Urban Cowboy
If you ever want to start an argument at your next social gathering, you only need to begin a conversation about one of three things. Politics, your chosen sports team or merely mention which double-cab you think is best. I can't be 100% sure about the first two as I usually excuse myself before things get heated. When it comes to the third though, I usually grab a bowl of chips and watch the carnage unfold. The Hilux vs. Ranger debate has been going on for as long as these vehicles have been rolling around our countryside and shows no signs of abating.
Related: First Drive Impression: Ford unveils revised Ranger – now with Bi-Turbo technology
I have now tested Fords big three, that being the bonkers Raptor, on a very long road trip, the Everest, through the outback of Botswana and now the latest Wildtrak Ranger, all with the new engine and drivetrain setup and I can convincingly say that Ford firmly has a grip on what South Africans want, Now before you call my masculinity into question or relegate me to supporting a certain rugby team, allow me to explain.
Styling
The Wildtrak sits in something of a grey area, styling wise. It has forgone the American barn door styling and workhorse aesthetic of other bakkies and delivers an SUV likes appearance when viewed head-on. Small, HID headlights with LED daytime running and fog lights and a body-coloured grille complete its countenance. Draped in Sea Gray metallic paintwork, this Wildtrak has a slightly subdued appearance over the brighter orange painted versions and somehow this makes it even better. The contoured and covered roll over bar as well as the addition of a tonneau cover and a tow-bar round out the rear of the package. The Wildtrak bridges the gap between city fashion accessory and capable off-road machine rather nicely it looks to be at home in the poshest of neighbourhoods or the mud of a cattle farm.
The Drive
This is where Ford has done the most work. Most double cabs on the market all suffer from the same malady, the dreaded double cab bounce. Due to the open load bay, the rear ends tend to develop a bounce that ruins a Sunday drive, the Ranger though seems to be completely devoid of this, managing to drive just like its Everest brethren, even on a challenging off-road course. The suspension soaks up unevenness on rocky trails and delivers the smoothest of rides while on tar. The engine power is delivered seamlessly and the transmission shifts are barely even noticeable, the Wildtrak is nothing but a pleasure to drive.
Performance
The Ranger Wildtrak is powered by a 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. An interesting aside is the relative silence that this engine operates at, the normal clatter of diesel is missing. The combination is good for 157 kW / 500 Nm. As mentioned previously the on-road manners are quite refined but it is the off-road prowess that makes sit even better. With 800 mm water wading and a 237 mm ride height as well as class-leading approach, departure and break-over angles, the Wildtrak makes even the most intimidating off-road adventure seem like a cakewalk.
Space and Comfort
At 5.3m long, the Wildtrak may find difficulty fitting in a standard-sized suburban garage but the load bay is not the cause of that. With a width of 1.8 m and a 1.85 m height, the cab becomes a very roomy place, there is more than enough space for 5 adults and their gear. The seats are covered in a textured cloth and leather with the Wildtrak logo and stitching in bright orange, When it comes to tech, the Wildtrak is bristling with the latest from Ford. Centre stage in the dashboard is Ford's Sync 3 8" infotainment screen loaded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the centre console is fitted with 2x USB outlets, 3x 12v sockets, a 230v inverter outlet and the environmental controls. The Wildtrak is also fitted with a few more conveniences in the form of keyless entry, City Park Steering and auto-lighting that just makes life that much sweeter.
Safety
Despite the Ranger Wildtrak being a double-cab bakkie, it is equipped like a luxury SUV. Another area in which this Ranger excels is safety, the Wildtrak is loaded with ABS (Anti Lock Braking), EBA (Electronic Braking Assistance), TSC (Traction and Stability Control), Hill-start and Hill-descent control. You also get Lane Departure Warning, BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring), a tyre pressure monitoring system, front and rear PDC (Park Distance Control), a rearview camera, 7 airbags and ISOfix in the rear for the little ones.
Fuel Consumption
Unlike my time with the Raptor that saw uneven fuel consumption figures, The Ranger Wildtrak delivers as advertised. Ford claimed 8.1 l/100 and was almost spot on, hovering between 8.0 and 8.5 l/100km. I saw very similar numbers traversing the wilds of Botswana in the Everest.
Price
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.0 Bi-turbo 10AT 4x4 is currently retailing for R 753 600 and comes with Ford's 4-year/120 000 km warranty and a 6-year/90 000km service plan.
Verdict
In my humble opinion, the Ranger Wildtrak offering is now head and shoulders above its closest rivals. While I duck the expletives that will undoubtedly be thrown my way shortly I will say this, although Hilux and Ranger are top of the pops now, the other manufacturers are fast catching up with models such as the Isuzu D-Max and the new Mazda BT50 putting in a strong showing. I am going to leave the Amarok out of this for now due to its engine size, high price and the oval badges involvement with VW to build Amarok's going forward and let's not even talk about the Navara / X-Class debacle.
As things currently stand, Ford has what Saffa's want in a complete package and I will gladly have one in my garage.
Now if you will excuse me I'm going to grab my bowl of chips and go and watch the comments section.
*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice.
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