Ranger Wildtrak Enhances Tough Truck Lineup

[russellw]

Melbourne, Australia, 28 June, 2012

The all-new Ford Ranger Wildtrak has landed.

The arrival of the sporty compact pick-up truck into Ford Dealers nationally now brings to 21 the number of models available in the all-new Ranger line-up.

General Marketing Manager, Ford Australia, David Katic said; "The no-compromise Wildtrak offers customers comprehensive equipment levels, smart technology and rugged good looks that complement the already expansive list of standard features and outstanding dynamics of the all-new Ranger."

Wildtrak is the final model to join the all-new Ranger lineup with supply of all models resuming again after flooding in Thailand.
"We’ve experienced unprecedented demand for the Wildtrak with the vehicles arriving now filling orders well into Q4 this year. The number of other Ranger variants arriving has nearly doubled since the beginning of the year so dealers are starting to get good stocks of all models." Katic said.

Like the Ranger XL and XLT models, the range-topping Wildtrak delivers impressive power and safety, excellent fuel efficiency and significant on and off-road capability.
To set it apart from the crowd, the new Wildtrak gains eye-catching detailing, exuding a powerful presence bolstered by the latest in-car comfort and technologies and a bold new hero colour – Chilli Orange.

Delivering the maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating1, the new Wildtrak also utilises a suite of advanced technologies, including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) incorporating ABS, Hill Launch Assist, Trailer Sway Control, Load Adaptive Control, Emergency Brake Assist and Roll Over Mitigation and Emergency Brake Light.
The Wildtrak is also fitted with a host of comfort and safety technologies like a rear view camera system with rear view mirror display, satellite navigation and Bluetooth®5with voice control, features more commonly found on premium cars.

Designed and engineered in Australia from the ground up, the Wildtrak – like the other new Ranger models - is the first commercial vehicle to be built under the One Ford strategy as part of a global product program, bringing together the full engineering expertise of Ford around the world.

The arrival of the Wildtrak is a welcome addition to the Ranger family of compact pick-up trucks – with three different cab body styles, 4x2 and 4x4 drive trains, two ride heights and up to three series choices to suit every pocket and market.

Ranger Wildtrak styling
The aggressive and sporty stance of the all-new Ranger line-up is enhanced for the range-topper, Wildtrak.
Chilli Orange and Black Mica trucks gain a unique colour split on the front and designers masked out the feature line on the fascia and contrasted it by highlighting the lower intake. The same accent colours were used on the side mirrors, door handles and side air vents to give the truck a sporty look.

The Wildtrak also comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack and an aerodynamic sports bar which all enhance its profile.
Exclusive Wildtrak badging and graphics are designed to set it apart from other lifestyle vehicles.
Apart from the eye-catching Chilli Orange hero colour, Wildtrak is complemented by four other colour choices, Cool White, Black Mica, Metropolitan Grey and Highlight Silver.


Launch images can be found HERE

Car-like levels of comfort and features

The purposeful interior of the Wildtrak echoes the sporty look of the exterior. A special hydrographic finish on the centre console around the audio system is reminiscent of strong but lightweight materials like carbon fibre.

The seat trim is a combination of leather and woven cloth inspired by sportswear with ventilated sections. To accentuate the premium feel of the interior, there is contrast stitching and a discrete strip on the seat upper and bolster, all in distinctive Wildtrak Orange.

The cabin of Wildtrak has been designed to provide exceptional spaciousness and comfort. For example, three passengers can comfortably fit in the second row of the Wildtrak. Critical design attention has been paid to accommodating rear passengers, who are provided with ample knee room and foot clearance between the B-pillar and the rear seat.

With 23 storage spaces in the cabin, Wildtrak offers more practical stowage than any competitor. A deep centre console bin will keep up to six 375ml cans cool, while the glove box is large enough to accommodate a 16-inch laptop computer. Ample storage for mobile phones and other small items can be found in the console.

Fully equipped with the latest smart technology, the Wildtrak comes with Bluetooth®5audio streaming, USB and iPod6 integration. Voice control allows customers to operate the radio, CD, iPod6, USB, air-conditioning and phone. It also offers a five-inch colour screen with satellite navigation.

More power, more torque
Driving the Wildrak is a powerful 3.2-litre TDCi Duratorq engine, tested to operate at 400 metres below and 4500 metres above sea-level. So whether the Wildtrak is driven along the beach on Fraser Island or climbing the road to Mount Kosciuszko, customers will have complete confidence that it is more than capable.
The 3.2-litre engine delivers 147 kW at 3,000 rpm and 470 Nm with peak torque available from 1500 rpm to 2750 rpm.
The TDCi engine uses a variable geometry turbo-charger, which enables lower-end torque capability to improve launch and driveability, to optimise fuel efficiency.
The Wildtrak boasts a combined fuel economy figure as low as 9.4 litres/100km7 with CO2 emissions of 248 g/km7.

