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By Carsales staff
There’s a lot of hype surrounding the new-generation Ford Ranger dual cab ute.
And now the blue oval has sprinkled a little more X-Factor into the range with a special edition Wildtrak X model that bridges the gap between its popular Wildtrak model and the flagship, performance-focused Raptor.
Aimed at off-road enthusiasts and adventure seekers, the Wildtrak X will be available in Australian showrooms in the second half of the year priced at $75,990 plus on-road costs.
Key among its unique features that improve on the standard Wildtrak’s already impressive on- and off-road credentials, the X models has a widened track, increased ground clearance and exclusive Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers with End Stop Control Valve (ESCV) technology and nitrogen-charged external reservoirs.
It also has Trail Control – a low-speed cruise control system when off-roading - and Trail Turn Assist – which brakes the inside rear wheel to reduce the turning radius on tight turns – functions, as well as General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres on uniquely designed 17-inch alloy wheels.
The combination of new suspension, wheels and tyres results in a 30mm wider track width front and rear, and an additional 26mm of ground clearance compared to the existing Wildtrak.
Distinguished by an exclusive new optional Cyber Orange paint colour and standard Matrix LED headlights with auxiliary LEDs integrated into a new off-road grille with Cyber Orange accent strip, the Wildtrak X also comes with a steel bash plate, cast aluminium side steps and Wildtrak X badges on the front doors and tailgate.
There are also black Ford oval badges front and rear, plus distinctive Ranger lettering across the bonnet, while the grille surround, bumper H-bar, wheel lip mouldings, fender vents, mirror caps, door handles and rear bumper are all finished in asphalt black.
The Wildtrak X features the premium Bang&Olufsen audio system that is optional in the standard Wildtrak, plus the bigger 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster from Raptor and Platinum variants and an overhead auxiliary switch bank for aftermarket accessories.
Also added is Ford’s Flexible Rack System, which makes carrying various cargo easier by comprising a Sliding Load Rack that can be locked into five positions along the length of the load bed, combined with the Folding Roof Racks that store inside the rails when not in use.
The clever system can be operated by one person and doesn’t require any tools to set up or stow.
Inside the cabin, the Wildtrak X boasts new leather-accented seat trim with Miko suede and Wildtrak X logos embroidered into the seatbacks while Terra suede wraps the glove box, instrument cluster hood, door trim and centre console rails.
There’s also distinctive Cyber Orange contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, gear shifter and upper glove box, as well as all-weather floor mats front and rear.
The Wildtrak X will be exclusively offered with the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine that produces 150kW and 500Nm and adopts the Raptor’s full-time four-wheel drive transmission with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. With the addition of Adblue diesel exhaust fluid, Ford claims the Wildtrak X is the first Ranger variant to meet the Light Duty Truck EU Stage 6 emissions level.
Towing capacity remains the same 3500kg as the standard Ranger Wildtrak.
Ford says Trail Turn Assist helps drivers negotiate tight bends on narrow tracks by applying the brake on the inside rear wheel, reducing the turning radius.
It’s designed to be used on loose surfaces at speeds under 19km/h and can be used when the vehicle is engaged in either 4H or 4L and the rear differential is unlocked. In certain circumstances, Trail Turn Assist can reduce the Wildtrak X’s turning circle radius by up to 25 per cent, providing significant benefits when navigating tricky off-road conditions.
Meantime, Trail Control – as seen in the Ranger Raptor – helps drivers maintain a constant low speed while off-road, simply by selecting a set speed below 32km/h.
Similar to the drive mode on Ranger Raptor, the Wildtrak X’s Rock Crawl mode is designed to help drivers traverse uneven, rocky terrain in a controlled manner at low speed.
This drive mode requires low range 4WD to be engaged and will automatically lock the rear differential for maximum traction.
Rock Crawl mode will also automatically actuate a unique throttle and transmission calibration designed to help the driver traverse the terrain as smoothly as possible.
“We have designed and engineered Wildtrak X with the overlanding community front of mind,” said the Ranger’s chief platform engineer, David Grice.
Disclaimer: Images supplied by Ford.
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