The Ford Ranger Wildtrak brings added style and exclusivity to the already popular line-up of Ford Ranger models. The Ford Ranger Wildtrak boasts an extensive range of class-leading “smart” features that make it easier, safer and more fun to drive than ever before. The Ford Ranger Wildtrak also incorporates a unique Rear View Camera System. The camera image is displayed in the rear view mirror – which dramatically improves rear visibility when reversing the pick-up truck.
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| Ford Ranger Wildtrak |
Design
Toned, taut, and muscular, the Ranger Wildtrak is designed to look powerful and confident, equally at home on a construction site or outside a high-class restaurant. Its front end features a short overhang with the signature three-bar grille, a global Ford commercial vehicle design cue. The windscreen is raked back for a sportier and more dynamic silhouette. This creates a modern and aerodynamic look. The beltline, along with the rails of the load box, are raised significantly – giving Ranger Wildtrak a substantive presence on the road while increasing its functionality with the deeper box.
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| Comfortable seats |
Large headlamps, big mirrors, and stamped-in wheel lips contribute to the Ford Ranger Wildtrak’s aggressive and sporty stance. A unique colour split on the front, Wildtrak badges and graphics help differentiates it from other Ford Ranger pick-ups. The same accent colours are used on the side mirrors, door handles and side air vents to give the vehicle a dark sporty look. Sitting high on 18-inch alloy wheels, the Wildtrak also comes with a roof rack and a sports hoop which enhance its profile.
Performance
The Ranger Wildtrak’s 3.0-litre engine employs advanced turbo technology, intercooler and variable-geometry turbo charging, to reduce turbo lag and improve overall performance. Plenty of available torque from Ford’s TDCi Duratorq diesel makes it highly responsive to the driver’s needs and gives the Ford Ranger Wildtrak plenty of grunt.
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| Boasting a 3.2-litre engine |
The 115kW (154hp) 3.0-litre engine delivers 380Nm peak torque at 1800rpm. At 3000rpm, the Ranger’s 3.0-litre TDCi diesel proves its flexibility in delivering more than 350Nm. Mated to the engine is a six-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed manual transmission, with its short car-like shifter, provides crisp and precise shifting. An upshift indicator in the instrument panel helps coach drivers on the best gearing for optimum fuel economy.
Handling
The new Ranger has car-like comfort, reduced steering effort, more precise handling and better on-road stability. This is as a result of the all-new chassis frame, front and rear suspension set up plus a new steering system. Even on narrow city streets, the pick-up’s tight turning circle makes it easily manoeuvrable despite sitting on a long wheelbase.
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| Lovely to look and drive |
For those who need a dependable vehicle for off-road adventures, the Wildtrak fits the bill perfectly with a stiffer frame, ground clearance, of up to 230 mm, and driveline components strategically mounted above the frame rail. Both automatic and manual four-wheel drive models are equipped with a proven electronically controlled transfer case, which allows drivers to shift on the move from 4×2 to 4×4. The driver does this via a switch conveniently located on the centre console.
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| Great off road companion |
Safety
An array of braking technologies work together to ensure the shortest possible stopping distance under all circumstances. The Anti-Lock Brake System, Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution maximise the brake force used on the rear wheels while maintaining optimal stability. During emergency braking, the hazard lights come on automatically to warn other motorists. Adaptive Load Control provides additional stability assurance for drivers dealing with heavy payloads.
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| Rear of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak |
When driving downhill, Hill Descent Control uses the Ranger’s brakes to control the vehicle at a set speed. When stopping on a steep grade, Hill Launch Assist helps the driver to pull away on a steep gradient without creeping. Adaptive Load Control provides additional stability assurance for drivers dealing with heavy payloads. When driving downhill, Hill Descent Control brakes the Ranger Wildtrak, to control the vehicle at a set speed.
Car like interior
The purposeful interior of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak echoes the dark sporty look of the outside. The seat trim – a combination of leather and woven cloth with ventilated sections – provides lateral support and confidence even on rough terrain. Contrast stitching and a discreet strip on the seat upper and bolster, all in distinctive Wildtrak Orange, accentuate the premium feel of the interior. The cabin of Ranger Wildtrak has been stretched to provide segment-leading spaciousness and comfort. Three passengers can easily fit in the second row of the pick-up.
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| Car-like interior |
The Wildtrak offers ample knee room and better foot clearance between the B-pillar and the seat. This makes it easier for rear-seat passengers to get in and out of the Ranger Wildtrak. With 23 storage spaces in the cabin, the Ranger Wildtrak offers plenty practical stowage. A deep centre console bin chills up to six cans of beverage, while the glove box is large enough to accommodate a 16-inch laptop. Ample storage for mobile phones and other small items can be found in the console. The Ford Ranger Wildtrak comes with Bluetooth® audio streaming, USB and iPod connectivity.
Verdict
Ford has done a splendid job with the Ranger Wildtrak. The pickup is a class-leading vehicle that has the capabilities to challenge most of its rivals, on pick-up segment. The Ford Ranger Wildtrak beats some of its rivals on credentials such as carrying, towing and family comfort. The Ford Wildtrak performs well as a family pickup and as well a commercial vehicle. The Ford Ranger is available from CMC motors group located along Lusaka Road, Industrial area. The new Ford Ranger Wildtrak will be available from August, at a price of Kshs 6.5 million.