What’s new: We try Ford’s tough no-frills entry-level pick-up in Super Cab guise that offers occasional seating for two in the rear while possessing unrivalled weight-carrying ability.
Excellent: The Ford Ranger is the most refined diesel pick-up on the market while offering surprisingly strong performance from its 143PS 2.5-litre engine.
Good: Ranger leads the class for gearchange quality. The rear-hinged doors offer easy access to the rear, but it robs 527mm of load length over the Single Cab variant.
Average: Handling is OK but let down by light and feel-less steering. Looks-wise, the Ranger is an improvement over the old one, but is neither as menacing as the Navara or as fun as an L200
Poor: Driving unladen in damp and greasy conditions you’ll wish for anti-skid control. The ride’s also the worst of the new breed of pick-ups. Worst still is the archaic umbrella-style handbrake.
Verdict: A decent pick-up worthy of consideration but let down by poor ride and average looks.
