Jul 10, 2024 Warwick Robinson Ford SA, Ranger Wildtrak, Supercab
The Ford Wildtrak SuperCab has long been a favourite among local bakkie enthusiasts. With the 2024 model, Ford aims to solidify its position at the top of the market. There is no doubt that Ford have nailed styling of the whole “new Ranger” complement of models. The latest Supercab update really stands out ,with its bold and aggressive styling, the noticeably oversized cabin and Wildtrak signature design features like the sports hoop behind the cabin, which I feel really accentuate the lines of the overall design.
The front features a striking mesh grille finished in Boulder Grey, complemented by matching mirror caps, door handles, and the aforementioned “sports hoop”. Our test unit came with 18-inch alloy wheels, but 20-inch options are available for those looking to make a stronger statement. LED fog lamps, roof rails, and aluminium tie-down rails are all standard, adding to the vehicle's robust and practical design.
The side steps on the rear bumper provide easy access to the load bin, this is a really useful feature showcasing Ford's attention to detail in meeting the envisaged user group’s needs. I do feel that while the step integrated into the bumper is handy – I cant help feeling it would be better positioned in front of the rear wheel well. I tied two dirtbikes down in the loadbay and needed to climb up on the wheel to adjust the straps. I did however appreciate the load bay lighting and power sockets, which are both welcome additions.
This brings me to the question that kept lingering in my mind: Why buy the Supercab and not the Doublecab? Firstly, why not have extra seats for passengers or staff? According to my measurements on a double cab model parked at our offices – the load bay is less than 20cm longer that a double cab version (with solid roller cover) at 1770mm vs 1600mm. The anticipated attraction for me personally was to be able to strap two dirtbikes in the back and close the tailgate. Alas, this was not possible, and while the wheels rested on the load bay itself, the tailgate was then left to bounce over bumps, as there was no load on it to keep it flat. Perhaps a locking pin to keep it in place would be an additional feature to add. Admittedly, these are really not big issues when you consider that the Supercab offers tax benefits too. There are approximately 100 000 fairly good reasons to overlook these tiny faults, specifically if the vehicle is bought in your company name and the VAT claimed back.
Stepping inside, the SuperCab surprises with its blend of ruggedness and luxury. The interior boasts retro styling with modern touches, highlighted by a large vertical infotainment screen. Partial (mainly) leather seats, soft-touch materials, and premium floor mats create a cabin that feels more like a high-end SUV than a typical bakkie. Drive modes for 4x2, 4x4 and low range are conveniently placed behind the gearshift, as are the traction control and PDC switches. There is an open space for an extra switch here – plus an array of Auxillary switches on the centre console above the rear view mirror, presumably for upgrades to lights and other systems. It was therefore a bit of a surprise to find that something as important as the diff lock switch was only accessible via the infotainment screen.
I am a bit ashamed to admit that I actually pulled into a Ford dealership to find out how to disengage diff-lock, but felt slightly better after a Ford technician took a few minutes to figure it out too! The 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system is pretty user-friendly, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the sound system impresses with its clarity and range.
While the SuperCab configuration means seating is limited to two, the space behind the seats offers ample room for luggage, accessible through small rear doors. These “suicide” rear doors are a very handy feature, offering great access to this extra space. There are two covered cargo spaces, but my suggestion would be to have a rubberised mat covering this rear bench. Perhaps even with some cargo hooks for strapping items in with bungy cords - as without it things go sliding around in the back as soon as you round a corner.
Ford has excelled in making the Wildtrak SuperCab a comfortable ride. The cabin is well-insulated, keeping road noise low, even though this tester felt this was definitely more noisy than the Double cab and certainly the Everest version of this vehicle. The suspension delivers a smooth and supple drive and really feels even more comfortable once there is a load on the back. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering enhance the driving experience, providing smooth and subtle assistance. Park assist and other driver assistance features are packed into this particular model.
Under the hood, the Wildtrak SuperCab features a 2.0-litre BiTurbo 4-cylinder diesel engine, producing 154 kW and 500 Nm of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Despite (my well documented) initial concerns about power in these 2.0l engines, the latest configuration proves more than capable, offering quick throttle response and efficient high-speed cruising. During testing, my fuel consumption averaged 10.6-13.2 L/100 km under heavy acceleration, and even with seriously conservative driving on a highway I could not get closer to the claimed 7.5 L/100 km.
The Ranger in this configuration excels as a professional workhorse, making it an attractive option for business use. The ability to claim the SuperCab as a business expense, along with a aforementioned R100,000 tax rebate, adds significant value. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals needing a reliable and versatile vehicle for work purposes, but it could comfortably pull up to a hotel entrance looking like guests – not tradesmen.
Safety is a priority in the new-gen Rangers, equipped with a suite of advanced features. These include Evasive Steer Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, Road Edge Detection, Blind Spot Monitor with Trailer Coverage, Cross Traffic Alert, and Pre-Collision Assist. These systems work seamlessly, enhancing safety without being intrusive. In the event of a collision, front, side, and curtain airbags provide ample protection, and Post-Collision Braking helps mitigate secondary impacts. At the time of our test, the Ford Wildtrak SuperCab 4x4 is priced at R813,000. This includes a 4-year/120,000 km warranty, with optional service and maintenance plans available for up to 8 years and 165,000 km.
In SA’s hotly contested bakkie market, the Wildtrak SuperCab's main competitors are the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 Xtra cab 4x4 Legend auto, and the Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Extended cab LSE 4x4. The Toyota, slightly cheaper at R25,800 less, provides similar power but fewer features and a shorter warranty. R54,200 cheaper is the Isuzu, offering a 5-year/90,000 km service plan and a 5-year/120,000 km warranty, but lacks the power and torque of the Wildtrak and we have not had the opportunity to review its features in a fair comparison.
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