Ford Ranger road test Review: Mark Bursa
Ford Ranger XL 2.5TDCi 143PS regular cab 4×4
What is it?
Simple, basic workman’s version of Ford’s all-new pick-up. Same powertrain and performance as the mid-market Thunder version, but with base trim and a full-size load bed.
What’s hot?
- No-nonsense looks give greater presence…
- …looks taller and shorter than previous model
- Excellent diesel has plenty of power, vast reserves of low-end torque…
- But gives decent fuel economy and CO2 levels for its class
- Anti-stall facility gives exemplary performance off-road…
- …just put it in first, don’t touch the pedals…
- …and the engine management system does the work
- Extremely rugged build dispenses with unnecessary trim…
- …so no body-coloured wheel arches, no front foglights, no air-con
- Well-finished cab with carbon-fibre effect soft plastic, comfortable seats
- Despite lower trim level, seats as comfortable as upscale Rangers
- Big loadbed has useful side rails and hooks for attaching covers
- Sturdy tailgate has central latch, so can be dropped with one hand
- Ford dealer support is better than most due to extensive network
What’s not?
- Down-specification removes useful features eg adjustable-height seat belt
- Umbrella-handle handbrake old-fashioned in electronic handbrake age
- Lots of play in the rather vague steering; turning circle is poor
- More engine noise than up-market Ranger versions
- Slightly more bouncy unladen ride than heavier double-cab…
- …but better than most rivals
- Not the cheapest in its class, but will give better residuals
- Add £400 for metallic paint finish
What you need to Know
| P11D Value: | £15,500 |
| Monthly Rental: * | £266 + VAT |
| What will it be worth: ** | £n/a |
| GVW: | 3,010kg |
| Payload: | 1,160kg |
| Loadspace Volume: | n/a |
| Basic Loadspace Dimensions: | 2,280mm long x 1,456mm wide x 465mm deep |
| Engine: | 2,499cc in-line four cylinder turbodiesel with four-wheel drive |
| CO2 Emissions: | 255g/km |
| Power/torque: | 143PS/330Nm |
| Economy: | 30.4mpg |
*Monthly contract hire rental generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.
**Trade value of van if purchased after three years and 60,000 miles. (Powered by Deltapoint)
Business Van Manager Road Test Rating
Ford has recognised that the pick-up market is changing, so the emphasis is less on the leisure market and more on the business user. Base XL spec will account for around a third of sales, targeting trades such as construction and farming, where the need is for a genuine load-carrier, not a dual-purpose vehicle that can double as the family car. In that sector, Ford Ranger XL does what it says on the tin – and with more refinement than key rivals, Isuzu Rodeo and Nissan NP300. The class of the field in the rugged pick-up sector.
