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- The new X model is based on the standard Wildtrak version.
- It is only available in 4x4 and is powered by a bi-turbo 2.0-litre engine.
- The Ranger competes with models like the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max.
Ford has added yet another new derivative to its formidable Ranger range - the Wildtrak X - offering more value to its customers who don't want the fuel thirst of a V6 but still want an off-road experience at a more affordable price.
The Ranger is Ford's bread-and-butter product, easily selling more than 2 000 units every month, so it wasn't too big of a surprise the Blue Oval brand launched a unique derivative of the popular bakkie.
Ford loves its special edition models, and so do their customers, with the previous generation boasting the Thunder and FX4 as proof of this.
READ | Pricing: Ford’s Wildtrak X leaves the showroom looking tough
The latest entrant to the fray of the new generation model is the Wildtrak X, which is based on the Wildtrak chassis and sits below the 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 Wildtrak 4x4 (priced from R1 026 400) in the local line-up.
The Ranger is in a great space right now and is showing its 2023 South African Car of the Year prowess that currently sees itself on top of the charts in terms of year-to-date double cab sales for 2023, with 13 892 units being sold so far.
What's in the X?
The Wildtrak X is powered by the brand's ever-capable bi-turbodiesel 2.0-litre engine that produces 154kW and 500Nm, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and power can be sent to two or four wheels via the rotary dial on the centre console.
Fuel consumption is rated at 7.5-litres/100km, while its tow rating is 3 500kg (braked), with a payload of 945kg.
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The X is made visually distinctive from its Wildtrak sibling with a front grille infused with a Cyber Orange accent, steel bash plate, cast aluminium side steps, Wildtrak X badges on the front doors and tailgate, black Ford oval badges (front and rear), black WILDTRAK lettering across the bonnet and sections like the grille surround, bumper H-bar, wheel lip mouldings, fender vents, mirror caps, door handles and rear bumper all coated in black.
New features to the model include Bilstein position-sensitive dampers, matrix LED headlights, 17-inch wheels with Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres, a selection of seven drive modes (normal, eco, slippery, tow/haul, mud/ruts, sand, and rock crawl) and trail turn assist.
The latter is better used on off-road terrain and only works in 4x4 mode, whereby applying the brake on the inside rear wheel, which, in turn, reduces the turning circle by up to 25%.
The feature can be activated via the 12-inch portrait infotainment screen - which is also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capable.
As for optional extras, customers can opt for the flexible rack system (priced at R19 000), power roller shutter (R25 200), metallic paint (R1 400) and one touch-up/down rear windows (R500).
The Wildtrak still retains its impressive list of standard features, like Active Park Assist, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, Lane Departure Warning, 360-degree camera, a 10-speaker B&O premium sound system, wireless charging, a host of USB ports and a built-in 400W/240v inverter which can be accessed from the rear of the centre console, as well as from the auxiliary power points in the load compartment.
The drive
The launch of the Wildtrak X ideally coincided during my test period with the Everest Platinum SUV, so it give me a good idea of how the V6 would compare to the 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit.
The drive comprised a drive from Upington centre to the Tutwa Desert Lodge, right on the tip of Namibia, which saw a combination of gravel and paved road.
Upington is usually a sweltering place to be due to the intense heat, but during the two day-launch, it was cool, with occasional rain.
Due to the Bilstein shocks, the ride is slightly stiffer, but it's not the kind of stuff that will have you clutch your back while getting out.
While the V6 certainly has the grunt in the torque department, the bi-turbo 2.0-litre has more than enough power to haul the chassis forward, and that was put to the test when doing bouts of overtaking.
No notice was paid to overall fuel consumption, but a figure around the 10-litre mark is somewhat accurate for everyday use.
While the Ranger is without fault on normal (tarred) roads, it really comes into its own off the beaten track, where switching between the different differential configurations is straightforward and completed within a couple of seconds.
The Wildtrak is an option for those who don't want the fuel thirst of a V6 but still want the whole off-road experience and for slightly cheaper - compared to the pricier V6 diesel or V6 Raptor (priced from R1 184 100).
The entire concept behind the Wildtrack X is for customers to have more options to choose from within the range.
Ford knows how popular the Wildtrak is and simply built upon a successful platform by adding more value for the customer.
Pricing
Ranger Wildtrak X - R1 013 000.
The range is offered standard with a four-year or 120 000km mechanical warranty, four-year or unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year or unlimited distance corrosion warranty.
The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever occurs first.
Customers can purchase service or maintenance plans for up to eight years or 135 000km.
The warranty can be extended for up to seven years or 200 000km, while roadside assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years.
