Ford Ranger 2.0 Bi-Turbo 213pk standverwarming Black edition Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 Hybrid Dynamic plus Fiat 500 1,0 HYBRID Lounge opendak Navi parkeersensor Alu Fiat 500 1,0 HYBRID Lounge Panodak Navi parkeersensor Alu Objectively, the Ranger Wildtrak is difficult to fault, and this is even more so in 2.0Bi-Turbo format. The new engine and gearbox transforms the Ranger into a much more refined and rounded product, while the latest tech updates makes for a well-equipped and very safe range-topper. White Ford Ranger 2020(20) JALEX Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.0 Bi-Turbo Custom Edition Recent White Ford Ranger Pickups that have been Supplied, Sold and Modified by us: 2018 Ford RANGER 2.0 Bi-Turbo 4WD Wildtrak Double cab รถกระบะ. ราคารถยนต์ 1,188,000 บาท. เงินดาวน์. กรุณาระบุตัวเลขน้อยกว่าราคารถ. หรือ. เปอร์เซนต์ควรเป็นตัวเลขและมี P 499,000 Ford Ranger Thunder 2.0 Bi-turbo 2020 Year Bakkie Double Cab 52,000 km mileage Diesel Fuel 2.0L Engine Automatic Tiptronic Transmission 4x4 Air Conditioning Navigation System (GPS) Central Locking Power Steering Electric Windows Leather Interior Air Bags Alarm Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) AM/FM Radio Supports MP3/WMA USB Alloy Wheels . R 815 000Hatfield Ford Woodmead NewSandton, GautengDescriptionOptionsPower Roller Shutter 18 inch Alloys Spare Tyre LockFinanceEstimated monthly payment is R 14 over 72 months with 10% deposit of R 81 at a rate of PRIME + 1%.* Please note that these calculations are only estimates and must be confirmed with your finance Ford Woodmead NewSandton, GautengView Map060 035 5508 “Finally” is what we quietly muttered to ourselves after taking a seat inside the cabin of the 2023 Ford Ranger at its Australian launch. This is the most anticipated vehicle to hit Australia this year, and with a fresh design incorporating a swanky new interior and a V6 Turbo diesel powerplant orphaned and improved from its full-size F-150 cousin it’s easy to see why. The new Ford Ranger has improvements up and down the model lineup that do more than cement it as the best pickup truck to buy in Australia, but also challenges for the “one car fits all” crown that SUVs have owned for years. The top-of-the-line Wildtrak model is laden with creature comforts designed for everyday use, and we’ve put it to the test on-road and off-road in our review below. Related How Ford Ranger Proves Benefit in Listening to Customers. Image Ford Australia What Powers the 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak? There are two engine options available for the 2022 Ford Ranger Wildtrak and we’ve outlined both options below. Ford Ranger Wildtrak Bi-Turbo Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 Engine bi-turbo-diesel 4-cylinder turbo-diesel V6 Maximum Power 154kW 3750 rpm 184kW 3,250 rpm Maximum Torque 500Nm 1750 rpm 600Nm 1,750 rpm Kerb Weight 2295kg 2353kg Payload 985kg 997kg Gross Vehicle Mass GVM 3280kg 3350kg Gross Combined Mass GCM 6350kg 6400kg How’s the Fuel Economy? On paper, Ford claims the Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 uses of Diesel under combined city and highway driving cycles while putting out 195g of CO2. In our testing, we managed to linger around that mark, but stay tuned for our full economy test where we put the car through a full 80L tank of fuel to see if we can reach the 1081km max range figure. In terms of the V6, Ford claims the Ranger Wildtrak V6 4×4 uses combined. In our testing, we found this harder to achieve as putting your foot down under any typical driving conditions will really start chewing through fuel. One of the cars on the trip actually managed to get down to a quarter of a tank of fuel by lunchtime, so keep your eye out for our full tank range test shortly for accurate results. Related 2022 Ford Ranger Unveiled 10 Things to Know Image Ford Australia How Does the 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak Drive? The first drive on our test launch was a 200km trip from Melbourne Airport to the Australia Automotive Research Centre AARC. Here we jumped between the majority of vehicles in the lineup, including Wildtraks in both Bi-Turbo and V6 configurations. This gave us a great opportunity to test the difference between the Ford Ranger with both engine configurations on twisty roads, highways, and country B-roads littered with potholes thanks to recent weather. What’s it Like On-Road? We spent the first leg of our journey driving the V6 Turbo diesel and were grinning ear-to-ear as soon as we entered the freeway on-ramp. It’s not every day you jump in a V6 Turbo diesel vehicle there are very few on the market, but we were quickly reminded of our time spent in the Toyota Landcruiser 300 Series Sahara ZX late last year. The power delivery is smooth, the engine never feels like it’s pulling more weight than it’s happy with, and the transmission has been tuned to find a balance between peak torque that comes nice low down and fuel economy although we’d argue it’s better suited to the Bi-Turbo. Put your foot down, kick down two gears, and you’ll have no trouble overtaking slower cars on country B-roads from 80 km/h and up. The second leg of the on-road drive was spent behind the wheel of the Wildtrak Bi-Turbo 4-cylinder and being an engine we’ve driven in the past, we expected the power difference. In many ways, the 10-speed gearbox is better suited to this engine with its respectable torque number of 500Nm peaking at 1750rpm, but even more so the power output that tapers off in the higher RPMs under load. It rows through the first 3 gears quickly on its way to 80km/h and redlining every gear you’ll