Ford launches new Ranger Wildtrak X and Tremor
Bilstein suspension, off-road driving assists and 'Flexible Rack System' for lifestyle-focused trucks
While everyone’s inner 12-year-old can appreciate a Ford Ranger Raptor, the realities of a grown up truck purchase make it a little less appealing. Pre-teens don’t see 20mpg and £60k, they see a stadium super truck for the road. Those after some of the Raptor’s toughness with more palatable costs might be interested, then, in these new Rangers: the Wildtrak X and Tremor.
Described as ‘exciting off-road focused models’ by Ford, both get a new look, upgraded suspension and more tech. The Wildtrak X builds on the standard Wildtrak with 30mm-wider tracks and a 26mm increase in ride height. It also has standard-fit Bilstein ‘high-performance position-sensitive dampers’ aiming to help the truck in the rough stuff, as will its heavy duty power steering system and bash plates. The Tremor is based on the Ranger XLT and gets the same suspension parts as the Wildtrak X. The Tremor is the Boulder Grey pick-up here, a colour unique to the model, and it also gets exposed tow hooks cast in aluminium. Those who miss their Defenders will appreciate water resistant, easily cleaned vinyl trim for the floor and seats.
Both new Rangers will be powered by the familiar twin-turbo diesel, offering 205hp/ 369lb ft and driving through a 10-speed auto. It won’t match the Raptor’s V6 for performance or sound, but then 20mpg should also be easily achievable rather than a highest score. And all that torque (7lb ft more than the Raptor) will help off road, as will new assistance features: Trail Turn Assist, which brakes an inside wheel to help the Ranger around a turn, and Trail Control, which is basically off-road cruise control up to 20mph.
New for the Tremor and Wildtrak X (but coming to the rest of the range soon) is Ford’s Flexible Rack System, said to be first for this pick-up segment. It means long stuff can be carried on the roof rather than wedged inside, freeing up space. Ford says 80kg can go on there when driving, or a quarter of a tonne stationary.
“The new Ranger Wildtrak X and Tremor series follow the same recipe as our iconic Ranger Raptor; each one adds even more off-road ability and stunning looks to Europe’s most popular pickup. Together, they broaden the latest Ranger family to new levels, strengthening its appeal to more customers than ever,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. Orders for both models are due to open before March is out, with deliveries from August. Expect a premium over the regular XLT (£31,150) and Wildtrak (£39,350).
These feel like a niche within a niche, and I'm not really sure who they're for.
These feel like a niche within a niche, and I'm not really sure who they're for.
Unashamedly like the look of them, and the practicality for towing and dragging stuff about is pretty ideal
The current typical Raptor owner is a very particular and curious type of person indeed.
Whatever, these make much more sense than the Raptor in terms of tax bills. How many cocked about with Wildtraks do you see about despite the existence of the Raptor? All of those will now be these and Ford pockets the money rather than some backstreet tuners.
They are classed as an employee benefit in kind if they are also freely provided for private use. That's where the flat rate amount (currently £3,600) he likely refers to applies. 20% Basic Rate tax on £3,600 = £720 per year in tax. If he's a 40% Higher Rate taxpayer that will be £1,440. To qualify for that, it needs to be a commercial vehicle.
I know of 3 other buisness owners who have also owned differing 4x4 pickup's & we've all said they are too compromised a vehicle & have moved on to easyier to live with vehicles.
Not saying they are rubbish vehicles far from it & doubtless their are many who need such a vehicle but i reckon theirs a good amount that get them just to impress their inner 7 year old.
Might have been popular at bike parks prior to the T5 Standardisation Act, but difficult to see where it will sell in the UK as a van does everything “lifestyle” better.
I don't think the outgoing Ranger looks particularly tired and in need of an update, but styles and designs are shifting more 'American' whether we like it or not, and the new Ranger epitomises this.
My other half has a Wildtrak as a company vehicle, but we aren't going on mountain biking holidays or fording raging rivers in forests and whatever else is probably pictured in the press release. Nor is she a roided-up gym owner, travelling scrap metal enthusiast, or loading a pallet of breeze blocks or timber in the back, such is the type of person the Ranger often attracts complete with the arch extensions, Chinese LED lightbars, FORD grill, and bonnet scoop looking like the lid of a kitchen swing bin. I frequently tell her it's ridiculous driving such a thing when a little hot hatch would be much more suitable.
Might have been popular at bike parks prior to the T5 Standardisation Act, but difficult to see where it will sell in the UK as a van does everything “lifestyle” better.
The bed is too small to be any real heavy use expect on the single cab.
We've had a few Ranger single cabs down the years and no one I know with a double cab uses it for work. They use a van for that.
Double cab no longer a commercial vehicle in my eyes. It's an SUV with an open boot. The fact they label the accessories 'Lifestyle' says it all.
Work trucks should have a few scrapes on it and the inside should be full of crap or you're doing it wrong.
Might have been popular at bike parks prior to the T5 Standardisation Act, but difficult to see where it will sell in the UK as a van does everything “lifestyle” better.
Even just for changing after trail running with way less clobber is far more enjoyable, rather than feeling like a teenage fumble in the front of a Mk 1 Fiesta... actually maybe I have this all wrong...
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