FORD RANGER DAY

Time To Play

A few months ago in our news section, we included details of the brand new Ford Ranger pickup that had been released in Australia. We also mentioned that the new model isn’t going to reach our shores until sometime in 2023.

With this in mind, Ford wanted to remind us all of how good, relevant and versatile the current model is, and invited a bunch load of motoring writers to the Brecon Beacons for a few days in the mud.

In our February issue I took you through the first part of the day when we were lead through some lovely Welsh green lanes, and at the end of our excursion we arrived at the Hub where Ford’s PR team had set up, amongst other things, a huge tent and organised free unlimited pizza and warm drinks.

That’s right, free pizza!

It wasn’t all about free pizza though, there was an offroad course and motocross track for us journos to play on - sorry, to professionally evaluate the Ranger’s capabilities.

Although the off-road course was fairly basic, getting to it wasn’t. It began up the side of hill with a track that had been forged through ferns, and it was wet, very wet.

Our group leader struggled a bit at the top just managing to keep traction, but was sliding all over the place. This didn’t bode well for me, who was second in line, and the rest of the convoy.

Selecting drive, low box and engaging the rear locker I had no option except to just go for it. The Wildtrac kicked up mud from every wheel as I focused on not easing off the throttle whilst frantically turning the steering wheel from side to side in the hope of finding as much extra grip as I could. As I reached the top the track took a sharp U-turn and headed back downwards.

Next was Theo in the Raptor, and it didn’t go well for him. By this time the track was properly chewed up (it's private land don’t forget), and the wide all-terrains kept getting clogged up, so after four attempts it was decided that him and the rest of the group would go the easy way to the quarry.

Everything else from here on was quite tame, but we still got to drive up and down some fairly steep gradients that again proved just how capable the Ranger is.

After returning to the tent for more pizza (Do I like free pizza? Hell yeah!), I was asked if I’d like to drive around the motocross track - in a Raptor.

For this frolic Bob from All Terrain Services was my guide and tried his best to point me in the right direction. Oh wow was it slippy! Imagine driving on ice with an extra layer of grease on top for good measure.

In fairness the Raptor did a sterling job as I constantly flung the steering wheel in every direction whilst performing impressive power slides. Honestly, the photos don’t do it any justice.

Back to the tent for, you guessed it, more pizza, and I decided to have a gander at the fleet of Rangers that Ford had organised, from the local fire service, police, RAC and utility vehicles.

There was one with a rooftop tent that looked impressive, sadly it wasn’t on the press fleet - I asked.

Part of the day was also to remind us that last year Ford brought out a couple of limited edition models, namely the Ranger Stormtrak and Ranger Wolftrak.

The Ranger Stormtrak, it’s based on the premium Ranger Wildtrak series and delivers even higher specification with further enhanced comfort features and unique finishes. A limited run of vehicles will be built to ensure exclusivity and available as a Double Cab for UK customers.

All Ranger Stormtrak models are equipped with Ford’s rangetopping Bi-turbo 213PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine that develops a whopping 500Nm of torque along with the usual selectable four-wheel drive system and 10-speed automatic gearbox.

The striking Rapid Red paint job is unique to Ranger Stormtrak, though it’s also available in Frozen White and Blue Lightning paint options. You also get a black rear bumper, sports hoop, rugged underbody protection, a bedliner, load divider and Ford’s new Power Roller Shutter feature as standard.

The Ranger Wolftrak is built for customers who desire dependable off-road capability and a bold, no-nonsense exterior. Based on the Ranger XLT series, Wolftrak is powered by Ford’s 170PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with the choice of six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission.

A selectable four-wheel drive system with shift-on-the-fly function, electronically-locking rear diff and all-terrain tyres are standard.

Ford reckon the Ranger Wolftrak will appeal strongly to customers in farming, forestry and outdoor pursuit industries as well as private buyers. A 1.0-tonne payload and 3,500kg maximum towing weight offer significant load-moving ability, supported by a standard protective bed liner.

An optional manual load bed cover or Aeroklas full load canopy are uniquely available in matte black to match Ranger Wolftrak’s blacked-out exterior detailing.

A long-leg tubular sports bar exclusive to Ranger Wolftrak creates a rugged look and supports accessory fitment and easy load restraint. Imposing Conquer Grey paint accentuates the pick- up’s haunches and complements the matte black grille, underbody protection and 17” black alloy wheels. The truck’s distinctive style is completed by darkened Wolftrak badges and plastic moulded side steps.

After stuffing more pizza down my neck, I chatted to the PR team, who did a sterling job, and a few colleagues before setting off… in a Wildtrak, of course!