see 40km/h in first, 60km/h in second, and 80km/h in third. It’s a truck. The ride comfort itself is still no particular match for the best SUVs on the market due to the leaf spring rear end that’s been set up to tow but by optioning the V6 Turbo Diesel engine you’ll have similar power delivery and smoothness found in most family SUVs. Outside of the power, there’s a nuanced difference between the steering feel and feedback. Both are equipped with electric racks, but the weight through the wheel and some of the feedback turns from a tightly connected experience in the V6 to something that feels like it’s trying to figure out why it’s lost 58kg of weight over the front axle. It took a second for us to figure it out as well, thinking “they’re the same model, same tires, same suspension, same setup, same wheel, same pretty much everything, except there’s a smaller donk. Related Dual-Cab Ute Power Comparison How Does the V6 Ranger Stack Up? Image Ford Australia What’s it Like Off-Road? After a spot of on-road driving in the morning, we headed into the proving grounds at the AARC to put the new Ford Ranger through its paces offroad. Experienced offroaders would turn their nose to most of these obstacles – to be fair we could’ve driven through some of them in 2WD – but the Wildtrak performed about as well as you could hope for across basic obstacles such as water-crossings, mud, erosion mounds, and rocks. In terms of driver aids, the Sport and Wildtrak benefit from offroad specific drive modes Mud/Ruts and Sand over the XLT’s Normal, Eco, Slippery and Tow/Haul. In our testing, we never found the limits of any modes, however, we were pleased to see a rear diff lock as standard. We’ll also give full marks to Ford Australia for offering a set of All Terrain tires out of the box. The Goodyear Wranglers are a good tire for 90% of customers and they handled the mud, water crossing, and rocky trails with no issues at all. In short, it’s ready to go out of the box. We found the front camera system to be one of our favourite features off-road. As soon as you flick the ute into Mud/ Ruts mode the camera turns on and helps you point the front wheels in the right direction – it’s something we absolutely loved in the new Land Rover Defender – and really helps you see what’s in front when looking at the sky on extreme upward angles. We also love having the gauges displayed on the driver’s display in front of you rather than on the tablet infotainment screen, and they include; Driveline and electronic diff lock indication Steering angle Vehicle pitch and roll angles Off-road features buttons Hill Descent Control is also managed through the cruise control button on the wheel and can be sped up or down depending on the incline you’re driving. We were encouraged to keep it on at all times, however, considering the low first gear and the fact the hills weren’t much steeper than your average driveway, we’d save it for tougher tracks. Related 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor Revealed as 400HP Pre-Runner’ for All Terrains. Image Ford Australia Is the New Old Engine Reliable? We were just as surprised as you might be to see the Bi-Turbo engine return to the model lineup in the higher spec Wildtrak’ variant. The Indian-manufactured version of this engine was plagued by fuel injector issues that Ford has assured us they’ve fixed. In a media briefing earlier this year, Pritika Maharaj, the global program manager for the new Ranger, said “The injectors in the twin-turbo diesel have changed. We had an issue, way back, with the supplier and then there’s also been upgraded to the injector in parallel. We are very confident about the reliability of the new injectors… We simulate extreme customer usage by running these engines for more than 700 continuous hours at full throttle.” Changes have also been made to the transplanted V6 engine from the F-150, with improved turbo-lubrication redesigned for extreme angles off-road. What About the Gearbox? Both models of the 2022 Ford Ranger Wildtrak receive the same 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission. While it’s often been outshined by the ZF 8HP 8-speed units found in the VW Amarok, we found the revised shift points improved the city driving experience while adding a touch of overall refinement in the gearbox when down-shifting for highway overtakes. How Does it Tow? The true test for the V6 Ford Ranger will come when we stick 3-tonnes of caravan behind it, and you can expect a full feature article on that later this year. We weren’t able to test the towing capability of the new Ranger on this trip, however, the features are endless with 10 set towing profiles that can be customised based on the dimension and weight of your load, light checking routine no more yelling out the window, and brake controller with variable gain control. On paper, it looks like the 2022 Ford Ranger will be the best dual-cab ute for towing. Related Ford F-150 Confirmed for Australia Here’s Everything You Need to Know. Image Ford What’s the Interior Like on the 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak? How Does the New Infotainment System Work? The 2022 Ford Ranger Wildtrak comes as standard with the larger 12-inch Sync 4 infotainment system. This has already proven a favourite in overseas models such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford F-150 Lightning, and 2022 Ford Expedition so we were excited to test it for the first time in Australia. It’s a gorgeous unit overall and the display is very bright, very sharp, very quick, and makes other vehicles in this class look like farm trucks. Carplay and Android Auto integration