Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo Wildtrak: The Complete Weekend Bakkie

The Ranger Wildtrak 4x4 sits in the sweet spot of Ford''s lineup — equipped enough to feel premium, priced sensibly at R699,900 and capable enough for genuine adventures. We spent a representative South African weekend in it. Friday morning rush hour on Sandton''s William Nicol Drive is where the Ranger''s 12-inch portrait touchscreen proves its worth. Wireless Apple CarPlay connects without touching the phone; the reversing camera guides the Ranger into the inevitably tight parking space at the coffee shop. The leather seats are comfortable; the climate control keeps pace with Joburg''s October heat. Saturday afternoon on the gravel road to Hartbeespoort — corrugated, rutted, occasionally deeply potholed — the Wildtrak''s BiTurbo diesel finds its element. In Sport mode, the 154kW arrives early and strong, providing confident overtaking on the open stretches. The terrain management system is set to Gravel and left there; the Ranger manages traction proactively. Sunday morning, a gravel track into the Magaliesberg mountains. The electronic rear diff lock engages with a muted click; the Ranger''s 900mm wading depth becomes irrelevant (the seasonal stream is knee-deep at best). What matters more is the approach angle — 25 degrees clears the rocky entry to the riverbed route without drama. The verdict after 900km: the Ranger Wildtrak is a genuinely accomplished dual-purpose vehicle. In a market where most "lifestyle" bakkies compromise capability for comfort, the Wildtrak refuses to. At R699,900, it delivers.