Innovative rear view camera system
An innovative Rear View Camera System on the Wildtrak shows you what’s going on at the back via a video image on the rear view mirror.
A wide-angle camera sends images to a screen incorporated within the electro-chromatic rear view mirror when reverse gear is engaged.
The camera’s low-light capability, combined with the intensity of the vehicle’s reversing lamps helps illuminate the rear in dark areas.
Drivers can also reverse with improved safety and accuracy thanks to marker lines superimposed on the screen image, showing the path of the vehicle based on the current steering angle.
Two yellow lines indicate the total width of the pickup including mirrors, along with additional coloured bars that sign-post distances of 0.3 metres, 1 metre and 2 metres.
A black dotted line marks the pickup’s centre line and is designed to assist the driver in lining up a tow hook with a caravan or trailer.
As well as the Rear View Camera System, the Wildtrak is also available with rear parking sensors that use ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper to measure the distance to the nearest objects.

Wildtrak Features

** 3.2-litre TDCi diesel

** 6-speed manual transmission (with optional 6-speed automatic transmission)

** Towing capacity of 3,350 kg

** Payload of up to 1 tonne3

** 800mm water wading ability4

** 18-inch alloy wheels

** 5.0-inch multi-function colour screen

** Satellite navigation

** Rear View Camera with rear view mirror image display
** Rear parking sensors

** Dual zone electronic climate control with voice activation

** Bluetooth®5 with Voice Control
** Voice control system that allows you to control: Bluetooth®5, radio, CD player, external device (USB/iPod6) and climate]
** iPod6 integration

** Locking Rear Differential

** 8-way power leather trim seats with heated front seats

** Unique colour and trim accents

** Roof rails

** Bed liner with additional 12-volt auxiliary power outlet

** Privacy glass

** Fog lights and auto headlamps

** Cooled centre console

** Rain sensing wipers

** Towbar

** Driver and front passenger beltminder

MyFord Capped Price Servicing
As with all Ford vehicles, Wildtrak offers customers peace of mind with myFord Capped Price Servicing on all models. MyFord Capped Price Servicing means Ford will publish the maximum amount customers will pay for a standard A or B logbook service, no matter which participating Authorised Ford Dealer they use.


For example, the maximum amount a customer who owns a PX Ranger Wildtrak 4x4 3.2-litre diesel would pay at a participating Authorised Ford Dealer for the first 15,000klm service is $385, which includes 12 months myFord Standard Roadside Assistance (RRP $90).

For additional information on myFord Capped Price Servicing and MyFord Standard Roadside Assistance, visit: http://www.ford.com.au/ownership/myf...s/capped-price

Pricing:
Ranger Wildtrak 6-spd manual: MLP8 $57,390 (MLP six-speed automatic $2,000 extra)

1 4x2 Single Cab Chassis models (standard ride height) achieve ANCAP 4-star safety rating.
2 Braked towing capacity available on 4x2 Hi-Rider and 4x4 models only when fitted with a Genuine Ford tow pack and tow ball. Subject to State and Territory regulations.
3 Payload Maximum is defined as the Gross Vehicle Mass minus the Kerb mass. Payload is the maximum combined value of occupants, cargo, added options, added structures and tow ball download (when towing). GVM must not be exceeded.
4 800mm water wading available on 4x2 Hi-Rider and 4x4 models only, maintaining a steady speed of not more than 7km per hour.
5 Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc. and is used under licence.
6 iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
7 Fuel consumption based on Ranger 4x4 Wildtrak 3.2-litre Diesel Manual. Fuel consumption and emissions as per Australian Design Rule 81/02 (combined cycle). Note that the actual fuel consumption will depend on many factors including the driver’s driving habits, prevailing conditions and the vehicle’s equipment, condition and use.
8 Manufacturer’s List Price:This is the manufacturer's list price for the vehicle only. A number of other components, including a dealer delivery fee, stamp duty, registration, compulsory third party (CTP) insurance and other statutory charges may be payable by a customer in relation to the purchase of this vehicle.

[babyf6]

Looks good. might be a future car of mine when i get my open licence.

[Bossxr8]

Has it taken this long to get it on sale? I thought it was due months ago.

Hopefully they can start getting some decent supply levels and start sticking it to the Hilux.

[Road_Warrior]

I don't like that "thing" behind the back window that attaches to the tray. That sail/panel thing. Apart from that it looks the shiz.

