Serious about Adventure and Bundu-Bashing? Then the Ford Tremor is the one for you.

For starters, take a look at these facts below:

• Ranger Tremor equipped with the same suspension upgrades as the recently launched Wildtrak X, including specially developed Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers, 24mm higher ground clearance and 30mm wider track
• Based on XLT series with 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine and full-time 4WD, incorporates easily cleaned interior trim for hard-working applications
• Debuts Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance, now available as standard on Tremor, Wildtrak X, Ranger Raptor and upcoming Ranger Platinum, optional on Wildtrak 4x4 and 4WD models

It’s one thing driving off road. Its another ball game when you have to negotiate very rough rocky terrain that is unforgiving and punishes a vehicle. But the Ranger Tremor got full marks for the way it handled the toughest, the meanest the baddest of inclines and declines, going over boulders, dongas, steep turns with little room to manoeuvre and so much more.  And It all happened at the Grabouw 4x4 track, considered to be a real mountainous tester for 4x4’s. But it’s also a real pleasure to drive the Tremor on tarred roads as well. 

The Ranger Tremor Double Cab uses the same 154kW/500Nm 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine (mated to a 10 speed auto gearbox) and full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) system as the Wildtrak X, and benefits from the innovative Trail Turn Assist feature that allows the vehicle to manoeuvre around the tightest off-road turns with ease.

Ranger DNA

In keeping with its adventurous character, the Ranger Tremor is visually distinguished from the XLT series through the addition of a black honeycomb off-road front grille that is equipped with the same LED auxiliary driving lights as the Wildtrak X, along with unique Bolder Grey exterior details for the lower sections of the front bumper and H-bar, fender vents, mirror caps, door handles, and rear bumper. This is complemented by extended wheelarch mouldings in Bolder Grey that frame the purposeful 265/70 R17 all-terrain General Grabber AT3 tyres with white lettering, mounted on 17-inch Asphalt Black machine-faced alloy rims. 

Muscular and Practical

Image: Supplied

The Ranger Tremor is designed to conquer the toughest conditions, and this theme is carried through to the cabin which matches high-tech features with outstanding practicality and durability.

The seats are trimmed in water-resistant black vinyl with Medium Dark Urban Grey stitching. The front seats incorporate the Tremor logo embroidered in orange on the seatbacks, and provide six-way adjustment. In place of traditional carpets, vinyl flooring provides a practical touch that makes cleaning the interior a breeze, even after a muddy off-road adventure.

As with the Wildtrak X, the Tremor is equipped with the Off-road SYNC Screen with the 360-degree camera system that makes manoeuvring in tight spaces in absolute cinch. This also means that the XLT’s 10.1-inch touchscreen display makes way for the larger 12-inch version which incorporates these great features. Wireless charging is standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Image: Supplied 

Off-road Capability

And this is where the Tremor really shines. It’s all about Ranger’s ‘Built Ford Tough’ off-road capabilities. It benefits from the same suspension upgrades as the Wildtrak X, including the specially developed Bilstein Position Sensitive Dampers that provide variable levels of damping force based on the prevailing driving conditions. Whether it’s a steep and rocky ascent, a deep mud track or soft desert sand, the Tremor ticks the boxes. Taking on any of these conditions, and a whole lot more, with confidence is as easy as selecting the appropriate Drive Mode via the rotary dial, comprising Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand and Rock Crawl. The system adjusts the throttle response, gearshifts, traction and stability control, rear diff-lock, as well as the steering and braking system to optimize vehicle performance to suit the terrain. 

Driver Assist

Plenty, really. Active safety features common to the Ranger line-up, such as Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (which includes Load Adaptive Control, Roll Over Mitigation, Traction Control and Trailer Sway Control). It also boasts the Lane Keeping System with Road Edge Detection, Pre-Collision Assist (with Dynamic Brake Support, Forward Collision Warning System and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection), Reverse Brake Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Coverage, and parking sensors front and rear.

Image: Supplied 

Post-Collision Braking is standard on Tremor, along with seven airbags (dual front, side, curtain and driver’s knee), Smart Keyless Entry with Push Button Start and a Thatcham-grade alarm system and immobiliser. 

Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance

Continuing the Ranger’s legacy of innovation, Tremor introduces Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance, which is standard on this model and now also on the Wildtrak X, the Ranger Raptor and the upcoming Ranger Platinum. It is available as an option on the Wildtrak 4x4 and 4WD models.

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro at manoeuvring a trailer, Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps the driver get the trailer positioned where you want it, quickly and easily. It utilizes the rotary Selectable Drive Modes controller on the centre console, along with the steering wheel and a suite of cameras to take the guesswork out of reversing the vehicle with a trailer attached. 

Pricing (including VAT)

Ranger Tremor Double Cab 2.0L BiT 4WD 10AT              R977 500