Ford Ranger Wildtrak unveiled

Geneva International Motor Show

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak ute has broken cover at the Geneva International Motor Show, presenting a bold new look while at the same time upping the ante in both the technology and safety stakes in the segment.

Featuring an all-new electronic stability program, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak is expected to be one of the safest vehicles in its class.

Despite having a claimed 3350kg towing capacity, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak is being positioned as a lifestyle vehicle, and will be fitted with the kind of features normally reserved for European prestige cars, such as touch-screen satellite navigation, leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity and voice control over the audio, climate control and telephone systems.

Other interior features of the up-spec Wildtrak include a 'hydrographic' finish on the centre console, seating for five, Bluetooth audio streaming, USB and iPod connectivity, plus numerous storage spaces for everything from mobile phones and laptops to drinks and wallets.

First seen at the Australian International Motor Show (Sydney) in October 2010, the Australian-developed Ford Ranger ute is scheduled to arrive locally in late 2011. The Wildtrak version will be the hero model of the range, fitted with an head-turning bodykit.

The front fascia has been given a sporty new style, while the side mirrors, door handles and side air vents are colour-coded to create a premium look. The high-riding Ford Ranger Wildtrak sits on large 18-inch alloy wheels and is fitted with a roof rack and integrated sports hoop over the rear of the cabin.

"Wildtrak's aggressive look and bold new graphics are a perfect fit for those who appreciate a sporty and more expressive image," said Ranger's chief designer, Craig Metros. "It will look fantastic transporting the latest quad bike or jet ski for their weekend getaways".

Motive force for the new Wildtrak is likely to be taken care of via one engine choice, the range-topping 3.1-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which is good for 147kW/470Nm. Other engines in the range include the entry-level 110kW/375Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine and a sole petrol variant, a 2.5-litre 'Duratec' unit that is likely to find favour with fans of LPG conversions.

Ford will offer both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions with the new models, though the Australian-spec Wildtrak can be expected to be auto-only.

The all-new Ranger also packs a number of driving aids, including Adaptive Automatic Mode, which the company says "adapts gear shifts according to driving style". This is coupled with Grade Control Logic, "which automatically downshifts when driving downhill and the brake pedal is depressed."

The new generation Ford Ranger ute is set to arrive locally at the end of 2011 and will be sold in some 180 countries world wide. It will be manufactured at three different plants: Thailand, South Africa and Argentina.

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