TOUGH RANGER MADE SMARTER

The much improved Ford Ranger pick-up is far more efficient, as well as being smarter and very media-savvy. Plus it's still tough and decent to drive for a vehicle of this kind. Jonathan Crouch investigates.

Ten Second Review

Ford's improved Ranger really has gone large in its appeal as a competitive proposition against tough rivals in the pick-up segment. The idea is to tempt everyone from builders to surf-boarding, mountain-biking families with what is now a very complete product indeed.

Background

It took Ford a long time to create a pick-up tailored to the needs of European customers but the brand finally managed it with the third generation Ranger model it launched in 2012. With this line-up, the marque at last had a product to properly compete with the tough Japanese triumvirate that rule this market segment this side of the Atlantic, Mitsubishi's L200, Toyota's Hilux and Nissan's Navara. All three are good vehicles but very obviously commercial in feel. This Ranger claims to offer something more, if not a road car with a pick-up deck, then the closest thing to that we've yet seen, with a design versatile enough for export to over 180 countries. Since this vehicle's original launch though, pick-up buyers have become more demanding, especially in terms of the efficiency they expect and the technology they want. This heavily revised Ranger line-up represents Ford's answer to that need.

Driving Experience

There aren't many pick-ups developed first and foremost to prioritise driving dynamics, but this is one of them. So what's it like? But does it set handling standards for the pick-up segment? Very definitely yes, more agile, stable, precise and comfortable than any vehicle of its kind we've seen to date. There's decent steering feel for a pick-up too, despite the introduction of electrical assistance for the helm of this revised model.

Under the bonnet, most models will be sold with the 160PS 2.2-litre four cylinder TDCi turbo diesel that Ford uses in its passenger car line-up. For really effortless towing though, you'll need the flagship Ranger engine, a purpose-designed 3.2-litre five cylinder TDCi diesel with 200PS on tap and 470NM of torque, most of which you can access from as low in the rev range as 1,750rpm.

Design and Build

If you go for the four-door Double Cab, there's plenty of space in the back: two six-footers can certainly sit one behind the other with ease. Under the rear seat, you've hidden storage bins to keep tools and valuables away from prying eyes. Or, if the rear bench isn't in use, you can fold down the backrest for packages you may not want to consign to the rear loadbay.

And up-front?, you climb up high to perch behind the wheel of any pick-up and this Ranger is no exception, with an airy, commanding cab offering great all-round visibility and class-leading front seat headroom. The instrument cluster with its central LED display was apparently inspired by the design of a G-Shock watch, precision workings protected by a robust casing. And plusher models get an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen on the dash, via which owners can use the latest 'SYNC 2' media connectivity system that Ford now offers in this vehicle.

Market and Model

There are three Ranger bodystyles - 'Regular' single cab, 'Super' (which has occasional rear seats) and 'Double Cab' with proper rear seats. The 'Regular' bodystyle is only available with base 'XL' trim, while the 'Super' option only comes with the mid-range 'XLT' and 'Limited' trim levels. At the top of the line-up is the high-spec 'Wildtrak' variant, offered only in Double Cab form and only available with the 3.2-litre TDCi engine. A single 2WD model is offered at the foot of the range (a 'Super' cab variant) but otherwise, 4WD is fitted to all derivatives. Prices start at around the £18,500, excluding the VAT that most business buyers will be able to claim back. For the Double Cab bodystyle most customers will want, you'll need to be budgeting in the £20,000 to £25,000 bracket excl. VAT.

Practicalities & Costs

Potential business owners may well be approaching this Ranger thinking that sleek looks, a smarter more spacious cabin and class-leading driving dynamics are all very well but that they'd trade all of them for the practicality out back that this vehicle will need to earn its keep. They don't have to, for thanks to big dimensions and a high beltline, this Ford's load-lugging stats are as good, if not better, than any other vehicle in its segment. The 'Regular Cab' and 'Super Cab' models offer, respectively, 1.82 and 1.45 cubic metres, while the Double Cab version is also more than competitive with 1.21 cubic metres.

Running costs for the Ranger are helped by the 4WD/2WD system that allows off road users, once back on tarmac, to switch to two wheel drive - obviously the more fuel efficient option. The 3.2-litre engine with four-wheel drive and manual transmission delivers 28.3mpg on the combined cycle and slightly better (28.7mpg) if you opt for the automatic 'box.

Summary

You can't deny that this revised Ranger is a thoroughly engineered product. But is it the first Ford pick-up to truly approach market leadership? We think it might be. It's safe, spacious, clever, able to carry large loads and, in four cylinder guise, finally has an engine efficient enough to match or beat the competition. Whether the need is for active family weekends, or simply to carry workmates with their kit and tools, this rugged do-almost-anything automotive swiss army knife seems to have it covered.

If you're looking for one of the best all-round contenders in the pick-up sector right now, then this is the right tool.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Ford Ranger pick-up range

PRICES: £21,395-£33,275 – on the road [ex VAT] [est]

ENGINES: 2.2-litre diesel (125 & 150PS) and 3.2-litre diesel (200PS)

MAXIMUM PAYLOAD: 1.21 cubic metres / 1340kg

TOWING CAPACITY: 3350kg

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ESP, ABS, Trailer Weave Detect, Suspension Load Levelling