WATCH: X marks the spot for new Ford Ranger Wildtrak

The Blue Oval has added some X-factor to its range of Ford Ranger bakkies with the introduction of the Wildtrak X.

Only offered in one model, the Wildtrak X is a more offroad-orientated version of the ever-popular Wildtrak. And, in addition to its enhanced off-road credentials and unique styling, it also offers a host of fittings to make it an appealing leisure-orientated bakkie.

Based on the Wildtrak, the Wildtrak X slots in below the flagship Ford Ranger Raptor. It is powered by the 154 kW/500 Nm 2.0-litre biturbo diesel engine mated to 10-speed automatic transmission.

The major hardware upgrades offered on the Wildtrak X include specially developed Bilstein position-sensitive dampers, along with 17-inch asphalt black machine-faced alloy wheels, clad in 265/70 R17 all-terrain General Grabber AT3 rubberware.

The wheel upgrade results in a track of 1 650 millimetres, which is 30 mm longer than the standard Ranger, and a 24 mm higher ground clearance of 261 mm.

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All-wheel drive

The Wildtrak is the first of the Blue Oval’s biturbo products to feature the on-demand four-wheel-drive system. This system made its debut on the 3.0-litre V6 Ford Ranger and Everest. In addition to the traditional 2H, 4H and 4L modes, it features 4A, which lets the system decide where to distribute the power to depending on conditions.

It also offers a choice of seven selectable driving modes: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud & Ruts, Sand and Rock Crawl. The Raptor is the only other vehicle that features the Rock Crawl mode.

To further help negotiate rough terrain, the Wildtrak X has trail control and trail turn assist. Trail control, which made its debut on the Raptor, automatically maintains a selectable speed below 32 km/h to allow the driver to focus on steering in difficult terrain.

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Tight turning

Everyone who knows the difficulty of negotiating a double cab through tight turns on trails will appreciate trail turn assist. This handy function applies the brake on the inside rear wheel at speeds below 19 km/h. Ford says it will reduce the turning circle by up to 25%.

Exterior styling upgrades over the Wildtrak include a new off-road grille with integrated auxiliary driving lights and Cyber Orange accent, steel bash plate, cast aluminium side steps, Wildtrak X badges on the front doors and tailgate, black Ford badges front and rear and black ‘Wildtrak’ lettering on the bonnet.

Plus there is an asphalt black finish for the grille surround, bumper H-bar, wheel lip mouldings, fender vents, mirror caps, door handles and rear bumper.

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Ford Ranger with attitude

Inside, the bakkie gets leather seats with Miko suede trim and Wildtrak X embroidered into the seat backs, upper glove box and floor mats.

Terra suede features on the glove box, instrument cluster hood and door trim and Cyber Orange contrast stitching features on the seats, steering wheel, gear shifter, doors and the upper glove box.

Carried over from the Wildtrak are the 12-inch Sync4 infotainment system, FordPass Connect modem, 10-speaker B&O sound system, 360-degree camera, digital instrument cluster, off-road sync screen and six overhead up-fitter switches to operate after-market power accessories like spotlights.

A comprehensive set of safety specifications include seven air bags, dynamic stability control and adaptive cruise control. Plus lane keeping with road edge detection and active park assist 2.0.

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Rack ’em and stack ’em

The Wildtrak X offers Ford’s flexible rack system. This clever system was designed for one person to operate without tools.

The sliding load rack can be locked into five positions along the length of the load bed. It comes with two roof racks stored in the roof rails. The system offers an 80 kilogram load rating and 250kg static load.

In anticipation of customers opting for canopies, Ford offers the flexible roof system as an optional extra at R19 000. A power roller shutter will cost an additional R25 200.

One plush ride

The Citizen Motoring drove the R1 013 000 Wildtrak X in the Northern Cape last week and we were very impressed. We did not embark on serious off-road trails. But the way it felt on an easy gravel road at higher speeds was superb.

While the Raptor offers serious power and off-road performance, there are still those who would prefer enhanced off-road capabilities from a standard Ford Ranger without the brutish power of the Raptor. The Wildtrak X should get their nod of approval.