NZ’s favourite ute gets an upgrade
There’s a new Ford Ranger in town: Richard Bosselman drives it.
There’s a new Ford Ranger in town: New Zealand’s bestselling vehicle has received a major upgrade.
Make me an instant expert: what do I need to know?
Ranger’s second upgrade delivers suspension changes and general refinements – an easier-lift tailgate, rear parking sensors (except on cabchassis), push-button start, slight restylings inside (black trim bumping grey) and out (wheels, grille) – to all models.
Wildtrak now offers the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel and 10-speed automatic that debuted in Ranger Raptor as an alternate to the incumbent 3.2-litre five cylinder with a six-speed auto. It also gets selfparking, automated emergency braking and auto stop-start (with the bi-turbo).
Ford also continues the entry 2.2 turbo diesel, all six-cog auto because no one bought the manual.
Where did you drive it?
On highways and country roads, plus at an off-road park, in Victoria, Australia.
The Melbourne 4x4 Training and Proving Ground is a Ford Australia haunt.
What’s the pick of the range?
The biggest styling changes affect the XLT. It gets high-intensity discharge headlights, LED daytime running lights, a new grille, keyless entry and push-button start, optional 18-inch rims, plus some decorative cabin finishes, though Ford NZ is avoiding an Aussie market initiative to offer the bi-turbo as an alternate to the five-pot. That might change.
Meantime, if you want full tech, comfort and engine choice, it’s Wildtrak or walk. Cynical or canny? Either way, the Trak is by no means a poor selection. Insofar as equipment goes, it beats everything, including the $15k-dearer Raptor (in that the desert truck lacks AEB).
Over and above XLT come LED fogs, power-lock tailgate and partialleather heated front seats, traffic sign recognition, Active Park Assist and AEB. These might seem fripperies to traditionalists, yet with utes gaining ground for urban use and family acceptance, it could prove hugely prescient to now have, in a vehicle of this size and substance, systems that reduce inner-city parking pain and have proven ability to avoid accidents involving pedestrians.
Which Wildtrak drivetrain represents best value and, come to think of it, why have two engines anyway?
The bi-turbo is clearly the long-term game and it stacks up well, outnumbering on power, torque and economy, matching the 3.2 in being able to tow 3.5 tonnes and providing a slightly better payload. This drivetrain is also a step-up in suaveness and sophistication. All this for just a $1000 premium over the 3.2-litre (which also now places