Ford Ranger Wildtrak: Why it should come to India

The lifestyle pick-up truck segment in India has been an uncharted territory so far. There are a few decent options like the Mahindra Scorpio Getaway, the Genio double cab, Tata Xenon to name a few, but scratch the surface and you’ll find that they don’t exactly classify as true-blue lifestyle pick-ups.

Time then for Ford to consider introducing its Ranger Wildtrak in India. The pick-up has the same base as the Endeavour’s and is built in Thailand so bringing it through the CKD channel shouldn’t pose a problem though we would love to see the American car maker take a spirited step further and manufacture it right here on our shores!

Not only does the Ranger Wildtrak raise the bar in terms of safety, it also boasts high-end features, which are perceived not to be present in such vehicles. Its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show made clear the company’s idea that a pick-up can be safe, technology-laden while being powerful.

The new Ranger Wildtrak series that is offered in three body types with an option of a 4x4 or a 4x2 drivetrain is mated to the new Dagenham-built, 2.2-litre, 150PS diesel mill. While there is a 3.2-litre option as well, the prospect of the three-litre guzzler reaching the subcontinent is improbable.

Safety features in the pick-up include ESP, ABS, airbags and a trailer sway control to keep the approximate one and a half tonne beast planted on and off road. What also would be a breakthrough is the six-speed dual clutch transmission for a diesel engine that may find its way through in other Indian Ford models as well. Even if the same transmission is not used, the company may just think building one for smaller capacity engines.

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So why are we advocating pick-ups for the country? Pick-ups became a rage in the West because of the versatility they offer: a practical, go-anywhere vehicle that gives people the freedom to you carry their whole world (well, almost) with them in the rear cargo bed. But in India, pick-ups will find utility and favour the most in semi-urban and rural areas where one needs to travel around in a reliable and robust means of transport – just like a pick-up. Even if Ford introduces the Ranger Wildtrak in different versions that cater to all audiences and price it at no more than Rs. 14 lakh on-road, the Ranger Wildtrak will set standards and improve the segment on a whole.