are both half and/or three-quarters displayed above the lower quarter panel of the screen and can be shrunk or expanded based on preference. Once again, one of the best systems fitted to any vehicle on the road today, let alone a ute. Many of the Ranger’s physical controls have been replaced with on-screen sliders, however, the brand understands that customers prefer physical controls for heating and cooling, transmission settings, and drive mode selection that remains on the centre console as a dial and button unit. In practice, we found the balance to be just about right for on-screen vs. physical buttons, although, the off-road modes like Downhill Assist and setting the diff lock can be a little hard to hit with your finger offroad. Selecting to bring up the front camera can also be a little challenging. Turning to the physical drive mode unit, we found there’s a considerable lag between turning the physical dial and the driver’s display pop-up that it’s equally as frustrating to use. Why there isn’t a little LED indicator on the physical unit for drive modes is beyond us as the two really don’t talk to each other well. Other features we loved include the voice recognition, wireless Sync AppLink via the Ford App to control exterior zone lighting perfect for setting up camp, and the customisable touchscreen options. Related 2022 Ford Everest is a Do Everything’ Family Tourer. Image Ford Is it a Comfortable Place to Sit for a Roadtip? Comparing Wildtrak to the rest of the model lineup and it’s obvious where the money has been spent with a focus on interior luxury. It’s our pick of the bunch for the grey nomads looking to tour the country, and highlights that make long-haul journeys that much nicer include colour-matched stitching, extra storage including a little mini glove box on the dash for the passenger, pop-up cupholders, and leather-trimmed dashboard. On lower trimmed models, most of these features are simply covered by plastic panels – not so great. There’s a row of auxiliary switches factory mounted on the overhead console for spotlights and other accessories, as well as comfortable eight-way electrically adjustable heated front seats that are supremely comfortable and supportive through corners and over the rough stuff. Is it a comfortable place to sit for long road trips? Absolutely, the cockpit is our favourite of any dual-cab ute we’ve tested. Related New E-Transit Kickstarts Ford Australia’s Path to Electrification. Image Ford Should You Buy the 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak? How Much Does the Ford Ranger Wildtrak Cost? Pricing for the top-of-the-range Ford Ranger Wildtrak starts at $67,190 AUD before on-road costs for the Bi-Turbo engine up $1100. The V6 Ford Ranger range is priced at an extra $3000 AUD across the lineup and is a no-brainer to us, especially for those looking to tow. Pricing for the Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 starts at $70,190 AUD before on-road costs. If you’re looking to jump behind the wheel of a V6 Ford Ranger, this is our pick of the bunch. The cheapest’ way to get behind a V6 Dual-Cab Pickup is the Sport model which starts at $64,190 AUD before on-road costs and spending the extra $6000 AUD gets you a far nicer interior that looks and feels as premium as the price tag suggests. It compares favourably to its competitors as well, with the Toyota Hilux Rogue and Rugged X both starting above $70,000 AUD and sporting a cabin that is about half as nice. Warranty and Servicing Ford Australia offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Service intervals are every 15,000km or annually, whichever comes first, and the first four visits are capped at $329 apiece. In our personal experience, those who are towing often should consult directly with the dealer for recommended service intervals. Safety The 2022 Ford Ranger receives the following standard safety equipment Nine airbags Autonomous emergency braking Lane-keep assist Lane-departure warning Road edge detection Blind-spot assist Rear cross-traffic alert pickup only Trailer Coverage when factory Tow Pack is fitted Reverse camera pickup only Rear parking sensors pickup only Other safety equipment such as front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with stop/go, surround-view camera, and fully-autonomous parking assist are available on the Ford Ranger Wildtrak as it’s the highest trim level, but don’t expect to see them on the lower models. It’s worth mentioning that 9 airbags are standard across the entire new Ford Ranger lineup. Related Celebrities are Going Nuts for this Upgraded Ford F-100. Image Ford Australia Our Verdict on the 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak Ford has successfully laid down the gauntlet for the Dual-Cab ute market in Australia. Considering the Ranger was one of the best and highest selling marks in the category, adding all-new tech to the cabin and engine bay in the form of Sync 4 and the potent new V6 Turbo diesel means the Ranger is as close to an SUV as we have experienced in the dual-cab ute market. Looking at the Wildtrak and we’d stretch the budget $6000 AUD over the Sport for the extra luxury if any amount of touring is on the cards. If we had to point the finger at anything, it’s the waitlist. However, looking across the fence at the competition and you start to think the long wait for the Ford Ranger is indeed worth every second. The catchphrase for the Ford Ranger should really read “The All New Ford Ranger, it’s worth the wait.” Check it out Image Ford 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak Standard Specification in Australia This is what your base Ford