Available in the UK since 1998, the new Ford Ranger pick-up van is the third generation sold by Ford on our shores. Developed independently by Ford (the previous two versions were based on Mazda pick-up vans), Vansdirect investigates 5 reasons to purchase a new Ford Ranger pick-up.
Introduction to the Ford Ranger pickup
With demand for pick-up vans currently soaring, the Ford Ranger has a whole host of rivals in the category. In 2016, the Ranger introduced a number of upgrades to keep their pick-up van current against newly released models. A thriving pick-up sector includes rivals including: the Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, the new Volkswagen Amarok, the new Isuzu D-max, the new Fiat Fullback, Renault's new addition to the pick-up market the Alaskan and Mercedes' introduction the X-Class. Huge rivalry, so what makes the Ford Ranger stand out against these rivals?
1. The Ford Ranger is reliable and safe
Initially tested in 2012, the Ford Ranger pickup accomplished a full five-star Euro NCAP rating, just like the new Ford Transit Custom. The modifications in 2016 added a plethora of electronic driver aids to cement this rating and improve the safety and performance of the Ranger further. The base (XL) version of the Ranger includes safety features such as: Driver and passenger dual airbags, an innovative ESC stability control system, Hill Start Assist and Hill Decent Control, Load Adaptive Control, Roll-over avoidance and Trailer Sway Control. The Ranger is full of technology to ensure your safety!
2. The Ford Ranger is practical
Available as a Regular Cab, Super Cab or Double Cab; there is a Ford Ranger for every job. The most popular being the double cab, these offer a load length in excess of 1.5metres and a payload in excess of 1,000kg. To add to this, the Ranger can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 3,500kg! Loadspace can also be expanded with a hard-top rear cover, while your load can be protected with tie-downs and a lockable tailgate.
3. The Ford Ranger is available with manual and automatic transmissions
Not satisfied with the level of choice? There's another choice in terms of engine to be made, the Ranger is available with two engines, a four-cylinder 2.2 litre TDCi offering 160ps and a five cylinder 3.2 litre TDCi offering 200ps. The second engine is only available in Double Cab models of the Ranger, these models can also be fitted with a six-speed automatic gearbox!
4. The Ford Ranger is good to drive in all conditions
Tested in the toughest of conditions, including below zero temperatures, in heat in excess of 50 degrees and towing a fully laden trailer up steep inclines; the Ranger is built to work as effectively whatever the conditions. Smooth and responsive controls ensure that the Ranger is a comfortable drive on motorways and more challenging B-roads, four-wheel drive and high to low ratio gearing also enables the Ranger pick-up to cope off-road with the consummate of ease! Adding to this a tilt angle of 35 degrees and 800mm wading depth, the Ranger pick-up is an excellent all-rounder!
5. The Ford Ranger has four high-spec trim levels
The most Basic XL version of the Ranger pick-up is far from basic, containing a whole host of safety features as mentioned previously and a variety of other features including DAB radio, Bluetooth and Thatcham category 1 alarm. Sound good? Four choices of trim mean you can make your Ranger pick-up as advanced as you desire, by upgrading to XLT, Limited or Wildtrak versions.
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is the pinnacle in terms of pick-up vans, with features including: 18" alloy wheels, wing grille with 'Wildtrak' logo, titanium front grille, aerodynamic sports bar, Wildtrak seat trim and stitching on steering wheel, Sat Nav, 8" touchscreen and rear view camera. The Ford Ranger Wildtrak has all the features you'd expect from a top of the range pickup van and so much more!