We use cookies on whatcar.com to improve your browsing experience and to provide you with relevant content and advertising, by continuing to use our site you agree to this. Please see our privacy policy for more details. Continue
This is the tougher-looking, all-new Ford Ranger pick-up that goes on sale in the UK this September.
It will face stiff competition from the striking new Mitsubishi L200 and powerful Nissan Navara, but Ford promises more comfort and refinement, added practicality, a better drive, improved durability and more power.
The new 2.5-litre diesel engine increases power from 108bhp to 141bhp, although this means the Ranger will still lag behind the Nissan's 174bhp and the Mitsubishi's 160bhp engines.
The loadbay is bigger than before, and can still carry the one-tonne payload that gives pick-ups attractive tax breaks in the UK. Register the vehicle through your company and you'll be able to claim back the 17.5% VAT off the list price.
Company car drivers are also taxed on £500 instead of the pick-up's list price, so even a higher-rate payer shells out just £20 a month instead of hundreds.
Tax rules will change in 2007, but Ranger drivers will still only be taxed on £3000, so the Ranger will still be far cheaper to tax than a family car such as a Ford Mondeo.
A muscular bonnet, bold wheelarches and wide grille give the Ranger far more presence than the previous model, while the interior is also completely new. Seats are more sculpted and supportive, and there's plenty of stowage space.
Workhorse commercial versions of the Ranger will start at well below £15,000, but models to double as family transport at the weekend will start around the £18,500 to £19,000 mark. Top-flight Thunder models will come with plenty of chrome bars, leather seats, air-conditioning and a CD changer.
Our reviews are based on hard data and thorough testing in the real world.
Up to the minute news from around the globe
Advertisement
What Car?
is brought to you by
Haymarket Consumer Media