Ford can now finally compete on a level footing with the new breed of performance pick-ups from the Japanese manufacturers, all of whom have been racing to release ever more powerful versions of tax-beating double-cabs aimed at a more ‘lifestyle’ buyer.
Ford’s tool in the pick-up box is the 3.0-litre Thunder, available with an automatic gearbox. Although the headline figure of 156PS is a touch shy of the power-leading 171PS Nissan Navara, the Ranger’s on-road performance is a match.
The 3.0-litre diesel in the Ranger is also one of the most refined pick-up engines available, making it more suitable than its rivals for longer distances and motorway work. However, as with the 2.5-litre version, the rear suspension still suffers from being overly stiff, leading to it ‘kicking’ over bumps.
The automatic gearbox makes driving the Ranger Thunder easy, but it has a tendency to be jerky at lower speeds.
Verdict: A top three player in the market. Good value too
