The popular Ford Ranger range in Malaysia gets a powerful new version in the form of the Ranger Wildtrak 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel. A V6 engine is not new to the Ranger range as the Ranger Raptor has a 3-litre EcoBoost V6 but that’s a petrol engine. The V6 in this new Ranger Wildtrak is a diesel with the highest torque you can get from a Ranger in Malaysia.
Output from the engine is 250 ps at 3,250 rpm and a massive 600 Nm of torque available at 1,750 rpm. That torque figure is the highest in the segment. Being a traditional pick-up truck, the drivetrain consists of a 10-speed automatic transmission with transfer case and robust full-time 4×4 system for maximum capability in all type of conditions.
Enhancing the capabilities of the Ranger is an electronic rear locking differential and 6 Drive modes to optimise performance over different surface conditions. The modes are NORMAL, ECO, TOW/HAUL, SLIPPERY, MUD/RUTS and SAND; with each mode, the drivetrain characteristics are adjusted to provide the best grip and stability.
With almost all modern trucks, there’s no longer a second lever to manually operate the transfer case to select High or Low range. This can be easily done with just a press of a button on a rotary knob in the centre console. Gear selection is also easy with the stubby E-Shifter. Besides the usual 4 High/4 Low and 2 High, the Ranger Wildtrak also has an extra 4A mode which intelligently varies power continuously to the front and rear wheels for optimum performance for all on-road conditions. The 4A mode is the default mode when in the NORMAL drive mode, while 2H is the default mode when in ECO mode.
The appearance of the Ranger Wildtrak V6 Turbo Diesel is similar to that of the petrol-engined Wildtrak with a 2-litre bi-turbo engine that produces 210 ps/500 Nm. The current generation of the Ranger has a distinctive visual signature with the C-shaped daytime running lights complemented by equally distinctive LED lighting units at the rear.
The body colours available are Absolute Black, Arctic White, and Meteor Grey, with Luxe Yellow being a new option. If you look closely, you’ll see a ‘Wildtrak V6’ decal on the lower part of the front doors and on the front fenders but nothing at the back identifies the most powerful Ranger. The 20-inch alloy wheels do, however, have a new design and are fitted with 255/55 tyres.
Having offered pick-up trucks for many decades (since 1917), Ford has gained a deep insight the needs of truck owners as it has millions of owners to get feedback from. As a result, it has put many features in its trucks which make things more convenient or enhance functionality.
One example in the Ranger is the Easy-Lift Tailgate which makes closing the tailgate a lot easier. In many trucks, the heavy tailgate can be hard to lift up and lock in place. Ford may well have been the first automaker to come up with the simple solution of using a torsion spring that assists when raising the tailgate – reducing effort by between 60% and 70%.
Another example – a 3-pin power socket at the side of the cargo bed. This will provides electricity supply to charge or power devices or small equipment. There’s also another 3-pin socket in the cabin, along with a 12V socket and USB ports, as well as a wireless charging pads for phones that have the capability.
The Ranger’s cabin has evolved over the past 30 years, the original one having led the trend towards more passenger car-oriented interiors. In fact, the Ranger can be credited with having changed the truck from a utilitarian workhorse role (in markets like Malaysia) to being an alternative to the car. With trucks already having been used for all purposes (especially as recreational vehicles) in America, Ford had lots of experience in offering lifestyle vehicles which it used to develop the Asian Ranger.
The experience benefits Ranger owners who get a cabin which is comfortable and spacious as well as functional for those who go on more adventurous journeys. The materials for the seats and trim are durable and there are lots of storage areas around the cabin – including a hidden compartment under the rear seats.
Besides functionality for adventure travel, the Ranger’s cabin also has modern features for the daily motoring around town. There’s a 12-inch display panel which is in vertical orientation, allowing more information, apps and controls to be shown on the screen. The infotainment system can interface with a smartphone using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, expanding the functionality as you can mirror many of your favourite apps on the big screen.
Ford’s voice command system is called SYNC which was originally developed with Microsoft in 2007. Over the past 28 years, the system has been improved as the technology advanced to make it more intelligent and responsive. Four generations of SYNC have been introduced with the one in the Ranger Wildtrak V6 Turbo Diesel engine being the latest 4A version.
SYNC 4A is an intelligent cloud-connected infotainment system with advanced connectivity and entertainment features. Voice-recognition is more conversational so it is easier to give instructions. It also has Adaptive Dash Cards for quick access to frequently used functions and like many modern connected vehicles, system updates come ‘over the air’ and get installed, so no need to go to the service centre.
The other thing that the Ranger can be credited for is raising safety standards for pick-up trucks. Up till the mid-1990s, manufacturers didn’t give much attention to safety provisions for trucks. After all, they were workhorses and generally sold at low prices and besides, they didn’t go very fast (at that time). Ford, however, saw things differently – a truck driver is also a human and like the driver of a passenger car, he is entitled to proper protection.
With that way of thinking, Ford made sure that the Ranger that it built in the new factory in Thailand had many safety features like a car, including an airbag for the driver. Airbag system were just appearing in cars in the 1990s and Ford already offered it in a truck. Thai customers appreciated this thoughtfulness as they felt Ford showed more respect for the lives of even truck drivers.
Since the first generation (the current one is the fourth), the Ranger has led in safety, often being a pioneer in introducing active systems. The number of airbags increased and like with a passenger car, there were even curtain airbags which deployed over the windows.
The Ranger today has some of the most advanced driver-assistance technologies in its class. Key features include the Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Post-Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping, Blind Spot Monitoring and even Evasive Steering Assist. SYNC 4A also helps safety as it promotes Ford’s philosophy of ‘hands on the wheel, eyes on the road’.
“Whether navigating urban streets or venturing off the beaten path, the latest model is designed to actively safeguard everyone on board while keeping the spirit of adventure alive. The all-new Ford Ranger WildTrak 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel is more than just a pick-up truck – it’s a lifestyle-enabler and presides at the top of its class. With its bold design, V6 performance and comprehensive smart features, it is unparallelled for those who want more from their everyday drive. With every drive, the thrill it delivers may just spark a rush of dopamine, making you want to get behind the wheel again and again,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director of Auto ConneXion-Ford.
“This latest Ford Ranger model reaffirms our commitment to delivering a trusted selection of choices that aligns with diverse customer preferences. We have every confidence that it will spark immense excitement, what more given its adaptability to work, family life or recreational travel,” said Sami Malkawi, Executive Director, Ford Asia Pacific Distributor Markets, Korea & Global Direct Fleet.
The Ranger WildTrak 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel is priced from RM192,888 (on-the-road without insurance) in Peninsular Malaysia and RM198,688 in Sabah and Sarawak. For a limited time, early purchasers will enjoy a complimentary 2-year Extended Service Package and receive a limited-edition cooler bag (together with vehicle delivery). Customers who book using Ford Online will also receive an exclusive Ford camping chair.
Click here for more information on the new Ranger Wildtrak 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel and other Ford models in Malaysia.
