There are just so many fantastic Ford Ranger models on offer. The facelift gives the Ranger a smoother and more athletic appearance. Yes, you can choose the 4×2 and 4×4 models – all of which can produce single cab and double cab versions, and a range of Ford Ranger high-side and low-side versions and trim levels. You can even opt for the bullet-proof 2.5 litre diesel motors or the equally robust and very powerful 3.0 litre diesel engine too, but sitting at the top of the tree is the comfortable and very well equipped Ford Ranger Wildtrak.

I can see the sense in owning a small 4×4 truck that is sedan-like in handling, boasts premium luxury, has a cavernous boot out the rear and has an engine that can pull a dozer down the highway. This is Ford’s version of a “jackaroo’s limousine”. Park this up your urban driveway, and the Ford Ranger Wildtrak has hot looks and a presence that draws the eye of the staunchest white-collar worker. This is the sort of vehicle that your teenage son would love to have you drive them to school in, not to mention your pretty daughter who wants to show the guys that her dad is “nuttin to be messed with”.

It all starts at the curbside. The solid and strong presence of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak is intimidating and powerful; add to that the sporting overtones found in the Wildtrak version with its large wheels boasting 18-inch twin-leaf spoked alloys, flared wheel arches, front fog lamps, chrome finished tie down rails, stainless steel scuff plate hit protector rails at the sides, chrome roof rails, a high-sided tray deck, side steps, a chrome grille, chrome door handles, a chrome tailgate handle and big black wing mirrors. The headlight design is fresh and stylish, while the silvery taillights look real cool – not forgetting the side mirrors with turn indicators and puddle lamps!

Inside you are lavishly caressed in front bucket seats that have Alcantara leather. And the Alcantara leather spills over into the rear seating too. The classy leather steering wheel has an airbag module with a silver insert. The carpeted floors have the Ranger logo, and you’ll notice that there is no skimping on the sounds either. Powerful audio output creates an incredible surround-sound through a six-disc in-dash slot CD player that comes with MP3 compatibility. And, yes, you can still keep up with the latest in news with the strong AM/FM signal radio.

The style is awesome. Even for driving a night on the town the Ford Ranger Wildtrak is a sensation. Take it to the outback where you can really test how 4×4 a vehicle is, and you will be most impressed with the Ford Ranger Wildtrak’s off-roading ability. Ground clearance is phenomenal, and with the added bonus of a Limited Slip Differential the 4×4 capability is outstanding. Crossing creeks and river-beds, sideling round washouts and screaming up sand dunes is all in a day’s work for this 4×4 baby!

Out on the tarmac again, and the road-holding is very sporty and grippy. The lack of body roll is excellent, and confident high speed driving is effortless with a secure and solid steering feel, and pin-point directional accuracy. Need to pull the boat or caravan to the bach? No problems. With Ford’s 3000 kg (manual) and 2500 kg (auto) towing capacity on the Ranger Wildtrak pulling the bach might even be an option! The power comes from a high tech turbo-diesel 3.0 litre engine that pumps out an incredible 380Nm from as low as 1800 rpm. A class leader in power, the full 115kW is accessed from a very usable 3200 rpm. Low-down and mid-range grunt is exemplary.

For a safe, sexy, powerful ute (come small truck) the brand new Ford Ranger Wildtrak rides like a luxury sport sedan and mud-slugs like a tractor. Forget the alternatives, this is one of the best.

The current model series includes the:

• Ford Ranger Wildtrak

For any more information on the Ford Ranger, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!) we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Ford dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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