New Ford Ranger Wildtrak X Priced for SA
Set to live an interesting life as the challenger to the recently-revealed Isuzu D-Max AT35, Ford’s newest addition to the Ranger range, dubbed Wildtrak X, has finally been slapped with a price tag.
The new Ranger Wildtrak X slots below the fierce and capable Raptor and above the regular Wildtrak bakkie models.
While it’s no Raptor, it promises to be a champion off the beaten track, thanks to wider tracks, increased ground clearance, bigger 17-inch General Grabber AT3 all-terrain rubbers that match those in the outgoing Raptor as well as a new steel bash plate for underbody protection.
As a refresher, it also packs specially-tuned Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers and a Trail Turn Assist feature for the first time in a Ranger bakkie.
It delivers power to the tarmac through the same unit that drives the outgoing Raptor model, albeit detuned to produce 154kW and 500Nm, coupled with a 10-speed automatic gearbox that has been remapped to eliminate its tendency to hunt for gears. It’s worth mentioning that the same gearbox, as sampled in the current Ranger models, has been refined to avoid shifting indecision.
The Wildtrak X is also the first Ranger in the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo range to use the brand’s on-demand four-wheel-drive system with four modes; 4A, 2H, 4H and 4L.
It retains the same 3,500kg towing capacity, which those adventurous at heart will find to be more than helpful.
According to Ford SA, the X can be specified optionally with the Flexible Rack System, which includes two main components; a sliding load rack and folding roof racks.
Like its Wildtrak sibling, the X is aesthetically pleasing, featuring darkened badges, a unique front grille with auxiliary LED lights, and cast aluminium side steps.
Despite sharing the same powerplant as the outgoing Raptor, Ford insists the two models don’t share any other characteristics. It inherits the legacy of the previous Raptor, one of the most impressive dedicated off-road bakkies we have ever tested.
The Ranger Raptor X will surely be a hit among bakkie enthusiasts looking for a thrilling and adventurous driving experience.
The new Ranger Wildtrak X is priced at R1,013,000 and comes as standard with a 4-year/120,000km warranty, 4-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance, and a 5-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty.
