Ford Ranger Thunder: highly capable off-roadFord Ranger road test
Review: Sam Hardy
Ford Ranger 2.5 TDCI 4WD Pick Up Thunder Double Cab
What is it?
Special edition of Ford’s familiar pick-up. Flagship double-cab Thunder gets a new grille and other styling tweaks plus a smart new dashboard, MP3-playing stereo and air-con as standard. Ford Ranger Thunder now powered by an improved 2.5 TDCi diesel.
What’s hot?
Ranger certainly looks mean: chunky tyres and flared wheelarches
Efforts to improve refinement have been reasonably successful…
…and 140bhp 2.5 TDCi is punchy and pretty economical too
Driving experience positive with accurate steering and good grip
Dashboard design much better. Equipment levels great
Hugely capable off-road
Tax situation favourable
What’s not?
Leaf spring rear suspension means progress can be a bit bouncy
Surprisingly impractical with little additional space inside…
…while secure coverings for the huge flat-bed are expensive
Cabin quality better but still not as good as the average family car
Still feels and sounds like a commercial vehicle
What you need to Know
P11D Value:
£17,450
Monthly Rental: *
£358
What will it be worth: **
£
GVW:
3020kg
Payload:
1175kg
Loadspace Volume:
n/a
Basic Loadspace Dimensions:
1530mm x 1456mm
Engine:
2.5 turbo diesel
CO2 Emissions:
n/a
Power/torque:
140bhp/243lb ft
Economy:
n/a
*Monthly rental courtesy of HSBC DriverQuote. Based on 36-month/30,000-mile contract hire agreement with maintenance.
** Trade value of van if purchased after three years and 60,000 miles.
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Business Van Manager Road Test Rating
It’s not going to make many business car drivers swap out of their Mondeos but the Thunder is a well-equipped, good-to-drive, truly multi-purpose vehicle. It’s not as practical as a van and Mitsubishi’s L200 and Nissan’s Navara are both better pick-ups, but in Thunder form the Ford Ranger is better than ever.
