Online Reporter
THE Ford Ranger Wildtrak has long been a familiar sight on roads, and with good reason. It has become synonymous with weekend getaways, family holidays and the kind of adventures that define people’s lifestyle.
Following Ford’s recent revamp of the Ranger range, the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel has been phased out in favour of the 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine.
The improved 2-litre single turbo diesel remains in service, while more derivatives are now fitted with the company’s V6 diesel plant.
Exterior
The Ranger Wildtrak remains one of the most distinctive pickups on the road, featuring a bold grille, C-clamp Matrix LED lighting signature, and muscular bodywork. It benefits from unique Wildtrak detailing, including model-specific 18-inch alloys with orange accents.
Interior
The interior of the Wildtrak, and the Ranger in general, continues to set the standard in the segment. It features Wildtrak-specific trim, contrasting stitching and premium upholstery, while the dashboard adopts Ford’s modern “coast-to-coast” design theme.
Generous storage spaces and comfortable seating provide an air of refinement for both driver and passengers.
The 12-inch infotainment system, powered by Ford’s Sync 4 software, is regarded as a benchmark in the double-cab market.
It connects seamlessly to smartphones, offering intuitive operation and swift responsiveness. Notably, the inclusion of physical buttons for sound and air conditioning controls remains a welcome feature, avoiding the need to scroll through sub-menus while driving.
The 12-inch digital instrument cluster is fully customisable, allowing drivers to access all essential information at a glance.
Safety features are comprehensive, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert and a 360-degree camera system.
Drivetrain
The 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, tuned specifically for the Ranger, produces 222kW and 452Nm of torque.
It drives the rear wheels exclusively via Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission, which has been calibrated specifically for this engine.
Driving experience
Unlike diesel engines with their low-down torque, the 2.3-litre petrol unit prefers to be revved. At low speeds, it takes a while to pick up momentum, but once it reaches the 3 000rpm mark, it delivers a responsive and enjoyable driving experience.
It picks up speed smoothly and changes gears seamlessly, making it well-suited for both urban commuting and highway cruising.
The driving height and size offer a commanding view of the road, and despite its dimensions, the Ranger proves remarkably nimble around bends. On gravel roads, Ford’s suspension remains class-leading, although in the rear-wheel-drive configuration, drivers must exercise caution, as the rear can become unsettled and trigger the electronics.
Fuel consumption
The vehicle returns fuel consumption figures of approximately 11.5l/100km in mixed driving conditions.
While this is not exceptional, it is consistent with expectations for a vehicle of this size and power output, and figures may improve once the engine is fully run in.
Verdict
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.3 EcoBoost is a compelling option for buyers who do not require a 4×4 but still desire a capable and refined double-cab pick-up.
It is well-suited for gravel roads, game reserve excursions and well-maintained rural routes, making it an ideal companion for both work and leisure.
The vehicle is currently available at Ford dealerships nationwide. Interested buyers are advised to contact their local dealer for pricing and availability. — IOL Motoring
