Ford NZ expands Ranger line-up

Ford New Zealand is expanding its Ranger lineup with the new offroad focused Wildtrak X, arriving in showrooms in the second half of the year.

]Supplied by Ford NZ

Branded as a go-anywhere limited-edition the Ranger Wildtrak X bridges the gap between the high-performance Ranger Raptor and the recreation-oriented Wildtrak and is designed for customers who want greater off-road capability and smart features that support their passion for adventure without compromising the Ranger’s impressive 3500kg towing capacity.

Elevating the Wildtrak X’s on- and off-road ability are core wheel and suspension improvements. The Ranger Wildtrak X’s Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers not only allows drivers to go further off the beaten track, but also improves on-road cornering manners.

This is thanks to End Stop Control Valve (ESCV) technology within the Bilstein dampers. The position-sensitive dampers allow for better fine-tuning and calibration so that the Wildtrak X’s on-road comfort matches its offroad performance.

With a monotube design and nitrogencharged external reservoir, the Bilstein dampers have an increased tuning bandwidth that allow for dual driving characteristics.

The Wildtrak X will be the first Ranger 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel variant to feature the advanced Full-time 4WD system instead of the part time ‘shift on the fly’ 4x4 system.

The Ranger Wildtrak X’s suspension has been specifically tuned for touring and payload in mind, but without sacrificing comfort during unladen driving.

Overlanding enthusiasts will benefit from the damper tuning, which deftly sidesteps the usual drawbacks of a ‘lift kit’, improving tarmac handling and cornering composure. Importantly, the Wildtrak X retains the same 3500kg towing capacity3 as the standard Ranger Wildtrak.

Additionally, General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres are fitted as standard, with the 265/70 R17 rubber wrapped around new 17-inch alloy wheels.

The combination of new suspension, wheel, and tyres results in a 30mm wider track width front and rear, and an additional 26mm of ground clearance when compared to the existing Wildtrak.

Under the bonnet, the sole engine choice is Ford’s 2.0-Litre Bi-Turbo inline four-cylinder diesel, which is now well-known to Ranger enthusiasts.

Mated exclusively to a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Wildtrak X’s hearty 150kW/500Nm outputs will ensure owners can get wherever they want, whenever they want.

Wildtrak X also helps owners out on the trail with two new off-road tools that have been engineered to tackle challenging terrain.

Trail Turn Assist helps drivers negotiate tight bends on narrow tracks by applying the brake on the inside rear wheel, significantly reducing the turning radius.

It’s designed to be used on loose surfaces at speeds under 19km/h and can be used when the truck is engaged in either 4H or 4L and the rear differential is unlocked.

Trail Control, also seen in the Ranger

CHOOSE A SOLUTION. CHOOSE SUMO.

Raptor, helps drivers maintain a constant low-speed while off-road. The driver simply selects a set speed below 32 km/h and the vehicle will manage its acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering through difficult terrain.

Mounted Trio Gls Subsoiler

As its name suggests the Sumo Trio consists of 3 parts to help develop and create an ideal seed bed in all soil conditions.

First stage: Staggered row of subsoiler legs with a maximum working depth of 400mm.

(both hydraulic and shear pin protection systems available)

Secondary stage: Two rows of 500mm concave discs equipped with triple sealed bearings and Sumo’s famous double drive system giving unrivalled performance when working in adverse conditions.

Third stage: Sumo’s 760mm multipacker roller with replaceable shoulders leaves a weatherproof level finish in the most challenging soil conditions.

The Sumo Grassland subsoiler improves and revitalises compacted grassland that is suffering from the effects of continual livestock, rainfall and heavy machinery.

• Leading row of adjustable individually suspended discs allow minimum disturbance on the pasture surface.

• Hydraulic Subsoiler legs with working depths from 100-350mm to suit all types of compaction layer depths with quick change points.

• Rear flat packer roller with scrapers to leave an aerated consolidated level finish across the full working width.