New Ford Ranger claims International Pickup Award 2020!

In an incredibly successful International Van of the Year 2020 Awards for Ford vans which saw the new Ford Transit Custom claim the biggest prize of them all, the Ford Ranger also bagged the pickup prize. Vansdirect takes a closer look!

Ford vans dominate at International Van of the Year Awards 2020

Ford vans weren't satisfied with achieving a 1-2 in the International Van of the Year (IVOTY) Awards 2020, they also claimed the pickup prize to achieve a clean sweep. The new Ford Ranger arose victorious following a three-day group test in Sweden against four other competitors and claimed the prestigious International Pickup Award (IPUA) 2020.

The pickup truck award was voted for by 18 members of the IVOTY jury and was an incredibly close run competition with just six points separating the new Ford Ranger in first spot and the new Mitsubishi L200 pickup in second. The Toyota Hilux had to settle for third spot ahead of the new Nissan Navara and Renault Alaskan pickups.

Chairman of the International Van of the Year 2020 Jury, Jarlath Sweeney commented on the announcement:

"Jury members adjudged the Ranger to be the best all-rounder and noted that it's a best seller too, as the previous version together with this revised model dominate the European marketplace with almost 30% share of the IPUA 1-tonne segment. So the public recognize its merits also! Marks were allocated on each vehicle based on powertrain efficiencies, load volume and capability, driver and passenger comfort and safety aspects, as well as low total cost of operation from a business point of view"

2020 is not the first time that Ford vans have claimed the pickup prize, with the Ford Ranger also winning the IPUA in 2013. The iconic pickup received a comprehensive facelift in 2019 with the introduction of a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine taken from the new Ford Transit Custom and new Ford Transit vans. Not only is the new engine more efficient than the models it is replacing, it is also more powerful.

Visual changes for the 2019 Ford Ranger are more subtle, however Ford vans have still given it a revised front bumper and grille design and new paint options. Top spec Ford Wildtrak 2019 models still get the exclusive Saber Orange colour option and a dark grey finish for the exterior trim, grille and wheels to help it stand out from the rest of the Ford Ranger models.

The new Ranger also gets a host of the latest Ford vans safety technology including pedestrian detection and an intelligent speed limiter as standard.

New Ford Ranger - everything you need to know

Ford Ranger Raptor

As part of the facelift, Ford vans have also introduced a standalone performance model to their pickup range in the form of the bold and bullish Ford Ranger Raptor. The performance pickup is said to enhance the capabilities of the Ranger both on and off road, with a host of aggressive looking modifications not only making it stand out from the crowd in terms of appearance, but also in terms of performance.

Ford Ranger Raptor - everything you need to know

Ford Ranger for sale

Looking for new pickups for saleYour search is over! Vansdirect have a massive range of new pickups for sale including the new Ford Ranger Wildtrak with cheap van finance options available including van leasing, van contract hire and van hire purchase. Simply fill in a contact form or call us on 0800 169 69 95 to find out more!

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