Ranger Wildtrak gets in Australia. Exterior Standard Specifications 18-inch Boulder Grey alloy wheels 18-inch Boulder Grey alloy spare wheel Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tyres Unique Wildtrak sports bar Power tub roller shutter Cargo management system Unique Wildtrak front grille with mesh pattern and Boulder Grey accents Exterior side mirrors with puddle lamps and zone lighting Roof rails Aluminium load box tie down rails Interior Standard Specifications The 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system Interior ambient lighting Pull-out dash-mounted cupholders Unique Wildtrak leather accented upholstery Heated front seats Eight-way electrically adjustable front seats Surround-view camera Automated parking assist Integrated trailer brake controller Image Ford Image Ford Image Ford Image Ford Image Ford Image Ford Australia Image Ford Australia Image Ford Australia You’ll also like Ford Sends the Bronco Deep into the Everglades Charge 1967 Ford Mustang is All-Electric Sex on Wheels 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline 440HP Urban Off-Roader Unveiled Ben McKimm Ben lives in Sydney, Australia. He has a Bachelor's Degree Media, Technology and the Law from Macquarie University 2020. Outside of his studies, he has spent the last decade heavily involved in the automotive, technology and fashion world. Turning his passion and expertise into a Journalist position at Man of Many where he continues to write about everything that interests the modern man. Conducting car reviews on both the road and track, hands-on reviews of cutting-edge technology and employing a vast knowledge in the space of fashion and sneakers to his work. One day he hopes to own his own brand. Read more about Ben About Man of Many The wait is over for all you Raptor fans! Sime Darby Auto ConneXion SDAC, the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia has just launched the Next-Generation Ranger Raptor Bi-Turbo Diesel. This means Ford is offering another engine selection for you Raptor lovers in Malaysia. Next-Gen Design Exterior In addition to the “Raptor” decal, there are new exterior elements that have been added to give it that “Next-Gen” look. This includes flared wheel arches, bold F-O-R-D lettering on the grille, and a bumper that has been separated from the grille that gives it a more defined front end. Also added in are the Matrix LED headlamps along with the signature C-clamp LED daytime running lights DRL. This beast comes with 17-inch allow wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2 tyres. Ford Performance scuff plates, new cast aluminium side steps and LED lights all around give it the bold and off-road presence it needs. Available colours include the new Code Orange in addition to the Absolute Black, Artic White, Blue Lightning and Conquer Grey. Interior The “New-Gen” energy is brought into the cabin as well. It features all-new jet fighter-influenced leather sports seats, a coast-to-coast Code Orange accented instrument panel, leather gear knob with e-shifter, premium-grade leather steering wheel and magnesium paddle shifters. The fully digital cabin may seem similar because it is identical to the Raptor V6, including the digital instrument cluster and 12-inch centre touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment system. And yes, it comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard interior features include a Bang & Olufsen sound system with eight speakers, four USB charging ports, a wireless Qi charger, a 12-volt power socket and a 360-degree camera. A stop/start button is featured along with a battery monitoring system. Ford Performance and Features Paired with an e-shifter 10-speed automatic transmission, this monster delivers up to 210 PS at 3750 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 1750-2000 rpm. It has a competitive fuel consumption of High-efficiency alternators, active transmission warmup, ultra-low viscosity transmission fluid, synthetic rear axle fluid to reduce parasitic driveline losses and a cooling fan with brushless motors to reduce electrical losses are some of the key features. Made to match its V6 counterpart, the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor Bi-Turbo Diesel features the same reinforced chassis. It includes the C-pillar, load box and spare tire. In addition to that, it has unique frames for the jounce bumper, shock tower and rear shock bracket, all combined to ensure it can handle taking on the off-road routes. It also comes with a similar redesigned suspension with the new FOX Internal Bypass shock absorbers in front, refined Watt’s link at the rear and advanced permanent four-wheel drive system with an all-new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case combined with rear locking differentials. Also featured is a high-strength steel bash plate with an under shield and transfer case shield. Other standard features are twin-rated tow hooks at the front and rear for better recovery and balance straps for recoveries in deep sand or thick mud. It offers the updated Terrain Management System with selective drive modes. Seven to be exact NormalSportSlipperyRock CrawlSandMud/RutsBaja The roots of the Raptor name originate from North America where Ford engineers used it on high-performance pickup trucks which started with the first-generation F-150 SVT Raptor in 2010. The Ranger Raptor was inspired by desert racers and is a capable overlanding vehicle. Ford has created an off-road vehicle that you don’t need to modify to get you where you need to. Case in point, the Next-Gen Raptor has a successful completion of the SCORE International