This one will work for a living. Edging into an already packed Ford Ranger family above the Sport, the Ranger Tremor promises off-road capability and excellent handling.
The Tremor model name is used in the UK but is making its debut here this year.
It could be seen as a more affordable version of the Wildtrak X offered as a limited-edition. It takes the standard 154kW/500Nm 2.0-litre biturbo-diesel engine and pairs it with the more versatile automatic 4WD system from the V6 models.
The suspension takes inspiration from the Raptor, with a 24mm increase in ride height, 30mm-wider track, Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers and General Grabber AT3 tyres with white lettering mounted on 17-inch Asphalt Black machine-faced alloy rims.
Like other Rangers, the Tremor has four-wheel disc brakes.
Raptor’s Trail Turn Assist system also turns up. It brakes the inside rear wheel – much like a ‘cutting’ brake on a trials 4WD or off-road racer. This operates under 32km/h and significantly reduces the vehicle’s turning circle – excellent on tight bush trails or farm tracks with switchback corners.
So far, so Wildtrak. Inside the cab, though, things take a more workmanlike turn. Water-resistant fabrics and heavy-duty floor coverings feature. Durability is the theme: the seats are trimmed in water-resistant black vinyl. The front seats incorporate the Tremor logo embroidered in orange on the seatbacks. Vinyl flooring provides a practical touch that makes cleaning easier.
The standard fitment of Raptor-style roof-mounted auxiliary switches allows fitment of the powered accessories when required.
David Herbert, marketing manager at Ford NZ, says the Tremor is ‘customised off the shelf’.
“Tremor is aimed at customers who require enhanced on and off-road comfort while retaining 3.5-tonne towing capability.”
Tremor wears a black honeycomb front grille, 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.
The extended wheelarch mouldings are also in Bolder Grey. There’s a “Tremor” badge on the rear tailgate and decals on the sides.
Tremor is on sale now at $74,990.
