Wildtrak heads revised Ranger range

Ford has launched its revised PK Ranger line-up of light commercials with added emphasis on top-selling high-spec models. And heading the range is the Wildtrak, a tricked-up crewcab version with showcar looks.

The PK range, and the Wildtrak especially, take their styling cues from the Ranger MAX show truck displayed in November last year at the Bangkok motor show.

Further differentiating the Ford from the Mazda BT50 with which it shares the production line, the PK range gets substantial changes front and rear including new bonnet, grille, head and tail lights, front guards, mirrors, bumpers and, on most models, a new tailgate skin and rear over-flares. The effect is a tougher looking vehicle with added on-road presence.

Though a wider range of base XL variants is now available, Ford has also taken the opportunity to add more high series XLT models -- as well as adjusting equipment across the range. High series Rangers now account for almost 30 per cent of Ford's local sales of the light commercial market. Interestingly, however, the new XL models are in response to specifications required by some of Ford's larger fleet customers.

The PK is unchanged mechanically from the PJ model it replaces, however, seven models -- all crew cabs -- join the all-turbodiesel Ranger line-up. In the 4x2 range, Ford has added 2.5-litre auto Pick-up and 3.0-litre auto Cab Chassis XLs and a 3.0-litre XLT Pick-up in the choice of manual or auto. Three new 4x4s join the range -- a manual XL 3.0-litre Crew Cab Cab Chassis, and manual and auto variants of the 3.0-litre Wildtrak range-topper.

A full rundown of the revised Ranger line-up is listed below.

New on the XLT range are standard side airbags and cruise control (the latter is optional on the XL models). There's a new choice of interior seat trims and an auxiliary input for the auto system.

All XLTs roll on new 16-inch alloy wheels. Antilock brakes are standard on XLT and Wildtrak, but remain optional on all XL models.

The Wildtrak builds on the XLT's standard equipment list. It adds more to the offer visually with the first fitment of factory 18-inch alloys in the segment, a sports bar, box and roof rails and a roller-shutter tray cover. The ute bed is fitted with a liner as standard and there's also a 12-volt power socket in the tray.

New mirrors feature side indicator repeaters and inside an alcantara/leather interior package is standard. The Wildtrak also gets auxiliary gauges, leather steering wheel and the requisite number of Wildtrak decals.

All models – even Wildtrak -- retain the finger-unfriendly umbrella-style under dash park brake release. Ouch!

Via our quick launch drive of new XLT and Wildtrak variants we can vouch for the tougher on-road presence of the new Rangers. As the last facelift before the Ford Australia-engineered T6 hits the road worldwide to replace the Ranger and BT50 (more here), it also gives us a hint of what's in the wings.

The beefier wheel and tyre package of the Wildtrak also lends the Ranger better steering feel and boost in grip over the XLT -- on dry bitumen at least.

The trade-off is a slightly choppier ride on the 18s. Following a Wildtrak or XLT in the latest SY MkII Territory, you could watch the one-tonner skip sideways over bumps that barely managed to make it through to the SUV's cabin. As the whole LCV segment doesn't set any real benchmarks in this department, we're guessing this fact will not significantly perturb most one-tonne shoppers.

There's no change to the access to the rear seats in the Ranger in this model. It's still a tight entry and exit and in the writer's opinion the rear seat accommodation remains inferior to the current class leader, Mitsubishi's Triton.

The launch route didn't include any conditions that required all-wheel drive, but as the PK is essentially mechanically unchanged from the previous model, we've got no reason to believe these attributes have been downgraded.

Check out our launch coverage of the outgoing Ranger here.

Ford PK Ranger Price List (new models noted)
4x2
Model - Cabstyle/Bodystyle - Engine - Transmission - Price
XL Single Cab Chassis 2.5L TDCi 5-spd man $24,490
XL Single Cab Chassis 3.0L TDCi 5-spd man $27,490
XL Single Pick-up 2.5L TDCi 5-spd man $25,490
XL Super Cab Chassis 3.0L TDCi 5-spd man $29,990
XL Super Pick-up 3.0L TDCi 5-spd man $30,990
XL Crew Pick-up 2.5L TDCi 5-spd auto $32,990 NEW MODEL
XL Crew Cab Chassis 3.0L TDCi 5-spd auto $33,990 NEW MODEL
XL Crew Pick-up 3.0L TDCi 5-spd man $32,990
XL Crew Pick-up 3.0L TDCi 5-spd auto $34,990
XLT Crew Pick-up 3.0L TDCi 5-spd man $40,590 NEW MODEL
XLT Crew Pick-up 3.0L TDCi 5-spd auto $42,590 NEW MODEL

4x4
Model - Cabstyle/Bodystyle - Engine - Transmission - Price
XL Single Cab Chassis 3.0L TDCi 5-spd man $31,990
XL Single Cab Chassis 3.0L TDCi 5-spd auto $33,990
XL Super Cab Chassis 3.0L TDCi 5-spd man $35,990
XL Super Pick-up 3.0L TDCi 5-spd man $36,990
XL Crew Cab Chassis 3.0L TDCi 5-spd man $37,990
XL Crew Pick-up 3.0L TDCi 5-spd man $38,990
XL Crew Pick-up 3.0L TDCi 5-spd auto $40,990
XLT Super Pick-up 3.0L TDCi 5-spd man $43,990
XLT Super Pick-up 3.0L TDCi 5-spd auto $45,990
XL Crew Cab Chassis 3.0L TDCi 5-spd auto $39,990 NEW MODEL
XLT Crew Pick-up 3.0L TDCi 5-spd man $45,990
XLT Crew Pick-up 3.0L TDCi 5-spd auto $47,990
Wildtrak Crew Pick-up 3.0L TDCi 5-spd man $48,990 NEW MODEL
Wildtrak Crew Pick-up 3.0L TDCi 5-spd auto $50,990 NEW MODEL

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