Baja 1000 in Mexico. It is one of the toughest off-road endurance races in the world. Price and Early Booking Benefits The Next-Generation Ranger Raptor Bi-Turbo Diesel is priced at RM248,888, on the road without insurance and road tax. It comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty or 160,000km, whichever comes first. Customers can opt for seven-year coverage with the two-year PremiumCare extended warranty package. The first 300 customers nationwide who make a booking will receive early bird benefits that include A specially fitted Kenwood DRV-A700W dashcam with a Wide-Quad High Definition WQHD offer of RM500 discount on one Ford Ranger Getaways via a promo code, redeemable upon vehicle delivery. There’s a lot to be said for constant refinement. The current Ford Ranger was launched in 2011 alongside its platform partner, the Mazda BT-50, with much fanfare. The world has changed a lot in the intervening nine years. Barack Obama was President when the new Ranger was launched, Julia Gillard was Prime Minster, Sam Newman was still on television, and the Holden Commodore was still being built in Australia. But nine years, countless updates, and a global pandemic into its life – and at least three years from replacement – the ageless Ranger remains a standout in Australia’s crowded dual-cab ute market. It’s the only ute capable of giving the Toyota HiLux a run for its money on the sales charts, and accounts for the lion’s share of Ford sales in Australia. We hopped behind the wheel of the highly-specced dual-cab Wildtrak to explore how the Ranger has stayed relevant. How much does the Ford Ranger Wildtrak Bi-Turbo cost? Pricing for the range-topping Ford Ranger Wildtrak kicks off at $63,890 before on-road costs with a five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, and stretches to $65,390 before on-roads for the more powerful bi-turbo diesel on test here. The same engine can be had for $60,540 before on-roads in the dual-cab Ranger XLT if Bi-Turbo power is your main priority. With a mid-$60,000 price, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak occupies rarefied air in the dual-cab ute space. It’s priced in line with the Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior, and makes the Ranger around $3000 more expensive than the Toyota HiLux Rogue and Rugged X. Between $60,000 and $70,000 will get you a Volkswagen Amarok TDI580 Highline Black with V6 power, too. What do you get? Everything in the Ford kit bag, short of the Ford Ranger Raptor’s jump-ready suspension and other Raptor-specific equipment. The Wildtrak is fully loaded both inside and out. The driver and passenger sit in heated seats trimmed in leather and tough-looking cloth with Wildtrak emblems sewn into their backrests, and the driver grasps a leather-trimmed steering wheel. There’s dual-zone climate control, and an infotainment touchscreen running Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment software with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has factory satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, as well as a reversing camera with parking sensors. The driver is faced with an analogue rev counter flanked by two supplementary displays capable of displaying speed and fuel information on the right-hand side, and infotainment details on the left. Ford led the charge with active safety in dual-cab utes. Autonomous emergency braking, auto high-beam, and lane-keeping assist are standard, along with adaptive cruise control and surprisingly effective hands-free parking. On the outside, it rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, and features glossy grey detailing on the grille, flanks, sports bar, and Wildtrak graphics. This is still one of the most handsome utes on the market, with an American-inspired front end. Down back, there’s a powered roll top cover for the tray, which sounds extravagant but is handy in practice. Not only is it more space-efficient than older Mountain Top covers, it can be remotely opened using the key. The tailgate is also counterweighted, which makes it light enough to open with a pinky. You’re unlikely to notice if you’re a big, burly he-man how most Ranger owners see themselves, but it’s nice to have if your cannons are more popgun than Popeye how most Ranger owners actually are. It’s one of many small improvements Ford has made to the Ranger over its life, helping keep it fresh in the face of stiff competition. Is the Ford Ranger Wildtrak Bi-Turbo safe? The Ford Ranger has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing out in 2015. It scored out of a possible 37 points. You can read more about the crash test rating at the ANCAP website. There’s six airbags including full-length curtain airbags, something the Volkswagen Amarok can’t match. The Ranger has also since been updated with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. What is the Ford Ranger Wildtrak Bi-Turbo like on the inside? The Ford Ranger might be getting long in the tooth, but the interior remains one of the most comfortable and functional in the business. The steering wheel doesn’t adjust for reach, but the driving position is excellent. The seats are supportive, and offer a commanding driving position over the Ranger’s power-bulged bonnet, along with heating for Melbourne’s frosty winter mornings. There’s plenty of storage and three USB ports up front, while rear seat space is on par when compared to the Ranger’s dual-cab ute rivals. That means you’ll fit average-sized people back there, but headroom is limited for taller passengers. It’s arguably a better place to be than the skinny Triton and slightly agricultural