True to its current form, Ford in southern Africa offers its double-cab Ranger in an amazing array of trim levels and motorisations. We recently tested this 2-litre bi-turbo model…
You should know: The Ranger is also available as a super/club-cab yet this double-row configuration seems to cater for almost everyone’s tastes and budget. From a fairly basic XL model to the sportier XLT, tougher Tremor, fancier Wildtrak to our team’s absolute favourite: the posh Platinum 3L TD V6 derivative.
More info: Wildtrak, as its new-age spelling suggests, is meant for active lifestyle stuff and most outdoor-sy activities you care to think of. Building on the already comprehensive Wildtrak specs of touch-screens and adaptive cruise control, this Wildtrak X adds chunky tyres on 17-inch wheels, plus special Bilstein 4×4 suspension.
What else? You also get LED headlights and a front metal skid pad, active trailer assist and a model-branded leather interior. Among the contemporary safety and comfort features, obviously. A Wildtrak X only comes in Double-Cab 2L Bi-Turbo 10-speed Auto 4WD configuration, and can be painted in your choice of six colours: black, grey, silver, white, blue, and gold.
Why you shouldn’t: Oh, that’s quite a tough question, to be honest. There isn’t much to dislike about this modern and efficient lifestyle workhorse so my personal gripes include the yucky black wheels, bizarre gauge cluster, ipad infotainment learning curve, excess of gears (ten) and the enormously garage-unfriendly dimensions of these new D/C bakkies.
Why you should: Ford builds the Ranger in South Africa and, as previously mentioned, is doing their utmost to stagger the specs and prices of their various models until almost everyone is catered for. The 2.0 Bi-turbo Diesel is a superb power source with up to 154kW, 500Nm, 3.5ton towing capacity and a claimed average of just 7.2L/100km from the 80L tank.
In summary: The popular Wildtrak model is now successfully flanked by the more rugged XLT derivative and this Wildtrak X. Included in your purchase is an acceptable 4-year/120,000km warranty and 6-year/90,000km service plan with 15,000km intervals. Prices for a Ranger D/C Bi-turbo Wildtrak 4×4 Auto currently hover around R985,000 while adding an X will cost you roughly R85,000 more.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 1,996cc i-4 turbo-diesel |
| Transmission: | 10-speed automatic, 4WD |
| Max. Power: | 154kW @ 3,750rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 500Nm @ 1,750rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | (claimed 7.2L/100km) |
| 0-100km/h: | 10.16 seconds (2024 Tremor test) |
| Top Speed: | No claim |
| List Price: | R1,070,500 |