The newest Ford Ranger Wildtrak has made its global debut, packing newer Driver Assist Technologies and a more premium, aggressive stance.
“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,” said Trevor Worthington, vice president of product development at Ford Asia Pacific.
Ford’s newest flagship is fronted by rectangular fog lamps, a unique sports hoop, projector head lamps, and a trapezoidal grille with outboard nostrils finished in a dark, liquid metallic gray. The same accent is carried over to the side mirrors, door handles, side air vents, bed rails, and tail lamps. The vehicle sits high on 18-inch alloy wheels.
The updated Ranger has strong orange tones throughout the cabin. The interior appears roomy with a horizontal beam spanning from the driver to passenger door. The element also houses a dual-TFT instrument cluster, an eight-inch touchscreen, and air conditioning registers. The new Wildtrak also features an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
“From a design standpoint, everything on the new Wildtrak is very tough, inspired by tools and machinery,” commented Dewitt. “But the execution—the dark environment, the soft instrument panel top, the orange stitching punching through—is very modern and more like what you’d see in a top-end hot hatch. It’s tough, but it’s refined and sporty.”
A variety of smart technologies are on board the new Wildtrak to help drivers on the road. SYNC 2, the latest generation of Ford’s in-car connectivity system, allows drivers to use voice commands to control the pickup’s climate, entertainment system, and navigation. Backing it up is an eight-inch touchscreen that gives access to even more controls. A 230-volt power socket is also on hand so you can easily charge your devices on the road.
An array of driver assist technologies, such as Lane Keeping Alert; Lane Keeping Aid; Adaptive Cruise Control; Forward Alert; Front and Rear Park Assist; Tire Pressure Monitoring System; Electronic Stability Program; Driver Impairment Monitor; Hill Launch Assist; Hill Descent Control; Adaptive Load Control, and Emergency Brake Assistance, are also available for utmost driving safety and convenience.
The latest Ford Ranger Wildtrak is powered by a 3.2-liter Duratorq five-cylinder TDCi diesel engine putting out 200Ps of power and 470 Nm of torque for excellent towing performance up to 3,500kg. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, carefully calibrated to maximize efficiency.
It can easily skip through any terrain with its 230mm ground clearance, while also being amphibious with an 800mm water wading capacity. Helping the Wildtrak achieve all-terrain status is its ability to go from 4×2 to 4×4 on the fly using a knob on the center console, as well as a fine-tuned suspension for additional comfort and even better handling. Wrapping this beast up is an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, which provides precise steering both at low and high speeds.
“For customers looking for a truck that shares their appetite for adventure, the new Wildtrak is the complete package,” said Worthington. “It’s the toughest, smartest, boldest Wildtrak we’ve ever made, and it’s ready to take on the world.”