Warning, our review of the Ford Ranger SuperCab Wildtrak 4×4 is not your typical road-test fare. As regular readers know, we’ve driven almost every Ranger iteration available in South Africa. So, we’ve covered the mechanical prowess of the locally built bakkie extensively. However, unbelievably, one model we were yet to sample was the SuperCab. Also known as the rap cab, cab-and-a-half, whatever you want to call it …
To honour our maiden Ford Ranger SuperCab Wildtrak 4×4 drive, we set out to do something extraordinary. We wanted to test its 4x4ing prowess to the absolute end of the road, and beyond. Not the metaphorical end, mind you. But the literal, geographical terminus where tarmac surrenders to gravel. And gravel to sand. And finally, sand to ocean. A destination where civilisation cedes to wilderness. And in those places, a 4×4 isn’t a lifestyle choice, it is an absolute necessity.
FORD RANGER SUPERCAB WILDTRAK 4X4
You see, as a surfer I spend an inordinately large amount of time studying swell and wind directions around the coast. And that is precisely what drew me to Walker Bay Nature Reserve in the Cape Agulhas district. A couple hours’ drive from Cape Town, it is a secluded stretch of coast nestled between Gansbaai and Hermanus. And thanks to a subtle bend to the bay, when the south easter is blowing, it receives near-perfect offshore winds.
For those uninitiated to surfing, that’s really good. But what about all the other things that make a good surf spot? Like how it picks up swell and its bathymetry (underwater terrain)? Each of these can take an idea-looking venue and compromise it. Well, the saying goes, “the only way to know is to go,” as was the way before weather apps. Therefore, the R841 500 Ford Ranger SuperCab Wildtrak 4×4 would be my companion on a journey of discovery.
WHAT’S THE CAB-AND-A-HALF LIKE?
Firstly, the SuperCab configuration is an interesting proposition. It’s one that often gets overlooked in favour of more family-orientated double cabs (DCs). Yes, it’s only a two seater. But if you don’t have a family, there’s certainly method in the Ford Ranger SuperCab Wildtrak 4×4 layout. It features two conventional front doors and two smaller rear-hinged access doors. There’s plenty of extra space afforded inside to serve as additional storage. Along with a more tangible reward: the rear load bay stretched to 1 847 mm in length (compared to 1 575 mm). The 270 mm of additional hauling capacity makes all the difference for longer items.
Nevertheless, I arrived as the reserve opened at 7 am sharp to hopefully find paradise. The trail into Walker Bay Nature Reserve isn’t technically challenging at first. The initial stretch is well-maintained gravel, the kind of surface that must lull many a compact crossover into trouble. However, that illusion evaporates quickly as the track begins to descend towards the coastline. With the Ford Ranger SuperCab Wildtrak 4×4, I know I brought the correct knife to this fight.
FORD RANGER SUPERCAB WILDTRAK 4X4 CLINIC
Literally, around a blind corner, the character of the trail changes dramatically. It’s now white sand with jagged, rocky outcrops interrupting the path. They’re like geological speed bumps, requiring precise wheel placement and a careful reading of the terrain. But there’s also a series of unnerving choices to make as you go. Risk thick sand here, or a nasty, rocky interaction with the underside of the bakkie there? Mercifully, this is where the Ford Ranger SuperCab Wildtrak 4×4’s raised ride height and robust underbody protection justifies itself.
As do the standard-fit Goodyear Wrangler tyres. With their aggressive tread pattern – and without having to resort to lower pressures – they gripped fractured rock and loose sand with reassuring tenacity. Further down the narrowing route – now just an obscure pixilation on Google Maps – it’s more like a trail for mountain goats than motor vehicle. Meanwhile, upon the cliffs above Klipgat se Plaat, the view of perfectly groomed waves grows increasingly more spectacular.
4 LOW AND AWAY YOU GO
However, as tempting as it is, admiring the scenery would have to wait. Because the trail still demanded attention. The jagged, exposed rocks remained, but the character of the challenge had shifted. As we started levelling off with the Atlantic Ocean, it was now deep, soft beach sand. In the early morning light, it looked benign, almost inviting. But we really were far from home now, well into the reserve. And letting the tyres sink past the sidewalls and bleed momentum was the ultimate sin. No one was coming to save us if we got stuck.
So, I engaged 4 Low, feeling the transfer case slot into its crawler gear with mechanical certainty. Power now flowed to all four wheels with even-handed distribution. The Ford Ranger SuperCab Wildtrak 4×4 Bi-Turbo diesel’s 154 kW and 500 Nm of grunt would not be outgunned by nature. The twin turbochargers deliver their boost progressively, avoiding the sudden surges that break traction and leave you digging a hole. This is where momentum, power and traction form a holy trinity of necessity. Just keep moving and you won’t bog down!
SURF TRUCK: FORD RANGER SUPERCAB WILDTRAK 4X4
The Ranger took the descent in its stride, the Wrangler tyres clawing through the thick sand with determined purpose. And suddenly, gloriously, we were on the beach. I made sure to park on a high ground of exposed rock, so I could at least start the return journey without getting stuck immediately. The pristine, untouched beach spread out before me like something out of a dream. There’s not a footprint in sight, never mind a piece of litter. No sign that a sole has been here in weeks, maybe months.
Just the waves rolling in with a hypnotic, even pace. And the trailing spray of perfect offshore winds that surfers live for. This was the payoff for the pre-dawn wake up and hours behind the wheel. And I couldn’t have imagined it would be this perfect. All I could do was force myself to take it in for a moment, before pulling on my trusty wetsuit, waxing up my board and paddling out. This, ladies and gentlemen, is what the R841 500 Ford Ranger SuperCab Wildtrak 4×4 buys you. Earned experiences that are truly worth having …
FORD RANGER SUPERCAB WILDTRAK 4X4 FIGURES
- Engine: 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel
- Transmission: 10-speed auto
- Power: 154 kW
- Torque: 500 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 9.5 seconds (estimated)
- Consumption: 7.6 l/100 km (claimed/combined) 9.5 l/100 km (tested)
- Price: R841 500