[XARATE]

Wow thats got some seriously good features. Looks awesome too, though the ranger is starting to look like a small F series, theres some very similar styling.

Gotta low the towing capacity too, tradies and the older folk will love that

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by XARATE

Wow thats got some seriously good features. Looks awesome too, though the ranger is starting to look like a small F series, theres some very similar styling.

Thats deliberate.

[Polyal]

While I dont need a car like this yet within the next 2-3 years I will, sorry tez manual + more capability is a winner for me. Its a good looking vehicle.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Wildtraks have been on sale for about 6 weeks now.... Looks like Ford missed that boat.

[Mad_Pom]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

Wildtraks have been on sale for about 6 weeks now.... Looks like Ford missed that boat.

Maybe, but everyone has been pre-soled. No point drumming up business for something you have no stock for.

[trentski]

The Wildtrak is also fitted with a host of comfort and safety technologies like a rear view camera system with rear view mirror display, satellite navigation and Bluetooth®5with voice control, features more commonly found on premium cars.

Once upon a time that may have been true, but now you get $20,000 cars with those features, The Ranger could have been so much better but instead of making it better they spent their money on telling us how good it is. No reverse camera on any model other than Wildtrak, that's an important safety feature that should never have been left off.

[Nic85]

It's such a pity about the engine in this car. I've driven it myself, and all the reviews agree, it really lacks any kind of oomph, and really dies in the *** after about 3,000rpm. The power and torque curves basically go straight down.

As a car to drive though, it's great. Quite refined, good ride and a nice gearbox.

[PepeLePew]

Originally Posted by Nic85

It's such a pity about the engine in this car. I've driven it myself, and all the reviews agree, it really lacks any kind of oomph, and really dies in the *** after about 3,000rpm. The power and torque curves basically go straight down.

As a car to drive though, it's great. Quite refined, good ride and a nice gearbox.

I haven't read a single review that suggests it lacks 'oomph'

Yeah it ain't a revver, and if that's a issue the auto is the choice.

[IDT]

Originally Posted by Nic85

It's such a pity about the engine in this car. I've driven it myself, and all the reviews agree, it really lacks any kind of oomph, and really dies in the *** after about 3,000rpm. The power and torque curves basically go straight down.

As a car to drive though, it's great. Quite refined, good ride and a nice gearbox.

I have three Rangers, albeit not Wildtraks, at work and I've towed a car on a trailer up the hills east of Perth and you wouldnt know it had a trailer on it. Pulled better than anything else I have towed with. I have use it in the dunes and off road and its the same. Another guy at work tows a caravan with his whilst his dirt bikes are in the ute tray and he says it is as good if not better than his 2011 Prado ever was.
The only two things we all agree with at work, it does take two or three thousand Km to loosen up and the manual transmission is too tight to the point where it is a bit of a pain. The auto does rev a little high but it isnt a drama. But if you think it hasn't enough torque, load the thing up, find a descent hill and put your foot down, you will be grinning at the results.

[Nic85]

Originally Posted by WAForce8

I have three Rangers, albeit not Wildtraks, at work and I've towed a car on a trailer up the hills east of Perth and you wouldnt know it had a trailer on it. Pulled better than anything else I have towed with. I have use it in the dunes and off road and its the same. Another guy at work tows a caravan with his whilst his dirt bikes are in the ute tray and he says it is as good if not better than his 2011 Prado ever was.
The only two things we all agree with at work, it does take two or three thousand Km to loosen up and the manual transmission is too tight to the point where it is a bit of a pain. The auto does rev a little high but it isnt a drama. But if you think it hasn't enough torque, load the thing up, find a descent hill and put your foot down, you will be grinning at the results.

That's nice and all, but I didn't say it doesn't have enough torque. I said the power and torque drops like a stone at about 3,000rpm. Carry on though...

[IDT]

Originally Posted by Nic85

That's nice and all, but I didn't say it doesn't have enough torque. I said the power and torque drops like a stone at about 3,000rpm. Carry on though...

Seems I have missed the point. The fact that it has relieably pulled on all the way to 110kph(the maximum speed limit) with and without a load is obviously an insignificant measure of real world application of said power and torque.

Please excuse my ignorance. I constantly forgot a dyno is the only true measure of a cars performance.

[SpoolMan]

Nice numbers for a vehicle of its size..

Originally Posted by russellw

The Wildtrak boasts a combined fuel economy figure as low as 9.4 litres/100km

[Nic85]

Originally Posted by SpoolMan

Nice numbers for a vehicle of its size..

True, but the Navara STX-550 is more powerful and has more torque, but uses less fuel at 9.3L/100km.

[Nic85]

Try some of the more serious 4x4 magazines. It's still a good truck.