HiLux, thanks not only to the space on offer but touches such the foldaway grab handles, which won’t batter your head over rough roads. Unfortunately, there are no rear air vents. The power point and 12V socket are nice, but we’d argue the kids are more likely to appreciate cooling air on a hot summer’s day, or USB ports to charge their devices. Ford has a jump on its competitors on the technology front. The Sync 3 infotainment system packs satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is streets ahead of the basic system in the Toyota HiLux. It’s also got the Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara licked on the technology front. Ford’s native voice control is among the best in the business, and the addition of over-the-air software updates means your infotainment system can gain skills over its life. The instrument binnacle is a paragon of clarity, with an easy to read speedometer flanked by two displays. The left-hand side can show phone, entertainment, or navigation data, while the right shows trip data, including a digital speedo. Ford’s reversing camera is one of the clearest out there, too, and includes a zoom function for attaching a trailer. Although it’s a high-end model, the Wildtrak still possesses plenty of hard plastics. That wouldn’t be ideal in a passenger car, but it’s worth keeping in mind the people who still use their utes for work. Being able to bash around in steel-cap boots on dusty work sites is still high on the priority list, and the Ranger feels tightly screwed together. What’s under the bonnet? There’s no replacement for displacement, right? Wrong, in the case of the Ranger Wildtrak. Although it’s still offered with a five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, the range-topper is a four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel making 157kW of power and 500Nm of torque – up 10kW and 30Nm on the five-pot. There’s no manual option. The Bi-Turbo Ford Ranger Wildtrak is instead exclusively offered with a 10-speed automatic co-developed with General Motors. That’s right, this is a burly ute with a milk bottle-sized motor and new-fangled transmission born of a partnership between bitter American rivals. We live in strange times. Braked towing capacity is 3500kg, and payload is 954kg, so it’s just as capable as the bigger engine if you’re into hauling things around. Ford claims on the combined cycle, we saw in a week heavily skewed to city driving. How does the Ford Ranger Wildtrak Bi-Turbo drive? The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is among the most car-like dual-cab utes on the market to drive. It starts with the engine, which is smoother, quieter, and punchier than the five-cylinder it has usurped atop the line-up. You’re always aware it’s a turbo-diesel engine, with a decent background clatter on a cold startup, but there’s far less of it than in the five-cylinder. Ford has clearly made an effort to make the Ranger feel grown up. The engine registers barely a murmur under light throttle, and noise from the tyres, mirrors, and motor is hard to spot at highway speeds compared to its rivals. Despite its small displacement, the Bi-Turbo engine doesn’t feel underdone compared to the larger engines offered elsewhere in dual-cab world. Its outputs should tell you as much, as should the payload and towing figures. Critical to the engine’s impressive behaviour is the smartly-tuned 10-speed automatic, which manages to keep you in the meat of the torque band essentially all the time without feeling fussy, or like it’s lost in the huge spread of ratios on offer. More often than not it’s hard to tell which gear you’re in, but it doesn’t matter because there’s always performance when you lean on the throttle, from standstill to highway speeds. Hands-on off-roaders can manually change gears using a rocker switch on the side of the gear selector, but it’s a poor substitute for paddles or a sequential-style shift. Best to leave the transmission to its own devices. Like its dual-cab rivals, the Ranger Wildtrak can be a bit jiggly with no load in the tray. Although their equipment levels and prices extend well into family SUV territory, these utes are commercial vehicles at heart. Leaf springs designed to handle almost a tonne of load can only be so refined. With that said, the ride in the Ranger is very good for a dual-cab with nothing in the tray. Ford’s local tuning has clearly paid dividends, because it’s settled at highway speeds and doesn’t skip over small inner-city imperfections. The steering is light at city speeds, hiding the dual-cab Ranger’s heft and making it one of the easier utes to park. And if you aren’t a confident parker, there’s hands-free park assist capable of automatically steering you into a parallel spot provided you can control the pedals. Light and easy Electric power steering The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is easy to drive in the city, with light steering and a tall driving position It worked in our experience, and having chunky all-terrain tyres means the computer getting it wrong won’t result in scraped wheels. Who said dual-cab utes don’t make good city cars? With an 800mm wading depth and 237mm of ground clearance, switchable four-wheel drive with low-range, and a locking rear differential, there are the bones of a very capable off-roader in the Ranger. It comfortably dispatches fire trails, and will get you to the tricky camping spots without too much struggle. Four-wheel drive engages quickly and smoothly, and previous experience has shown Ford’s traction control is well tuned for gravel. How much does the Ford Ranger Wildtrak Bi-Turbo cost to