Ford Ranger Wildtrak
Discussion
Had this a couple of weeks now and I'm very pleased. It was between this and the VW Amarok but the lack of rear airbags and smaller rear cabin space in the WV swayed me toward the Ford.
The tech is very good with radar cruise control and lane assist used every day on the way to and from work. The radar cruise will brake the car right down to 20km/h then accelerate away again as the car in front moves off. It accelerates surprisingly hard by itself, harder than I would if doing it myself! Not sure how much use it would get in the UK, but here were the main roads are mostly 80km/h dual carriageways and traffic, even in peak hour, is fairly light by comparison it's great.
So far I've done 400km with 14 of those being along soft sandy tracks in the bush on the way to the location seen here.
Things that I find a little bit annoying with the vehicle are:
1) The window switches are a bit too far back on the door armrest. They should be 15cm further forward to avoid having to do a T-Rex impression to operate the windows.
2) Whilst you can use voice commands to tune the radio to an FM or AM frequency, you cant select a DAB preset or tune DAB by voice!
3) The central arm rest between the front seats is a bit too far back, could do with a sliding top section to move it forward on long trips.
The tech is very good with radar cruise control and lane assist used every day on the way to and from work. The radar cruise will brake the car right down to 20km/h then accelerate away again as the car in front moves off. It accelerates surprisingly hard by itself, harder than I would if doing it myself! Not sure how much use it would get in the UK, but here were the main roads are mostly 80km/h dual carriageways and traffic, even in peak hour, is fairly light by comparison it's great.
So far I've done 400km with 14 of those being along soft sandy tracks in the bush on the way to the location seen here.
Things that I find a little bit annoying with the vehicle are:
1) The window switches are a bit too far back on the door armrest. They should be 15cm further forward to avoid having to do a T-Rex impression to operate the windows.
2) Whilst you can use voice commands to tune the radio to an FM or AM frequency, you cant select a DAB preset or tune DAB by voice!
3) The central arm rest between the front seats is a bit too far back, could do with a sliding top section to move it forward on long trips.
Coincidence. I've just picked mine up here in North Wales. 600 miles in. Business tool for me as I run a construction company.
I checked all of the reviews of the competition and the Ford won it for me. The 3.2 5 cylinder engine actually sounds good and it feels like it could pull a house down.
The auto box is slick enough and in kick down from 50-80 it does shift its fat butt. I'm already looking at a remap up to 240bhp which apparently smooths out the gearchanges and lets it hold on a little longer before shifting.
My two boys (7 & 6) love daddy's truck. I went for the sea grey which actually has a bluey/greeny cast to it.
Enjoy.
I checked all of the reviews of the competition and the Ford won it for me. The 3.2 5 cylinder engine actually sounds good and it feels like it could pull a house down.
The auto box is slick enough and in kick down from 50-80 it does shift its fat butt. I'm already looking at a remap up to 240bhp which apparently smooths out the gearchanges and lets it hold on a little longer before shifting.
My two boys (7 & 6) love daddy's truck. I went for the sea grey which actually has a bluey/greeny cast to it.
Enjoy.
Edited by Trophy Husband on Tuesday 3rd July 15:54
Be careful with remaps - I've heard of several people that have had engine failures after getting one. People here tend to get it done when they tow a lot (caravans, boats etc.) and that could mean regularly doing a 10hr drive for a long weekend away with a 3t caravan.
I dont know what the remap would be like if you're not towing with it, but it seems that pushing the vehicle hard for long distances after one isn't a great idea.
I know what you mean about the kids reaction - Our 3yr old loves "the big orange car"
I dont know what the remap would be like if you're not towing with it, but it seems that pushing the vehicle hard for long distances after one isn't a great idea.
I know what you mean about the kids reaction - Our 3yr old loves "the big orange car"
200bhp said:
Be careful with remaps - I've heard of several people that have had engine failures after getting one. People here tend to get it done when they tow a lot (caravans, boats etc.) and that could mean regularly doing a 10hr drive for a long weekend away with a 3t caravan.
I dont know what the remap would be like if you're not towing with it, but it seems that pushing the vehicle hard for long distances after one isn't a great idea.
I know what you mean about the kids reaction - Our 3yr old loves "the big orange car"
Mine will never tow anything other than my personal go to the tip trailer. I dont know what the remap would be like if you're not towing with it, but it seems that pushing the vehicle hard for long distances after one isn't a great idea.
I know what you mean about the kids reaction - Our 3yr old loves "the big orange car"
Thanks re remap. I may go for a lighter one but from what I have read they seem pretty good at taking them.
I've driven all varieties of this type of vehicle, Hilux, L200, Navara etc and this is by far the most civilised on the road.
Great choice of truck and colour - my favourite.
Its my "left field" choice for what to buy when I get to SA later next year.
Any chance of some interior pics please.
There was an issue when these came out with respect to the gear boxes. I assume that this issue has been resolved as it was particular to the 3.2l versions (this was in SA - South Africa)
Its my "left field" choice for what to buy when I get to SA later next year.
Any chance of some interior pics please.
There was an issue when these came out with respect to the gear boxes. I assume that this issue has been resolved as it was particular to the 3.2l versions (this was in SA - South Africa)
My neighbour opposite has just bought one of these for work as well, in the same colour, for his building firm, and for towing his caravan. And then our neighbour up the road bought one a few weeks earlier in silver, and has sadly already got a dent on the tailgate and rear wing.
Good though, I seem to rather like the look of them, much more than the older models
Good though, I seem to rather like the look of them, much more than the older models
yorky500 said:
Great choice of truck and colour - my favourite.
Its my "left field" choice for what to buy when I get to SA later next year.
Any chance of some interior pics please.
There was an issue when these came out with respect to the gear boxes. I assume that this issue has been resolved as it was particular to the 3.2l versions (this was in SA - South Africa)
A couple of quick snaps taken today when I remembered your request.Its my "left field" choice for what to buy when I get to SA later next year.
Any chance of some interior pics please.
There was an issue when these came out with respect to the gear boxes. I assume that this issue has been resolved as it was particular to the 3.2l versions (this was in SA - South Africa)
200bhp said:
A couple of quick snaps taken today when I remembered your request.
Thanks and its what I remember as I did briefly sit in one when I was having a "nosey" around car dealerships a few months back. Defo a very, very nice place to sit in. Lots of toys to play with.I understand that the seat trim/colour is the only colour the Wildtrak comes in? It just suits the burnt orange exterior better than any other colour.
In my view, its a far better looking truck than the Toyota offerings.
Edited by yorky500 on Thursday 5th July 07:23
Yes, the orange interior trim is all that’s available on the Wildtrack. Those wanting something different have to go for the XLT which has either fabric or leather.
The current Hilux is just a mess IMHO and viewed side-on has a massive front overhang. The interior isn’t much better either.
The current Hilux is just a mess IMHO and viewed side-on has a massive front overhang. The interior isn’t much better either.
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