Ford has officially announced the arrival of the new Ford Ranger Wildtrak X in South Africa. This model, which sits between the regular Wildtrak and the high-performance Raptor, includes upgraded features such as a wider track, special Bilstein dampers, and enhanced off-road capabilities.
The Wildtrak X will be launched in the third quarter of 2023, according to Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, which showcased the vehicle at NAMPO 2023. Pricing information will be made available closer to the market launch. This new variant will be manufactured at Ford’s Silverton plant in South Africa, and it should be noted that the previous Wildtrak X did not make it to local roads.
Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa, expressed excitement about introducing the Wildtrak X at NAMPO, an event with a long history with Ford. Mashinini emphasized the Ranger Wildtrak range’s popularity in South Africa, attributing its success to its style, status, driver assistance technologies, and exceptional performance, which have resonated with customers who enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle.
Now, let’s get into the specifics of what distinguishes the Ranger Wildtrak X from the standard Wildtrak model. The Wildtrak X, as the name suggests, builds on Wildtrak’s foundation while also incorporating a few notable improvements. It has a 30mm wider stance for improved off-road stability and an additional 26mm of ground clearance.
The wider track and increased ground clearance are complemented by 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/70 R17 General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires and special Bilstein position-sensitive dampers. Ford emphasizes that passionate off-road enthusiasts will find the factory-fitted tires and suspension to be more than adequate, eliminating the need for aftermarket upgrades. Notably, unlike the Raptor variant, the Wildtrak X retains its 3,500kg braked towing capacity.
The Wildtrak X includes a new Trail Turn Assist feature that assists the driver in manoeuvring tight bends on narrow tracks. The turning radius can be reduced by up to 25% by applying the brake to the inside rear wheel. If the rear differential is unlocked, this system can be used at speeds less than 19 kph in both 4H and 4L modes. The Ranger Wildtrak X also includes the Trail Control system from the Ranger Raptor, which allows for consistent low-speed driving while off-road.
In terms of functionality, the Wildtrak X includes a new Flexible Rack System, which includes a sliding load rack that can be locked into five positions along the length of the load bay. It also has folding roof racks that can be stored neatly within the roof rails when not in use. To facilitate the integration of aftermarket accessories, the vehicle is prewired with an overhead auxiliary switch pack.
A 2.0-litre, four-cylinder bi-turbodiesel engine delivers 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the Ranger Raptor, there is no V6 engine option. The Ranger Raptor is distinguished by its powerful 292 kW/583 Nm turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine.
The Wildtrak X features distinctive design elements such as an “off-road grille” with integrated auxiliary driving lights and Cyber Orange accents, an enthusiast-rated steel bash plate, cast-aluminium side steps, “Wildtrak X” badges on the front doors and tailgate, black Ford badges at the front and rear, and distinctive lettering on the bonnet. The grille surround, H-shaped front bumper bar, wheel-lip mouldings, fender vents, side-mirror caps, exterior door handles, and rear bumper are all finished in black.
The Ranger Wildtrak X’s interior features new leather seats with Miko suede trim. The lettering “Wildtrak X” is applied to the seat backs, upper glovebox, and all-weather floor mats. The glovebox, instrument cluster hood, and door trim are covered in Terra suede, while the seats, steering wheel, gear shifter, door trim, and upper glovebox are accented with Cyber Orange contrast stitching. A 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented 12-inch touchscreen, and wireless device charging are among the notable interior features.
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak X aims to appeal to South African customers looking for a blend of style, performance, and an adventurous spirit with its enhanced off-road capabilities, distinctive design elements, and premium interior features. As the launch date approaches, excitement for this exciting addition to the Ford Ranger lineup grows.
