How does the Ford Ranger stack up to the What Van? LCV of The Year, the Mitsubishi L200?
1 – Bolder looks bring an almost Mustang-ish slant to the headlights, giving the Ranger plenty of presence.
2 – That helps when the pick-up market is already crowded with talented rivals. However, the Ranger has a trick up its transmission tunnel.
3 – The six-speed auto ‘box in this car is superbly smooth, stepping lightly and cleanly from one gear to the next.
4 – This smoothness is a little unexpected in such a brawny-looking vehicle, but it enhances the drive no end.
5 -It also means you don’t have to rev the 160hp 2.2-litre turbodiesel too much, which helps counter the racket it makes when you do work it hard.
6 – Driven with an iota of consideration, Ford claims 35.3mpg combined economy, though we saw more like 30mpg.
7 – That’s about on a par with rivals and this version of the Ranger retains its full, and class-leading, 3500kg maximum towing capacity.
8 – With all-wheel drive and lofty ground clearance, the Range is handy off-road too, though at £31,000 you might be less inclined in this particular model.
9 – For that cash, you get chunky 17-inch alloys, centre console coolbox, DAB radio, leather seats and parking sensors.
10 – The Double Cab also has a pick-up bed big enough for most needs, thought the tailgate is quite hefty to lift up and down.
