Geneva sees the launch of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak

Ford introduced its’ top of the range small pickup truck in Geneva this week. Yes, that seemed a little odd to us as well. However, Ford has good reason to launch the WildTrak in Europe, it’s for the European market. It’s also destined for Australia, South America and about 175 other global markets, but it’s not coming to the United States.  More on that in a minute.

Upgrades to the WildTrak over the standard issue Ranger include: 18 inch wheels, a “sports hoop” over the cargo area, a roof rack and a WildTrak graphics package. The WildTrak isn’t just about style; it offers 9 inches (23cm) of ground clearance and can safely traverse 31.5 (80cm) of water. Towing capacity is 7,370 lbs. (3350 kg).

Inside, the WildTrak barrows a little bling from it’s big brother, the F-150 SVT Raptor. The seats are trimmed in leather, mesh & fabric with orange stitching; insert accents, embroidered headrests and a sprinkling of faux carbon fiber.  Additionally, you’ll find a premium sound system, air conditioning, Bluetooth, SatNav and iPod connectivity among the conveniences.  The glove box will even hold a standard laptop.

Power comes from a pair of new high-tech common rail “Duratorq TDCi” diesel engines: the standard 2.2-liter four cylinder making 150 hp & 277 lb/ft of torque or the optional 3.2-liter five cylinder making 200 hp & 347 lb/ft of torque.  Getting all that twist to the ground will be a little easier as well. Engines will be mated to Ford’s new six-speed automatic gearbox. Ford has also included a stability control system, Hill Decent Control & Hill Launch Assist as standard to the four-wheel drive WildTrack.

So, why is Ford ignoring the largest pickup truck market in the world? Ford says the Ranger is almost the same size and would cost almost as much as the full size F-150. The bed is too small and it won’t come in enough body configurations for American truck buyers. Ford plans to offer US buyers stripped down versions of the F-150 in place of the Ranger. Skeptics also cite new, more strict emissions and rollover roof crush standards implemented by US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for 2010.

The Ford Ranger WildTrak is a good-looking mid-sized pick-up with a lot of utility, style, economy and comfort. UK buyers can pick up the new pickup starting in November.  Prices have not been announced.