run? Maintenance for the Ranger is required every 12 months or 15,000km – whichever comes first. In addition to its five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, Ford offers capped-price servicing for the Ranger. The first four services will cost no more than $299 while the fifth service will cost $365. CarExpert’s take on the Ford Ranger Wildtrak Bi-Turbo There’s a reason the Ford Ranger is one of the best-selling cars in Australia. It’s excellent. The Wildtrak is one of the most expensive diesel dual-cab utes on the market, but it can justify the price with a comfortable interior, excellent road manners, and a modern, refined powertrain. It’s also capable off-road, although Toyota HiLux fans will no doubt argue their unbreakable’ trucks can go further when the going gets tough. Whether you opt for the engine or the will come down to preference. There’s nothing wrong with the older five-cylinder, and some will no doubt like the fact it’s a tried-and-tested option. But if it’s refinement you want, the Bi-Turbo is hard to beat. It’s where my money would be going. As for how it stacks up against its newer rivals? The new D-Max and BT-50 are unknown quantities at this point, so it’s tough to know. Likewise the updated Toyota HiLux, which promises to ride better and pack more technology than its predecessor. What we do know is they’ll have to be pretty damn good to topple the Ranger. Doors and Seats4 doors, 5 4 Power157kW, 500NmFuelDiesel Spd AutoWarranty5 Yr, Unltd KMsAncap Safety5/5 star 2015 Revised for the second time in its model run, the Ford Ranger steps up power and safety in high-spec models for the 2019 model year. What we love Improved safety tech at top of range Balanced performance in models Settled ride and handling left intact No dilution of Ranger's best bits What we don't AEB needs to be rolled out further No rear air vents Occasional pauses from 10-speed auto Raptor power comes to the mainstream Ford Ranger line-up for the 2019 model year. Now, that would be an impressive point, if the new biturbo engine wasn’t only incrementally more powerful than the engine it sits that as it may, the updates for the 2019 Ranger aren’t limited to the introduction of a new 157kW/500Nm engine and 10-speed automatic, available as an option on XLT and Wildtrak at the workhorse XL grade from $27,990 plus on-road costs, new features include revised suspension tune and a new interior trim, while ute-body models gain an easy-lift torsion-sprung tailgate, rear camera and rear park powertrain options include, as before, a 118kW/385Nm four-cylinder turbo-diesel for 4x2 models or a 147kW/470Nm five-cylinder turbo-diesel for XL 4x4, paired to a six-speed manual or six-speed up to the 4x4/ XLS from $49,190 adds new front park sensors, plus carryover standard equipment like 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog-lights, carpet floor covering and the option of Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment package with an colour touchscreen with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, as well as dual-zone climate control, keyless entry with push-button most popular variant in the range, the XLT starting from $50,290, scores a restyled front grille, front bumper, HID headlights with LED daytime-running lights, keyless entry with push-button start, and minor interior kit encompasses 17-inch alloy wheels, tow bar, chrome exterior highlights, privacy glass, rear step bumper with chrome inserts, power-fold exterior mirrors, the Sync 3 navigation system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, electrochromic rear-view mirror, and tyre pressure 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains are available, as are auto and manual or auto the Tech Pack option box adds inter-urban AEB with pedestrian detection, park assist, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitor, adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and auto high-beam. Leather trim and black 18-inch alloy wheels are also available as stand-alone up to the 4x4 Wildtrak variants from $60,590 sees LED fog-lights, a power-locking tailgate, black partial leather trim, and heated front seats added, along with the standard inclusion of the Tech Pack, including inter-urban AEB with pedestrian detection, semi-autonomous park assist, and traffic sign buyers will be given a choice of auto and manual or the new biturbo and 10-speed auto combo. Blacked-out alloy wheels are also available as an a great deal todayInterested in this car? Provide your details and we'll connect you to a member of the Drive the interests of significance, we set out in an XLT 4x4 equipped with the biturbo engine and 10-speed automatic – a $59,390 proposition before on-road costs and the $1650 leather trim, $600 prestige paint and $1700 Tech Pack options boxes are the numbers, a Wildtrak without prestige paint starts at $63,990. Adding all available options to an XLT including $750 18-inch black alloy wheels not fitted to the car you see here makes it more expensive than a Wildtrak would be, without that car’s rear sports bar, roll-away cargo cover, power locking tailgate or powered driver’s have to be completely in love with the XLT’s chromier aesthetics to take that plunge, surely?Under the bonnet, the XLT and Wildtrak can be optioned with a high-output engine a $1200 upgrade itself with identical outputs to the Ranger Raptor 157kW at 3750rpm and 500Nm at 1750-2000rpm. That’s 10kW and 30Nm up on the standard engine despite dropping one cylinder and of extra grunt comes courtesy of a sequential turbo system designed to ensure torque comes on early without letting the engine run out of