The new Ford Ranger Wildtrak X has officially been launched in South Africa with the double cab offering a few unique attributes compared to its non-X siblings.
Available from a starting price of R1,013,000, the X gets bespoke suspension not found anywhere else in the Ranger line-up, it’s the only 2.0-litre model to feature the brand’s advanced four-wheel-drive system, and it marks the debut of the Trail Turn Assist function and optional Flexible Rack storage solution in the local market.
A more capable Wildtrak
The Wildtrak X expands the off-roading abilities of the standard Wildtrak with a few key additions, most notably of which are its specially-tuned Bilstein position-sensitive dampers that “provide sure-footed performance in all types of terrain” and increase ride height by 26mm to 237mm.
Additionally, the newcomer has a 30mm-wider track than its namesake ensuring more stability off the beaten track, and it comes with unique 17-inch alloys wrapped in General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres.
Despite the increased ground clearance, the X’s approach, break-over, and departure angles remain identical to the rest of the Wildtrak range, coming in at 30, 22, and 25.6 degrees, respectively.
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, the X 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 torque between the front and rear axles as you drive, complementing the traditional 2H, 4H, and 4L settings that have set ratios for power delivery.
Also standard is a rear-mounted locking differential, it offers seven drive modes comprising Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Rock Crawl, and maximum towing capacity is rated at 3,500kg.
That’s not all, as the Wildtrak X further sees the fitment of key features intended for off-road use, including Trail Turn Assist and Trail Control – the latter of which has thus far only been available in the range-topping Raptor.
Trail Turn Assist applies the brake on the inside rear wheel on loose surfaces at speeds under 19km/h to reduce the turning radius by up to 25%, making it easier to navigate tight bends and narrow tracks.
Trail Control essentially operates like cruise control but only below 32km/h, allowing the driver to focus on steering while traversing the great outdoors, with the bakkie taking care of braking and accelerating.
Visually distinguishing the X from the normal Wildtrak is a multitude of design features, comprising a new off-road grille with integrated auxiliary driving lights and Cyber Orange accents, an “enthusiast-rated” steel bash plate, cast aluminium side steps, Wildtrak X badges on the doors and tailgate, black Ford logos, Wildtrak lettering across the bonnet, and asphalt black finishes for the grille surround, bumper H-bar, wheel lip mouldings, fender vents, mirror caps, door handles, and rear bumper.
Exclusive cosmetic details continue inside the cabin in the form of accented leather seats with Miko-suede trim; Wildtrak X needlework on the seat backs, upper glovebox, and floormats; a Terra-suede glovebox, instrument cluster hood, and door trim; and Cyber Orange contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, gear shifter, doors, and the upper glovebox.
Standard equipment then includes a 12-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch digital driver’s display, a 10-speaker B&O stereo, a wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, electric front seats, automatic LED lights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, and ambient lighting.
The Ford brings a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety systems, too, including active park assist, blind-spot information with cross-traffic alert and braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering, lane-departure warning, and a 360-degree camera.
As with the normal Wildtrak, the X is equipped with Ford’s overhead auxiliary switch pack with six pre-wired switches inside the cabin for easy fitment of aftermarket accessories such as external lights, a compressor, and other electrical items.
Furthermore, it introduces Ford’s new Flexible Rack System, available as an option, consisting of two main components: a sliding load rack that can be locked into five positions along the length of the load bed, and folding roof racks that are stored inside the roof rails when not in use.
This allows the owner to transport longer items than what the normal load bed will allow without them sticking too far out the back.
Each purchase of a Wildtrak X includes a 4-year/120,000km warranty and 4-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance, with service plans up to 8-years/135,000km available at an additional cost.
Ford Ranger Wildtrak X
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