Ford has announced that the new Ranger Wildtrak X is now on sale in South Africa at a starting price of R1,013,000.
The Wildtrak X straddles the gap between the Wildtrak and the high-performance Raptor, offering the looks of the former with a taste of the latter’s heightened 4×4 prowess.
As such, the X boasts specially-made suspension and debuts the brand’s pioneering Trail Turn Assist feature that makes it more nimble off the beaten path, in addition to model-exclusive styling cues.
Wildtrak X specs
The Wildtrak X is powered by Ford’s tried-and-tested 2.0-litre, bi-turbo diesel engine that produces 154kW and 500Nm, working in partnership with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
This particular trim is the first 2.0-litre Ranger to be equipped with the on-demand, four-wheel-drive system that is usually only reserved for the 3.0-litre, V6 models.
What sets this system apart from the standard 4×4 programme is a 4A mode that automatically distributes power between the front and rear axles as you drive, something the more traditional layout can’t do.
Naturally, the bakkie also provides 2H, 4H, and 4L settings, which are paired with a rear-mounted locking differential.
Ford has built the Wildtrak X specifically with a focus on off-road agility, providing a 30mm-wider track at 1,650mm, combined with new Bilstein position-sensitive dampers that raise ground clearance by 26mm to 263mm, which together results in additional “sure-footedness on rugged terrain.”
Complementing the wider stance is an upgraded heavy-duty power steering system, a front underbody steel protection plate which is usually an optional extra, as well as a set of new-design 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres.
“One of the first things keen off-roaders do is look at replacing their tyres and suspension with aftermarket options that are more focused to off-roading,” said Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa.
“We’re ensuring they don’t need to do this by giving them what they need right out of the factory.”
Additionally, the Wildtrak X is the first Ranger to be equipped with Ford’s innovative Trail Turn Assist feature.
The system applies “brake-based torque vectoring” – i.e. brake pressure – to the inside rear wheel when traversing off-road terrains at speeds of under 19km/h which consequently reduces the turning radius by up to 25%.
Buyers can also spec the Trail Control package, which was previously only available on the Raptor, which can essentially be described as cruise control for dirt roads.
With Trail Control, the driver selects a set speed below 32km/h and the bakkie then manages the acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering.
Lending the X more visual flair than the bakkie it is based on is an “off-road grille” with integrated auxiliary driving lights, Cyber Orange accents around the exterior, two-tone wheels, blackened Ford ovals, unique badging on the bonnet, doors, and tailgate, and a model-exclusive Asphalt Black grille surround and H-bar, wheel arch trims, rear bumper, fender vents, and door handles.
For the first time on a Ranger in South Africa, the X can also be optioned with the new Flexible Rack System which consists of two main components namely a sliding load rack that can be locked into five positions along the length of the load bed, and folding roof racks that store inside the roof rails when not in use.
Together, these allow long items to be carried above the roof rather than being wedged between the tailgate and cab which improves load security and frees up the bed for other items that may also need to be transported.
Continuing inside, buyers of the upgraded Wildtrak are in for a plush ride courtesy of unique Miko suede-trimmed seats with Wildtrak X embroidery, matched with soft-touch Terra suede and contrast Cyber Orange stitching on the upper dashboard, door trims, and centre console.
As it is based on the current flagship of the Ranger line-up, the X offers all the amenities of the normal Wildtrak, too.
As such, potential owners can expect niceties along the line of a 12-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch instrument cluster, electric front seats, a wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, adaptive cruise control, active park assist, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage.
FordPass Connect services are also supported, offering remote start and lock/unlock, a vehicle locator, vehicle health alerts, oil life status, and “enhanced customer connectivity settings” from a smartphone app.
Ford Ranger Wildtrak X
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