puff at higher revs without becoming the Raptor and its maximum towing capacity, the regular Ranger models, be they or Hi-Rider and 4x4, carry a rating with XL Low-Rider rated at 10-speed auto and its greater gear ratio spread, in concert with the smaller and more efficient engine which includes start-stop, also benefits fuel consumption with an official L/100km rating compared to the and its L/100km the real world, the new engine is still obviously a diesel, albeit one that generates less noise and vibration than the five-cylinder without being completely silent or smooth. Power is progressive, and there’s no detectable transition between the low- and high-RPM new engine can’t match the heady surge of acceleration available in the Volkswagen Amarok V6 with 190kW and 580Nm, but from a standing start the smaller optional engine hesitates less than the carry-over five-cylinder ever through town, the 10-speed automatic helps fill the gaps the relatively narrow torque band could otherwise create. There’s no lurching or slurring between gears, although in urban settings there are times where the transmission pauses for longer than it should before picking the right a major issue, but certainly frustrating as you squeeze the throttle but get nothing back in return for a half-second or onto the open road and rolling acceleration tends to be less inspiring than standing-start sprints. Despite the driveline changes, piling on extra speed still takes time. Again, there’s an incremental improvement compared to the old engine and six-speed auto, but the Ranger doesn’t break the mould on the dual-cab it may not be deserving of the Raptor nameplate, the new powertrain combo seems like an ideal fit to the regular Ranger. A touch smoother and quieter, a little more flexible in day-to-day driving, with improvements to fuel dual-cabs growing in popularity as part-time tools of trade and part-time family transport, the option of the new engine makes sense. Traditionalists, meanwhile, can hang onto the tried and tested engine and either a six-speed manual or auto if they’d the Ranger formula was already well-sorted, Ford hasn’t meddled too much with the rest of the package. There’s been a minor change to front suspension to keep body roll in check – but, short of driving old and new back to back, it’ll be hard to pick and is claimed to make the biggest difference when laden. Which we'll test in the future.The interior is similarly low-key in its changes. A new ebony colour scheme takes the place of the previous softer grey in XLT spec for a slightly more upmarket look, but robust plastics remain, along with a pair of TFT screens either side of the tachometer giving the Ranger one of the most comprehensive driver displays in its still a powerpoint in the rear, too, however face-level air vents haven’t made their way into the Ranger with this update. Come summer that’s sure to impact the otherwise decent rear seat modes are a fairly simple affair on 4x4 models Two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive low range switched from the centre console. No grass/gravel/snow, mud/sand, or rock setting for the four-wheel drive system like you might find in an Everest and certainly no Baja off-road racing mode like the Ranger previously introduced, Ford’s five year/unlimited warranty continues, with Ford stressing a no-exclusions policy depending on buyer type and vehicle usage. Updates to Sync 3 maps are included for up to seven years, provided servicing is kept within Ford’s dealer the safety front, all variants include stability control, trailer sway control, load adaptive control and roll over mitigation. 4x4 variants come with hill descent control while all ute-body cars include rear park sensors and a reverse more comprehensive Tech pack, optional on XLT and standard on Wildtrak, adds inter-urban AEB with vehicle and pedestrian protection, driver impairment monitor, adaptive cruise control with forward collision alert, lane keep assist and lane departure warning, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition and semi-automated self puts the Ranger in rare company with the Mercedes-Benz X-Class as the only utes with available AEB, although it’s disappointing that Ford hasn’t offered the system as at least an option on all variants to become a safety front-runner in the ute though the changes to the Ranger may not be immediately obvious at first glance, Ford’s incremental changes should keep sales of Australia’s number-two selling vehicle chugging along, keeping the threat from the new Corolla at bay, and putting it back to the more successful position it held this time last that simply can’t be answered yet – like the reliability and longevity of the new four-cylinder models and their accompanying 10-speed automatic – remain to be seen. Ford’s obviously aware of the potential impact a downsized engine might have on buyer perception, too, referring to it only as a biturbo, sidestepping the elephant in the tends to be a tough proving ground for any car, let alone hardworking 4x4 utes, so it seems dangerous to implement any change that might be a backwards step. On the surface, at least, the changes seem quieter, more advanced, blending further the lines between built-for-purpose and built-for-families, the 2019 Ford Ranger – especially in high-spec XLT trim – looks set to continue its streak as the jewel in Ford Australia’s sales crown. Ratings Breakdown2018 Ford Ranger XLT Pick-up Double 10Infotainment & ConnectivityInterior Comfort & PackagingInsurance fromEstimate detailsKez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and more about Kez Casey

ranger wildtrak 2.0 bi turbo