Despite the fact that the pick-up market is now more or less dominated by the Ranger series from Ford, it does nothing to detract from the blue oval-badged models being able to offer an ever-changing and wide format of options for buyers.
From the lowly XL designation to the Raptor, there’s a pick-up in there for everyone. In recent months, I’ve had the opportunity to put three different varieties of Rangers to the test and they did not come up wanting.
Let’s start at the bottom.
The XL is the starting point for the Ranger and is an out-and-out utility vehicle aimed squarely at the ‘commercial’ rather than the ‘lifestyle’ end of the market. But that said, it’s a model you could easily live with day-to-day.
While all models share the new tougher, bolder look in the latest incarnation of the Ranger, the XL is the most muted of the line-up – as you would expect for a base model. Standard fare across the range is the 2.0L EcoBlue engine that can play to a different tune, depending on the model. In the XL which has a single turbo, it’s rated at 167bhp and is matched with a six-speed manual transmission – further up the food chain, you get 200bhp from a twin-turbo arrangement of the same engine.
MORE NEWS | Farmers Choir to play Kelso’s Springwood Hall
MORE NEWS | Jeremy Moody wins Lifetime Achievement Award
Despite its lowly status in the Ford catalogue, the XL does come with a rear-view camera, Halogen head and tail lamps, a Thatcham security system and a variable speed windshield wiper. It also comes with all those safely pains, such as ‘intelligent’ speed assistance, speed sign recognition and lane keeping aid, most of which can, thankfully, be turned off!
It also had a large central touchscreen, with Ford SYNC 3 technology, plus heated windscreen, and various power sockets dotted around the cabin and a steering wheel with some mounted controls.
The tested model had some extras that are worth considering. A rudimentary air conditioning unit will add £600 and a body protection pack which contains underbody protection, locking rear axle and a fuel tank guard puts £360 on to the bottom line. Another possible is underbody wax protection at £300 – but surely this should be standard fare for this type of vehicle?
The XL is shod in 16-inch steel wheels and with a similar spare wheel, so it’s not flashy. But remember the base price for this model is £35,760, which includes VAT.
Inside, it’s all about utility, rather than luxury – but that’s no unexpected in such a vehicle. Plenty of room for four/five adults in what is a surprisingly spacious cabin. There’s a simple two-four-wheel-drive selection option, with a low ratio too.
It’s quite capable too, and it can handle a payload of 1074kg with a towing capacity of 3450kg, which makes it an ideal rural workhorse. And it will return 33mpg.
A Tremor of excitement
Next in line from Ford was the Ranger Tremor. Not quite sure what the significance of the name is, but it’s good looks certainly gave me a shiver of anticipation.
It looks much chunkier than the XL, despite sharing the same body. But the added fripperies manage to give this a big step up in tough guy looks and that’s because this is a Ranger that is being targeted at looking the part off-road.
That’s evidenced by the chunky all-terrain tyre option on the 17-inch black allow wheels, with a bad-boy look about the front accentuated by a very visible front engine guard, with accents on the door handles and mirrors.
A wider track width, plus an added inch to the ride height from the long-travel suspension, which incorporates well-proven Bilstein dampers, adds to the feeling that this is a BIG vehicle. But that does not make it less agile both on and off road. A reverse parking aid will help with the former, while some clever off-road systems – Trail Turn Assist and Trail Control – very much make things simple off road. The ability to lock the rear axle will also keep it motoring on when the going gets muddy and rough.
On this model there’s also a heavy duty side-step to enable easier entry, plus a manual six-way adjustable heated front driver’s seat (four-way and heated on the passenger’s side). Once in the seat, Ford’s easy to use 10-inch touch-screen gives control over most things, including an easy hitch-up to your phone.
Cruise control can make motorway driving a dawdle, but the extra weight and power in this version of the Ranger only gives you about 27mpg. This one, though, can handle the full 3500kg max towing weight and has a load bay capacity of 1041kg
Exclusive of VAT, the Tremor comes in at £35,865 and the test car provided had a Power Pack 3 option, which added £450 to the final tally.
The Wildtrak
Moving up a gear to the Wildtrak version tested, we have the same engine power of the Tremor, though an option would be to go for the V-six cylinder and 235bhp 3.0 litre EcoBlue engine which adds £5500 to the cost of the standard model’s £40,221 price tag.
This one will work just as hard as the rest of the range, but the looks and appeal are edging towards the ‘lifestyle’ end of the market, given its plusher, smart interior.
Our test vehicle came packed with optional goodies, including really smart 20-inch machined matt black alloys (and there’s a full size aluminium spare tyre). There was also a useful powered roller shutter feature, which included a load box bed liner in its £1600 extra cost.
One that you could really leave off your list was the Ice Feature Pack 106 (cost £450) which was nothing to do with the Ranger’s capability on ice, but more to do with an infotainment system upgrade, including a bigger screen.
And one that you really should look at is the comprehensive £1100 Technology Package 71. This is great for those who expect to tow a trailer and as well as reverse and front parking aids, has a 360-degree camera function to go with a 13-pin socket and tow hitch and a host of other safety aids.
So, all-in-all, the test vehicle hit the road at £44,671 (ex VAT).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here