Ford Ranger Road Test

FORD’s Ranger is the latest pickup truck to hit showrooms in the last 12 months, suggesting that there’s plenty of interest in double cab models, despite the Chancellor turning up the heat next year with the taxable benefit in kind, for those who choose a double cab as their company car.

The latest incarnation of the venerable Ranger – it’s built alongside Mazda’s forthcoming B50 version in a joint venture – packs the usual array of goodies into the cockpit, including air-con, leather seats and off-road information centre when opting for the top-spec Thunder version.

At first glance, it looks remarkably like the old one – there’s an air of familiarity about it, which is encouraging for those who are looking to step out of the old one, and into the new, as it’s those customers who will appreciate the changes now made.

To the uninitiated, a closer look is needed to reveal that this Ranger is all different under the skin.

As a working vehicle, it promises a lot too, with a smooth and fuel efficient common-rail TDCi diesel engine that now packs more punch, increased towing capacity for greater versatility and a revised interior that promises more comfort for those longer journeys.

Under the Ranger’s longer-nosed snout – which houses the engine’s radiators and intercooler to allow the new oil burner to meet Euro IV emissions legislation – is an all-new 2.5-litre TDCi diesel engine that promises improved economy, refinement and lower running costs.

Still four cylinders, but with double overhead cams and 16-valves, the engine’s output is up from the previous model’s 109hp to a not-so-lofty 143hp when compared to the likes of Nissan’s 174hp Navara and Mitsubishi’s 160hp Animal, though torque has been ramped up from 226Nm at 2,000rpm to 330Nm at 1,800rpm.

On paper, it seems adequate, but on the road it’s in charge of the truck and offers grunt to spare, as a result of the high torque and carefully distributed kerb weight of 1,845kg.

It makes for impressive performance – but what’s more impressive is the level of cabin noise.

Sitting in the Ranger is a joy, given the smooth, progressive power delivery and hushed environment – and the seats are comfortable too.

The ride’s okay – after all this is a pickup truck, not a saloon car. On rigid leaf springs at the rear and independent double wishbones with torsion bar springs up front, you’d expect it to feel a bit fidgety.

Power still goes through a five-speed manual box – there’s no auto option, though the box is extremely positive and easy to use, despite it being equipped with tall gearing. Fifth gear is a somewhat useless unless 50mph is reached.

There’s still a secondary gear lever for four-wheel drive and low range selection, but it requires the truck to be stopped before engagement can take place, which could be tricky for those who suddenly find themselves in need of some extra traction. In such instances, stopping the truck can often result in it needing towing out.

A one-tonne payload and three-tonne towing capacity give the new Ranger much more clout than before, while an ABS braking system, front and side impact airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners help to keep occupants safe.

My test model was the range-topping double cab Thunder version, which comes equipped with leather-trimmed seats, 16-inch alloy wheels, reverse parking sensors and copious amounts of chrome detailing. But just how those reverse parking sensors – integrated into the rear tubular bumper – will withstand farm duty remains to be seen.

Despite the silver-clad dashboard and instrumentation, the interior is a nice place to while away the day. The leather-trimmed seats are bolstered on the edges, so side support is great for those who like to try cornering sideways. The Ranger, like many others without weight over the rear axle, can entertain on a wet road.

In Thunder guise, it crosses the £18k-mark by almost £100, but lacks satellite navigation, phone preparation and cruise control like some of its top-shelf competitors. There’s no doubt that Ford has worked its magic on the Ranger and the TDCi motor makes for a strong, yet relaxing drive.

But you can’t help feeling that the blue oval has only just done enough to play catch-up against the latest Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Navara Aventura.

Yes, it’s a good truck and it has some great features, but it just lacks the all-round ability of some of its competitors.

Thanks to that silky smooth TDCi engine, service intervals have grown to 12,500 miles, though warranty remains at three-years or 60,000 miles.