Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2 4×4’s final salute

Matching Hilux

With noticeably more macho looks than previous generations derived from then sister brand Mazda, a class-leading five-cylinder turbodiesel engine and SUV levels of comfort, the Ranger very quickly replaced the Isuzu KB as the second best-selling bakkie after the Hilux, but not before trading places on a number of occasions with the country’s ‘volks-wagen’ over consecutive months shortly after its first facelift in 2015. In recent years however, the Ranger has fallen well behind the Hilux in terms of sales, yet has kept its runners-up spot in spite of its advancing age and lack of certain features.

A return to form expected?

This is likely to change though as last month Ford showcased the more extensively updated Ranger complete with subtle interior and exterior revisions, a clutch of new safety systems, and with a number of underneath-the-skin changes, the most prominent being the new 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbodiesel engine which, in bi-turbo form, powers the eagerly awaited Ranger Raptor.

Farewell to the boss

Prior to this, and in what turned-out to be the swansong for the 3.2-litre five-cylinder Duratorq motor as the range’s flagship, the Ranger had one last chance to prove itself before going under the knife when the range-topping Wildtrak, in its trademark Pride Orange paint finish, arrived for the customary weeklong stay. It would be fair to say that Ford drew the ire of many aficionados when it unwrapped the nipped-and-tucked Ranger in 2015, though it was a move that worked in the Blue Oval’s favour as the mini F-150 styling got the seal of approval from would-be buyers.

Although the Wildtrak has, and continues to be, the unfortunate recipient of many owner’s desire to make theirs look like a Raptor with frankly ridiculous body kits known as Raptor kits, its masculine persona in ‘un-modified’ guise has remained intact as evident by the angular headlights, menacing black grille and bumper surrounds and the model bespoke 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

An interior of mixed textures

Compared to its exterior, the Ranger’s interior, even in Wildtrak form, has always been found lacking to a degree with the soft-touch materials, dual-tone black and grey finish with orange stitching and chrome air vent surrounds being offset by cheap feeling plastics on the centre facia, and indeed the black climate control panel sitting below the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

That being said, the overall feel is of solidity with the half-leather Wildtrak branded seats being supportive enough, while the infotainment system in question that formed part of a comprehensive update in 2017, is still easy to use and comes with SYNC 3 incorporating Bluetooth, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Tracks4Africa, voice command and dual USB ports. Always the foible of many double cabs, space, especially headroom, is somewhat restrictive in the rear, with the biggest disappointment being the lack of rear air-conditioning vents.

The five-pot brawler still has it During its stay, the Wildtrak was tasked with a road trip into the Free State, where the 3.2-litre five-pot still showed its capability. Outputting 147 kW and 470 N.m of torque, the motor still comes saddled with a rather gruff-sounding soundtrack not helped by a fair amount of diesel clatter, though it still pulls strong with lots of low-down shove. The drivetrain’s most annoying aspect though remains the six-speed automatic gearbox, which still exhibits a slipping sensation when setting off from first gear. It is slick shifting otherwise that becomes more responsive when you flick the gear lever into Sport mode.

Heading off-road

Showing its adventure virtues, the Wildtrak spent a great deal of its stay venturing off of the black stuff where its thin rotary dial was switched to either high-or-low-range four-wheel-drive for extended periods of time, while the Hill Descent Control was also put through its paces. Aside from nearly bogging down in a fairly easy to negotiate mudhole, which can solely be attributed to its driver selecting 4H instead of 4L, the mud covered Wildtrak didn’t flinch and illustrated that it could take on the rough stuff with the same ease as its prowess on tarmac.

The unquenchable thirst

Of course, the addition of the 2.0-litre motor teamed to the equally new 10-speed automatic ‘box will likely quell one of biggest detractions of the five-cylinder/six-speed combo, namely fuel consumption, which after just under 800 km in mixed driving conditions with regular use of the climate control and cruise control, came to a best of 9.8 L/100 km, well off of the claimed 9.0 L/100 km.

Conclusion

The Wildtrak, in 3.2-litre guise, might no longer represent the pinnacle of the local Ford Ranger line-up, yet it remains as capable as ever and still strikes a good balance between workhorse and leisure vehicle in spite of the allure presented by its nemesis from Japan. With the twin-blown 2.0-litre taking over though and the Raptor set to arrive later this month, expect an increase in popularity of the 3.2 Wildtrak in the coming months, as examples are set to be offered at discounts to clear stock in preparation of the facelift model.