Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2015 review

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering would you buy one?

What is it?

This is Ford's top of the range one tonne ute, the Ranger Wildtrak. Ranger took over top sales position in the one tonne ute segment from Toyota Hilux last year. Little wonder, it's a good looking ute with plenty of go from the strong five pot engine.

How much?

This is the ultimate Ranger and goes for $57,390 - ouch. There are numerous other choices in the Ranger lineup priced from $24,390 for the entry-level 2.2-litre manual single cab chassis.

What are competitors?

Too many some might say but you're looking at Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, VW Amarok, Holden Colorado, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, and some peripheral dwellers like Ssangyong, Great Wall, Tata. Most one tonners are out of Thai factories where they are cheap to make. It shows.

What's under the bonnet?

This one gets a strong 3.2-litre turbodiesel five-cylinder with 147kW/470Nm - a lazy output for such an engine that will probably be relatively long lived (if the rest of the truck holds together).

How does it go?

Great performance apart from an annoying rattle from the transmission on the throttle over-run at highway speeds. Hmmmm wonder what it was?

Plenty of kick across a wide engine speed range, makes a snarly, gnarly growl just off idle. Smooth, relatively quiet. A good thing to drive in manual or auto (both six speeders).

Is it economical?

Not particularly - rated at 9.6L/100km but it does have an 80 litre fuel tank and you can always opt for the 2.2-litre four cylinder turbodiesel, but not in Wildtrak spec.

Is it green?

No, 2.5 stars - needs to do better.

Is it safe?

Five stars.

Is it comfortable?

Yes, the ride is good for a workhorse and it handles pretty well given the design constraints. Decent shaped and padded seats, light steering. OK turning circle and the Wildtrak scores plenty of kit. It's the only Ranger to get a rear view camera. Big cross.

What's it like to drive?

We like the Ranger. One of the best if not the best looking ute in the one tonner brigade, and this is reflected in the sales graph.

The roller shutter is a waste of space because it seriously restricts load space. We'd go for the basic tonneau with elastic pull downs - much more practical and after all, it is a ute.

The multimedia screen is handy but difficult to see in monochrome blue - faces the wrong way and is too small. Satnav is handy and the Bluetooth functions are relatively easy to access. 

Is it value for money?

Not at this end of the spectrum. These 'high end' Thai built utes are a bit of a rort when you think about it. They can't cost that much to make but sell here for a snip under the Luxury Car Tax. Note that most commercial vehicles are exempt from LCT, however.