Off-road spec at the fore for latest additions to Ranger line-up

FORD HAS UNVEILED ANOTHER TWO VERSIONS OF THE NEW RANGER – with off-roading at the heart of their specification. The Wildtrak X and Tremor models, which feature long-travel Bilstein suspension, are available to order now with initial deliveries expected in August.

The Wildtrak X is based on the Wildtrak, obviously enough, putting it towards the top of the Ranger price list as a premium model for lifestyle customers. However the Tremor is based on the more modestly specced XLT – making it potentially the ideal model for people who want to make the most of its ability.

In each case, longer-travel springs give the vehicles a 26mm increase in suspension ride height. This is compensated for by a 30mm wider track to maintain stability on and off-road. Damping is by heavy-duty position-sensitive Bilstein units which Ford says will enhance offroad ability without compromising on-road performance.

On top of this, the trucks are equipped with an uprated heavy-duty power steering system – which is protected by a heavy-duty steel bash plate.

As well as boasting enhanced hardware, the Rangers are also specced with additional high-tech features designed to enhance their performance off-road. Trail Turn Assist uses brake-based torque vectoring to reduce turning radius by up to 25% in tight corners, while Trail Control maintains a selected crawl speed of up to 20mph by automatically managing acceleration and braking. Both these features have previously appeared elsewhere in the off-road market, but Ford is bringing them to the pick-up sector for the first time with these versions of the Ranger.

Further spec on the XLT-based Ranger Tremor includes extended wheelarch mouldings, cast aluminium side steps, exposed twin front tow hooks and a tubular sports bar. Inside, the seats and floor feature water-resistant vinyl trim for easy cleaning, while an optional prewired switch pack in an overhead console has six inputs for equipment like winches and LED bars.

The Wildtrak X also has extended wheelarches to cover its wider track. Extensive use of black exterior styling adds to the purpose inherent in its higher, wider stance, and optional matrix LED headlamps are available alongside auxiliary lamps mounted in the grille. In the cabin, the seats are trimmed in Miko and Terra suede with contrast stitching and embroidered badges, and the infotainment system comes with FordPass 6 connectivity and Ford Pro owner services.

Both these versions of the Ranger are equipped with 2.0-litre diesel engines. In the Tremor, this develops 170bhp and 299lbf.ft; being based on the XLT, it ought to have a sixspeed manual gearbox, however Ford’s photos show it with an auto shifter so this would appear to be available whether as a standard or optional feature. In the Wildtrak X, anyway, the box is definitely a 10-speed auto and the figures increase to 205bhp and 369lbf.ft.

Prices for the new models are yet to be announced, however the XLT starts at £27,350 plus VAT and the Wildtrak at £35,875. If you like the sound of the Raptor (and you should) but need a more cost-conscious Ranger, not to mention one that qualifies as a commercial vehicle, this added focus on the vehicle’s off-road capability will be very welcome.

LAND ROVER’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY IS BEING MARKED IN ALL SORTS OF WAYS. Some of them involve people spending astronomical sums of money on ‘celebration’ vehicles – while others, like the ninth Gaydon Land Rover Show, simply involve people getting together to enjoy Landies the way they do every other year. Only this time, the landmark anniversary makes it that much more special.

This year, the show takes place on 7-8 May at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire. It promises to showcase hundreds of Land Rovers from throughout the company’s history, including Defenders, Series I, II, IIA and IIIs, Discoverys and Range Rovers. Starring among these will be HUE 166, the priceless number one pre-production Land-Rover.

As it has in previous years, JLR’s own Land Rover Experience will be at the show, demonstrating the technology and capabilities of current Land Rover and Range Rover models over a series of man-made obstacles. Visitors will be able to experience this from on board the vehicles as they’re piloted round the course by LRE’s professional instructors.

The hub of the show will be the Arena, where Dave Barker and his team of experts will provide live commentary as well as inviting owners, restorers, club members and enthusiasts to share their stories. Then on the Monday, there will be a special tribute to the 1948 Motor Shows at which the Land Rover (as well as the Morris Minor and Jaguar XK120) were introduced to the world.

The show organisers promise that this will be a great event for all the family – so much so that also on Monday, there’ll be a ‘Mini Me’ kids trial with small-scale vintage and modern Land Rovers touring around the show arena. Children are invited to display their own ‘Mini Me’ Land Rovers, with all miniatures welcome. The Bank Holiday Monday will also feature live music from vintage singing trios My Favourite Things and The Barn-Ettes.

On top of all this, the show will feature a trade area for those seeking merchandise and spare parts. Camping will be available on the Sunday evening, too, with pitches available for tents, caravans and motorhomes alike, as a price of £25 when booked in advance.

Talking of advance prices, these are £14.50 per adult; £9 per child (5-16 years); £12.50 per concession; and £40 for a family. To find out more, visit www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk and look under the What’s On tab.