FORD RANGER DIESEL Pick Up Double Cab Wildtrak 2.0 EcoBlue 205

As someone who runs the previous model Ford Ranger this was probably the most eagerly awaited demonstrator of the year so far … would it match the hype and would it meet the expectations – and is it a significant enough improvement to warrant the increase in price that greets all new model introductions.

As a business we have sold countless Ford Rangers in recent years and are well versed in their attributes and how they fair against the competition – their good bit and the bits we’d rather they didn’t have – as such we hold very high expectations of any new model introduction – especially one that is such a key product for our farmers: Fram Farmers and Woldmarsh; and BASC member customers. 

Our demo was the most popular model in the line-up – the Wildtrak and in the 2.0 BiTurbo guise with automatic gearbox – there hasn’t been a manual Wildtrak on offer for some time .  Below this model sits the as yet untested or seen in the flesh Tremor model [ definitely on paper one for those heading off-road a significant amount of use ] – above it the Wildtrack X with some further trim embellishments and the additional choice of a 3.0V6 engine .

Having followed the sneak peaks .. pre-launch and  promo pictures the first impression of the Ranger in the flesh didn’t disappoint on first impressions – it is definitely a bolder look and there are clear design cues from the F150 and we think it really hits the mark – too many new models are often indistinguishable from their predecessors and if I’m going to pay the extra for a new model I want it to look new ! 

We loved the look of the previous model and both the front and rear styling are a bit hit with us … we also noted the addition of the step in each of the rear quarters to make it easier to access whatever it is we’ve loaded into the rear … our demo also featured the electric roller shutter – first introduced in the previous models and one of the latest “ how did I ever live without it” features .

Once inside it is clear that the new Ranger is going to appeal to those customers who have traditionally driven a 4x4 SUV and don’t want to compromise too much on creature comforts for the benefit of the added versality of a pick-up truck and current tax benefits of running a commercial vehicle.  The cabin is very car like and  the controls are all within easy reach and intuitive to use – but perhaps the biggest visible change to the inside cabin is the 12” touch screen in the centre of the cab and responsible for most of the navigation / heating / cooling and entertainment functions.

Sound deadening has been improved further – although there is still a noticeable roar under hard acceleration but nothing like the harshness of the old 3.2 Rangers . The new Ranger uses the same 2.0 BiTurbo engine as its predecessor – albeit with slightly reduced output but there is no noticeable difference experienced with the loss of those eight horses. Acceleration is swift and very useable and the powerplant certainly feels like it is more than a match for the 3.5tonnes towing capacity the truck is plated to.

The chassis and suspension have also been further improved to enhance the on road attributes of the vehicle – whilst not losing any of the off-road capabilities a good number of these trucks need – the result is a pick-up that behaves very comfortably as a road vehicle – even on long journeys but as yet and despite the summer not quite living up to the hype we only tested the vehicle on firm off road fields and pasture -  no complaints so far for sure !

There are more option packs available on the new Ranger and it is worth taking some time to really evaluate what is a must … and what is a nice to have as these additions soon add up – especially when also adding either a roller shutter or canopy style rear cover. 

On long a couple of long journeys we were very pleasantly surprised to be exceeding 40mpg average – every day driving of the type that most of these trucks will encounter should therefore deliver an improvement from its predecessor .

Talk of electric vehicles has yet to really enter the world of pick-ups – the only current model available being 2WD and low towing capacity unlikely to sway the minds of most pick-up buyers – there is talk however of a plug-in version of the Ranger to come – knowing Ford this will invite more consideration for future pick up buyers.

In summary … the new Ranger lives up to the hype and is everything we hoped it would be in a new model … it will widen its already significant appeal as it delivers a much improved ride and driver / passenger experience and whilst ever the tax advantages remain will no doubt entice further drivers from 4x4 SUV’s as a result .

The new Ranger is already proving extremely popular and we can understand why now having lived with one  for a week – our old Ranger has now been sold and our order placed for a pipeline truck due in January … from which point we will posting further updates on our real life experiences of the new model.

For members of BASC, Fram Farmers, Woldmarsh and other professional organisations there are some great offers on the new Ford Ranger – for details and more information call us on 01473 372020 or fill in our on-line contact form to arrange a call back at a time convenient for you