Updated Ford Ranger Wildtrak better than ever

I grew up with the Hilux, my friends owned Hilux bakkies and some still do. I remember doing a comparison test where I praised the Ford Ranger over the Hilux only to in the end state that I would still choose the Hilux due to personal preference. A few years later and with both models being replaced I find myself with a different opinion and here is why.

The new Ranger

Autodealer Editor Sean Nurse attended the national media launch of the new Ford Ranger and he told me that it feels much more refined than before thanks to a new gearbox and engine. The proof, however, is in the pudding and the pudding arrived at our offices not long after the launch. I took the opportunity to see how the second bestselling bakkie in South Africa stacks up against the bestselling Toyota Hilux.

The new Ford Ranger Wildtrak might not look all that different from its predecessor but Ford designers have reworked the front bumper ever so slightly by removing the grey detail insert that dominated the front. Not much else has changed on the outside and yet, the Ranger is in my opinion, one of the better-looking options within the segment, the cleaner and more modern look also add to the vehicle’s visual appeal.

The changes underneath

The biggest change can be found under the hood, the previous Ranger Wildtrak featured a powerful 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel engine which made around 147 kW and 470 N.m of torque. The new Ranger Wildtrak however now features a 2-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo powertrain. But didn’t Ranger drivers say something about the fact that only milk and Coke come in two litres? Jokes aside, this new engine develops 157 kW and 500 N.m and is mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The engine and gearbox have completely transformed the driving experience which I found to be more refined as Sean eluded to. The power delivery comes on smooth, it makes the Wildtrak feel more eager to get going and gear changes go somewhat unnoticed without much hunting. My best efforts got the consumption to around 9.2l/100km over my seven-day tenure.

The interior

The interior of the Wildtrak impressed me with its high-quality finish, the keyless entry and push-button start. The Wildtrak came with black leather padding on the dashboard and seats and finished with orange stitching which adds to the upmarket feel. The Ford SYNC3 touchscreen infotainment system which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation and the ability to adjust the climate control system is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best in the segment. There are two 12-volt sockets and two USB-ports for added convenience. For those who easily get cold, the Wildtrak comes with front heated seats while the rear passengers not only get ample space but air vents and a 230V charging socket.  Ford has also carried some noise cancelling technology over from the Everest which helps to reduce road noise.

Other technology offered

The Ranger Wildtrak also features safety items such as forward collision alert, lane-keep assist as well as adaptive cruise control. There is also an automatic parking function which uses sensors to park the big bakkie.

Verdict

I found the Ranger Wildtrak to offer a commendable ride quality. It doesn’t crash about as one would expect from a vehicle of its nature, this is because Ford engineers made changes to the suspension and repositioned the front anti-roll bar which reduces the front spring rate. It was a very enjoyable vehicle to experience and I was constantly surprised by all the features as I discovered them over time. At a price of R678 200 for the Wildtrak variant, it is not at all cheap but it is filled with all the modern luxuries and safety items of vehicles in more premium segments. If you are not convinced by a little 2.0-litre engine, don’t worry, Ford still offer the 3.2-litre but with less power and an out-dated gearbox. As for me, I think I would settle for the 2.0 TDCi bi-turbo Wildtrak and not just over the 3.2 TDCi but over, and I can’t believe that I’m saying this, the Hilux.