It’s been a good year for Ford SA.

On the back of the new Ranger launch came the brand’s first Car of the Year victory since the Fiesta in 1998. This was also the first time in the history of the competition that a double-cab took top honours, attesting to how far the genre has come. And how much the blue oval had contributed to elevating the breed’s stock.

Over the past dozen months we’ve sampled the Ranger in pretty much every guise, save for the bare-bones workhorse steeds, which we’d still very much like to have a go in.

We ran the XLT 2.0 SiT 4x4 automatic double-cab as a long-termer for six months and 17,000km, without too many hassles. Recently we tested the Wildtrak 2.0 BiT 4x4 automatic in Supercab format, with its clever coach doors, useful storage compartment and VAT-back potential, being classified as a genuine commercial vehicle.

Time with the monstrous Raptor also can’t be forgotten. For its towering stature, beastly 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 and spirited performance, the flagship Ranger is a tantalising prospect. But it’s also a somewhat impractical one, unless you enjoy making frequent visits to the petrol station.

Indeed, with great power comes hefty fuel bills. But there might be a way to have your cake and eat it too. It’s just the cake is made using healthier, slightly lighter ingredients. Meet the Ranger Wildtrak X, a bridge between the standard Wildtrak and the full-cream, ultra-indulgent Raptor.

It costs R1,013,000; or R171,100 less than a Raptor.

At first glance you can tell it’s packing more, visually, over the general XLT and Wildtrak versions. The protruding side-steps, bespoke grille with integrated lights, front bash plate and sliding rear loading rack are among differentiators. When positioned to the tail end of the loading bay, the rack resembles a giant wing, just like a rally-pedigreed performance car. We expect most owners will keep it in this setting.

The Wildtrak X boasts a wider track (by 30mm) and offers 26mm more ground clearance. Enhancing the look is a set of unique 17-inch alloys wheels, shod with serious General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres. The 265/70 profile creates a very chunky footprint.

A hardware upgrade comes in the form of Bilstein shocks, delivering a speedhump-mashing, pothole-flattening ride character akin to what is offered by the Raptor.

There is a nifty party-piece for extra manoeuvrability in off-roading exploits, dubbed trail turn assist. The system automatically applies the brakes of the rear inside wheel, which shortens the vehicle’s turning circle. Ford purports that it cuts the turning radius by up to 25%.

It’s got the visual brawn and appropriate under-skin enhancements. What will you find beneath the hood? Ford’s familiar 2.0 BiT motor, producing 150kW and 500Nm. It’s linked to a 10-speed automatic, with selectable four-wheel drive. You might bemoan the lack of V6 power right about now – but this is the sensible person’s Raptor, remember?

Performance and acoustics might not be as obnoxious as it is in the 3.0 V6 EcoBoost, but the proven motor is reasonably stout and the benefit of not having to juice-up an 80l tank every 400km or so (as you would in the Raptor); is a big win. Consumption in the Wildtrak X was just under 11l/100km.

Inside, the enhancements are more subtle than on the outside. Miko suede trim complements the leather upholstery, while Wildtrak X embroidery work can be seen on the seats and fascia. The rest is business as usual: Ranger’s excellent SYNC4 infotainment system, quality finishes and car-like ergonomics.

Like the Raptor, the Wildtrak X is a statement bakkie. For most people, an XLT or standard Wildtrak would do the trick. But the extra specification and exclusivity factor of this particular model, makes it a bakkie to be especially proud of.

People noticed and admired the double-cab, kids pointed and exclaimed with enthusiasm and even drivers of bakkies from other brands doffed hats in reverence.