[PepeLePew]

Serious question, can you flesh that out? I'm curious what it lacks oomph against? Not stirring, just curious. Couple of pointers to some reading?

[Nic85]

Originally Posted by PepeLePew

Serious question, can you flesh that out? I'm curious what it lacks oomph against? Not stirring, just curious. Couple of pointers to some reading?

I'll suss out the magazines when I get home tomorrow. From my own experience, it is the fact that the power and torque fall off so quickly that is the problem. There's basically nothing after 3,000rpm, which is not ideal. Comparing it directly to the 3L V6 diesel in the Navara is like chalk and cheese. The Navara engine makes 500Nm at around 1,200rpm, and is still making 500Nm at around 4,000rpm. I can't find the dyno graph for it right now, but I've got it printed out at home. NVH is also significantly in the Nissans' favour.

[Buntz]

Need to start incorporating pics in your posts russel. I only came in for new pics.

[Bossxr8]

Since when have revs been the forte of diesels anyway.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Since when have revs been the forte of diesels anyway.

Thats right, my TDCI Focus falls off torque around 3000 RPM, no point revving past that, go past and its struggle street to 3500 RPM, then to the redline at 4300 RPM its really struggling, barely makes it there.

If you tried any more I reckon the Pistons would be half way to the moon by 4500 RPM.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Since when have revs been the forte of diesels anyway.

This...its a truck built for moving stuff. It looks way better than any other truck and if you want revs you get a falcon ute. Now if the falcon came ith the 2.7l....

[Gallifrey]

I looked at one today.

Not real happy that I have to buy the Wildtrak (or 'w@nktrak') to get satnav, camera & leather. I don't want the plastic try-hard crap front and back, as I'll be putting a canopy & alloy bully on it anyway!

The BT50 has a 'wolf in sheeps clothing' top end model in the GT. pity it's so ******* ugly.

Anyone else think you should be able to option up an XLT, at least with integrated satnav?

[mac_man_luke]

Originally Posted by Gallifrey

The BT50 has a 'wolf in sheeps clothing' top end model in the GT. pity it's so ******* ugly.

BT50 isn't too bad if you put an alloy tray and bull bar on it

[Nic85]

The magazines in question were Overlander and 4x4 magazine when the new Ranger and BT50 first came out. Both magazines reported the engine to not feel like it had the advertised power or torque, and felt gutless after 3,000rpm. Newer reviews of both cars don't seem to report any of this, though.

Modern diesel engines do like to rev. The 2L unit from Hyunda, 1.8L from Mitsubishi and 3L V6 from Nissan all come to mind immediately as ones I've personally driven on a constant basis. All will happily rev to 4,500rpm, and the Mitsubishi unit will rev to 5,000rpm.

Dyno graphs are significant for the way a car drives. It might make 147kW/470Nm, but if it only does so for a brief moment in the rev range, it's wasted IMO. I'd much rather and engine that has a big flat torque curve, with power that builds quickly and holds well over a large RPM range.

If you're happy with the car, that's all that matters. Don't let a cynic like me spoil your fun. ;)

[PepeLePew]

Originally Posted by Nic85

The magazines in question were Overlander and 4x4 magazine when the new Ranger and BT50 first came out. Both magazines reported the engine to not feel like it had the advertised power or torque, and felt gutless after 3,000rpm. Newer reviews of both cars don't seem to report any of this, though.

Modern diesel engines do like to rev. The 2L unit from Hyunda, 1.8L from Mitsubishi and 3L V6 from Nissan all come to mind immediately as ones I've personally driven on a constant basis. All will happily rev to 4,500rpm, and the Mitsubishi unit will rev to 5,000rpm.

Dyno graphs are significant for the way a car drives. It might make 147kW/470Nm, but if it only does so for a brief moment in the rev range, it's wasted IMO. I'd much rather and engine that has a big flat torque curve, with power that builds quickly and holds well over a large RPM range.

If you're happy with the car, that's all that matters. Don't let a cynic like me spoil your fun. ;)

Yeah I can agree a tad with a manual, as I shift endlessly But with a well matched auto I don't reckon the 'rev range in a diesel matters much at all.

The Navara 550's engine is a sweetheart but the Ranger does what it needs to do in its class and does it very well, and surrounds it with a better package though I'm sure the Navara update won't be too far away.

It does raise the question of why it peaks so low? Interesting bit of tuning.....

[dawsman]

Very nice! When (or if) I ever get sick of speedo-watching I might jump into one of these.

Edit: the limited colour choice is disappointing! Apart from the chilli orange, all you can get are various shades of white and grey!

[Redrum]

I'm a fan. If I was in the market for something like this would get one. I wouldn't mind test driving it.