the Bucket: Bucket Seat: Ford Ranger Tremor

Another day and another Ford Ranger derivative, the guys at Ford SA do love to tinker with their line-up but I don't think its a bad thing as they really making a Ranger for everyone just depending on what you want it for. The Tremor is one of the more buff looking Rangers in the stable once you get to the nuts and bolts of it all, you realise it borrows the best bits from all the other Ranger offerings and packaged into one complete offering that is a good mix between hardcore off-roading and a versatile double cab bakkie with loads of tech.

DESIGN

Just like any other Ranger, the Tremor's main feature is the front end with its menacing honeycomb radiator grille that is blacked out with the Ford badge in center accompanied by the distinct C-clamp headlights either side. The Aluminium bash plate isn't just there to compliment the looks but also serves a purpose since this is a fully fledged 4x4. Like mentioned before, it does stand taller than most, thanks to the Bilsten suspension which is borrowed from the Wildtrak X, which increases the ride height by 24mm, it's also 30mm wider than the normal Rangers and has the cast aluminium steps borrowed from the Ranger Raptor to thank for that. Massive General Grabber A/T tyres complete the rugged 4x4 look that gives the Tremor a more aggressive stance. On the inside, the Tremor has the massive touchscreen infotainment screen as the focal point but the immediate difference is noticeable on the floor with virtually the entire tub and seats being finished off in vinyl giving the Tremor a more hardcore, durable surface to clean. The long legged sportsbar in the bin finishes off the look for the Tremor and really add's to the no nonsense style of it all.

PERFORMANCE

Under the hood, you will find Ford's impressive 2.0L BiTurbo diesel engine that delivers 154kW of power and 500Nm of torque, this all mated to the 10-speed automatic gearbox makes for a power house on the dirt. With the Tremor having AWD - Full time 4-wheel drive system you really get to experience the power of this engine when going in the dirt. The AT3 tyres assist in the fun of it all and the various pre-programmed driving modes make it simple enough for even a novice to navigate tricky conditions on the roads less traveled. On normal roads the Tremor handles like a breeze, one would have thought with the big tyres and high suspension the cabin would be filled with unwanted road noise and it being all over the place but its very composed even at high-speeds on the highway. Handling isn't too bad either and it's everything you'd expect from a bakkie of this nature, could be down to the setup of the shocks and driving modes but the Tremor knows it's surroundings and performs great wherever it goes.

COMFORT

The interior ain't no Ranger Platinum contender but it's minimalist to a point where all the materials used are robust and easy to clean but the Tremor still comes with all the technology bells and whistles which is what I'm here for. With the 12-inch colour touchscreen infotainment center dominating the cabin with FORD SYNC4 and all mobile apps pre-loaded for wireless usage, it makes it the command center for this beast. The instrument cluster is the standard 8-inch digital display which the driver can navigate through the various car and driving info from the multi control steering wheel. Like all the other Rangers, the Tremor comes with 6 auxiliary switches for additional add-ons and dual-zone climate control for those ever changing conditions when venturing into the great unknowns. The Tremor seats are finished off in vinyl with Tremor name stitched into the driver and front passenger seats, the tub is also vinyl coated for easy cleaning when messed, in fact I wouldn't be surprised if you could take a hose to the floor of the Tremor. Overall, with the driving comfort and what you get in the cabin, the Tremor is not a bad place to be for a work horse/ activity bakkie. The load box comes with the normal goodies which include as a 12V power outlet. The tremor also comes with a 4-camera system with surround view and multi-view ensuring you have eyes all around the car at any given time.

VERDICT

I think I hit the nail on the head in my previous description of the Tremor, it is an activity bakkie, designed for those that have a sense of adventure but don't want the big V6 of the Raptor. It has the best bits from most of the Ranger line up and with that, it doesn't cross the million rand mark so makes it an appealing option for those that want an adventure bakkie but at a little less than a fortune. I wouldn't go as far as saying its a baby Raptor because the Raptor name badge deserves a lot more credit than that but Ford has given us something very worthwhile and not just another Ranger derivative with a different name badge as this one is unique in every possible way. I like the fact that they gave it almost all the tech you can get from the Ranger range so that it is properly equipped for off-roading. The only thing missing is the e-shifter but in my opinion this one doesn't need it as the current 10-speed automatic does just fine.