Ranger picks up cred

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, mountainbiking families with what is now a very complete product indeed.

There are three Ranger bodystyles – ‘Regular’ single cab, ‘Super’ (which has occasional rear seats) and ‘Double Cab’ with proper rear seats.

As for practicality, well the ‘Regular Cab’ and ‘Super Cab’ models offer the largest load area box in the class with, 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, meanwhile, are much improved – by over 17% with the four cylinder version, which now returns 43.5mpg on the combined cycle and 171g/km of CO2.

Under the bonnet, the key news lies with the introduction of a new 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine to replace the previous 2.2-litre TDCi unit.

And up-front? Well, 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.

Prices start at around the £22,000 mark, excluding the VAT that most business buyers will be able to claim back.

When it all comes down to it, the right tool can make child’s play of men’s work. And 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. Job done.