The new generation Ford Ranger is finally here and is bristling with plenty of new tech and a number of new or revised engine options.
I spotted a Wildtrack on my way through Goomalling, Western Australia last week and called in for a quick look.
Matt from RB Motors didn't waste any time generously offering a quick drive of the Wildtrack before he had to do his school pickup run. I was keen, having read so much about the new V6 and the supposed levels of integrated tech. And I wasn't disappointed.
This Wildtrack elevates tech integration levels significantly. The large, central touch screen is bigger than my laptop and seamlessly incorporates entertainment and cabin control functionality.
XLT (V6), Sport and Wildtrack versions of this next-gen Ranger feature an e-shifter as opposed to a standard drive mode auto selector which I am used to, having one in our family car, but it does take some time to get familiar with, often requiring a glance at the screen to make sure the correct drive mode is selected.
It's worth noting that there are no manual options of this new generation Ranger. Kondinin Group's research team surmises this is probably due to declining sales and the clutch requirements that come with over 500Nm of torque.
As we turned off onto the Wongan Hills road through to the 110km/h zone, I deployed my well-practised right boot to feel a steady stream of torque willingly accelerate us to the mark. The 184kW, 600Nm V6 is an impressive engine.
As a V6 580 Amarok driver, the delivery from the Wildtrack didn't feel as punchy as my Amarok, but perhaps that's because the 10-speed auto is as smooth as silk with gear changes almost undetectable. And with under 1000km on the clock, this Wildtrack is probably as tight as a drum.
All V6 variants are full-time 4WD and have an electronic park brake.
The ride in the Wildtrack was car-like. We didn't do any serious cornering or gravel-road driving to draw more serious conclusions on handling, instead, we will leave that to a future Kondinin Group Research Report.
So would I trade the VW in on one? Maybe, but with delivery times already out to the first quarter of 2023, I will probably wait to see how this new Ranger plays out from a reliability perspective.
Buying the Series II after some of the bugs have been ironed out could be a better option, but based on current economics that will probably come with inevitable price hikes.
A quick shoutout to Matt and the RB Motors team for the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the new Ranger. Something I would highly recommend regardless of any brand bias you might have. Yes, HiLux owners, I am talking to you.
