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complete package
By George Barrow
YOU MAY HAVE seen the new Ford Ranger on the roads recently as models are beginning to filter through to the UK after its launch last year. CM will be putting the all-new off-roader to the test against its competitors in the coming weeks but, in the meantime, we got behind the wheel of two models in Germany.
With a 147hp, 2.2-litre fourcylinder engine producing 375Nm of torque and a 3.2-litre fivecylinder turbo-diesel developing 197hp and 470Nm, both models have powerful diesel units suited to most buyers’ demands. Factor in a third entry-level 122hp model and a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drivelines with manual and automatic transmissions, and the Ranger begins to look like the complete package for offand on-road users.
Engine performance
Out in the wild, the performance of both engines is impressive, however, the wealth of power and torque available in the 3.2-litre unit makes it more driveable in a variety of conditions. The 2.2-litre engine is perhaps a fraction more refined, but when the more powerful turbo diesel is mated to the six-speed automatic gearbox, the driveline becomes effortless.
Handling is sharp, and while the ride can be unsettled at times over undulating asphalt, it is balanced enough to tackle autobahns and country dirt tracks with ease.
Pick-ups often tread the line between lifestyle vehicles and work tools, and the Ranger is no exception. Top-spec Wildtrak models certainly fall into the lifestyle category, while XL and XLT trims are more utilitarian. Limited is perhaps the best compromise, as it merely removes a few trinkets from Wildtrak specification. The Ranger interior is spacious and comfortable, with a commanding view of the road ahead, while the dash and surrounding controls are pleasant to the touch and are well laid out.
Practical vehicle
It is unsurprisingly similar to a modern Ford passenger car – which isn’t a bad thing – but thankfully has been fitted with enough internal storage compartments to make this a practical working vehicle. The exterior styling is close to its US relative, but this Ranger, built in Argentina, South Africa and Thailand, has a more Euro-friendly face, despite being designed in Australia. It’s a truly global vehicle, using shared engines, and designed for multiple markets under the One Ford strategy, which will also see the new Transit van reach out to every global market, except North America.
Even in dazzling white under the summer sun, and adorned with logos for the UEFA Champions League – which Ford has been sponsoring since its inception 20 years ago – the Ranger looks sleeker than the competition, of which there is plenty.
It’s no lightweight though, with minimum payloads of 1,042kg and a towing capacity of 3,350kg for most models. But only time, and our group pick-up showdown, will tell if the Ranger has what it takes to beat the Japanese pick-up stranglehold of Nissan, Toyota and Mitsubishi, but early signs are extremely encouraging. ■