ranger Wildtrak isn’t all about the looks. Wading depth of 800mm and 230mm of ground clearance work effectively off road. Engaging all-wheel drive traction is done via an inconspicuous rotary knob. Towing capacity of 3500kg will meet any demand especially when paired with the 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre Duratorq five-cylinder.
Road manners aligned with the Ford Everest have been improved thanks to more feedback and manoeuvrability from the electronic-assisted steering. The system, by virtue of removing the mechanical pump, also creates a quieter cabin.
Oddly it’s not the off-road capability or macho style that Ford is most focussed on. The SYNC 2 in-car connectivity system will bring a level of user friendliness that we saw on the Fusion. Besides intelligent voice commands, technologies such as lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, front and rear park assist, tyre pressure monitoring and adaptive load control make the Ranger Wildtrack a sophisticated lifestyle choice.
The Ford Ranger Wildtrack will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2015, giving it a slight edge over the Hilux’s launch date beginning 2016. As for a premature decision between the two, we give it to the Ford Ranger…
