The Tremor from Ford: A built for purpose Bundu-Basher!

This has to be one of the best off-roaders I have driven over many years. So when I was handed the keys for local testing, I immediately knew that there is perhaps only one 4x4 track to put the ‘bundu-basher’ through its paces. The Killarney 4x4.  

Pic: Supplied

There aren’t many 4x4 trails in KZN that offer so much rock and water in one location. The trail boasts several rivers and streams in which you can safely test your water-crossing abilities, as well as a host of naturally weathered 4x4 tracks that are rocky, slippery, and covered in cross axles. You’ll also find a large variety of tight tracks that criss-cross one another through a sandy play pen. There are several white-knuckle hill ascents and descents closer to the trail’s campsite and picnic area, as well as pools of mud and a few man-made obstacles – great to warm up on before hitting the trail proper. And once I engaged the 4H, I was ready for adventure of a different kind. I have the Killarney 4x4 just a few times in the past, but every time, it’s a different experience, brought out by the weather conditions and the vehicle you drive, off-course!

Easy-Peasy

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.

The fit for purpose Ranger Tremor is 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. But, that’s not all. The Tremor is based on XLT series with 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine and full-time 4WD.

Pic: Supplied

It’s one thing driving off road. It’s 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 tamed the Killarney 4x4. The Tremor handled the toughest, the white-knuckle inclines and confidence-needing declines, packing boulders, slushing through dongas, steep turns with little room to manoeuvre and a helluva lot more.   

Bi-Turbo

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.

Inside

Pic: Supplied

I immediately noticed that there are no carpets on the floor. Instead, Ford’s decided to make matters easy for those who venture off the beaten track by fitting the Tremor with a thick layer of vinyl that’s is very easy to clean. This could also be the reason that seats are not wrapped in leather but a waterproof vinyl for easy cleaning. Ideally situated upwards between the driver and front passenger, there are six auxiliary switches in preparation for additional overlanding gear that buyers of the Tremor will no doubt, be interested in customising their ‘bundu-bashers’ with.

 

Muscular and Practical

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. 

Ranger Changer

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.

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. 

Driver Safety

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.

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.

 

Pricing (including VAT)

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