Adventurous Ford Ranger Wildtrak X Confirmed for South Africa
Ford South Africa is set to launch an exciting addition to its Ranger lineup with the introduction of the all-new Wildtrak X model. This rugged vehicle is designed to tackle off-road adventures without compromising on luxury and safety. The debut of the Wildtrak X will take place at the NAMPO Harvest Day, a renowned agricultural event in the Free State, South Africa. With its bold style and enhanced capabilities, the Wildtrak X is sure to capture the attention of outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Agriculture Meets Adventure
The theme of this year's NAMPO Harvest Day, "Agriculture Innovated," aligns perfectly with the rugged characteristics of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X. Engineered to push the boundaries of off-roading, this new model combines versatility with the exceptional luxury and safety features that are synonymous with the Wildtrak range. The unveiling of the Wildtrak X at NAMPO is a testament to the longstanding partnership between Ford South Africa and the event, appealing to customers who lead an active outdoor lifestyle.
Enhanced Off-Road Capabilities
The Wildtrak X sets itself apart from the standard Wildtrak range with its extensive range of driver assistance systems and specialized accessories. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the vehicle's wider stance, increased ground clearance, and purpose-built all-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels. Additionally, the Wildtrak X features specially tuned Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers, ensuring exceptional performance across all types of terrain.
Trail Turn Assist and Flexible Rack System
Introducing innovative features, the Wildtrak X becomes the first Ranger model equipped with Ford's Trail Turn Assist system. This cutting-edge technology applies brake pressure to the inside rear wheel, reducing the turning radius by up to 25 percent. Designed for loose surfaces and speeds below 19km/h, Trail Turn Assist can be engaged in both 4H and 4L modes when the rear differential is unlocked. The Wildtrak X also offers the optional Flexible Rack System, which includes a sliding load rack with five lockable positions along the load bed, as well as folding roof racks that conveniently store inside the roof rails when not in use.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, the Wildtrak X boasts Ford's powerful and efficient 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine, generating an impressive 154kW of power and 500Nm of torque. This capable engine is paired with a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth gear shifts and optimal performance. Additionally, the Wildtrak X is the first Ranger 2.0L Bi-Turbo model to offer Ford's on-demand four-wheel drive system, providing four modes for versatile driving: 4A (automatic), 2H, 4H, and 4L.
Anticipation Builds for the Wildtrak X
While the full specifications and pricing of the Wildtrak X will be confirmed closer to the Q3 2023 launch date, anticipation is already building among enthusiasts and potential buyers. With its striking design, advanced features, and robust off-road capabilities, the Wildtrak X promises to be a game-changer in the South African market. Ford South Africa's commitment to innovation and meeting the demands of its customers is clearly demonstrated by the introduction of the Wildtrak X, ensuring that adventure and exploration know no boundaries for Ranger owners.
Conclusion
Ford South Africa is expanding its Ranger lineup with the introduction of the adventurous Wildtrak X model. Designed to excel off-road without compromising luxury and safety, this vehicle will be unveiled at the prestigious NAMPO Harvest Day. With its rugged styling, enhanced capabilities, and innovative features such as Trail Turn Assist and the Flexible Rack System, the Wildtrak X promises to be a standout option for outdoor enthusiasts. Stay tuned for the full details and pricing as the Q3 2023 launch approaches, and get ready to embrace a new level of adventure with the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X.
Also worth a look: the Ford Transit Custom and the Ford Escort Mk1 RS Returns as 800kg Track Weapon.
FAQ
Q: What does the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X cost in South Africa?
Ford South Africa hasn't announced official pricing for the Wildtrak X yet, but expect it to slot above the standard Wildtrak which starts around R890,000, so you're looking at roughly R950,000 to R1,050,000 for this adventure-ready beast.
Q: Is the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X worth buying over the standard Wildtrak?
If you're serious about off-roading and can justify the extra R60,000 to R160,000 premium, absolutely, the Wildtrak X brings Trail Turn Assist, Bilstein dampers, better ground clearance, and purpose-built accessories that make proper difference on the trails.
Q: What makes the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X different from other Rangers?
The Wildtrak X gets exclusive Trail Turn Assist that reduces turning radius by 25%, specially tuned Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers, wider stance, increased ground clearance, all-terrain tyres on 17-inch alloys, and a flexible rack system for proper adventure gear.
Q: When will the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X be available in South Africa?
Ford unveiled the Wildtrak X at NAMPO Harvest Day and it's confirmed for South Africa, but they haven't given exact delivery dates yet, expect it to hit showrooms in late 2024 or early 2025.
Q: Does the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X come with a warranty in South Africa?
Like all Ford Rangers in SA, the Wildtrak X will come with Ford's standard 4-year/120,000km warranty plus 2-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance, giving you proper peace of mind for those remote adventures.
Should You Buy It?
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak X is a definite yes if you're after the most capable bakkie for serious off-road adventures and have around R950,000 to R1,050,000 to spend. This isn't just marketing fluff, the Trail Turn Assist alone is a game-changer for tight trails, and those Bilstein dampers will keep you comfortable whether you're hauling the boat to Sodwana or tackling the Sani Pass. At this price point, you're getting the most advanced Ranger ever built for South African conditions, with proper kit that works where the tar ends. However, if you're mostly doing suburban duties with occasional farm visits, save your cash and stick with the standard Wildtrak, but for genuine adventure seekers who need a bakkie that can handle anything from the Drakensberg to the Kalahari, the Wildtrak X is the best premium adventure bakkie under R1,100,000 in South Africa right now.
