Ford Ranger Thunder: balances work and playFord Ranger Thunder test Review: Mark Bursa
Ford Ranger Thunder 2.5TDCi 143PS Double Cab 4×4
What is it?
Mid-range ‘dual-purpose’ version of Ford’s all-new Ranger pick-up. The Ranger Thunder features the same powertrain and performance as the entry-level XL, but with roomy four-door, five-seat cab and higher trim.
What’s hot?
Excellent diesel: plenty of power, vast reserves of low-end torque…
But gives decent fuel economy and CO2 levels for its class
…but you get body-coloured wheel arches, front fogs, 16in alloys…
….chrome on grille, door handles, ‘sports bars’ and rear rollover cage
Cab well-finished with carbon-fibre effect soft plastic, comfortable seats
Air con standard; Thunder trim adds digital inclinometer and compass
There’s plenty of rear legroom – rear seat will accommodate three adults
Loadbed has standard protective plastic liner
Sturdy tailgate has central latch, so can be dropped with one hand
Towing capacity an excellent 3 tonnes…
… enough to haul a small digger or a large caravan
What’s not?
Umbrella-handle handbrake old-fashioned in age of electronic handbrakes
Lots of play in the rather vague steering; turning circle poor
Engine noise becomes noticeable ‘boomy’ at motorway speeds
Slightly bouncy unladen ride, but still better than most rivals
There’s no hard top option at the moment (one is coming)
Automatic gearbox is an option – though it compromises performance
There’s room on the dash – but no sat-nav option
Front seats are heated – but there’s only one switch…
…so it’s either both on or neither!
What you need to Know
P11D Value:
£19,600
Monthly Rental: *
£305 + VAT
What will it be worth: **
£n/a
GVW:
2,995kg
Payload:
994kg
Loadspace Volume:
n/a
Basic Loadspace Dimensions:
1,530mm long x 1,456mm wide x 465mm deep
Engine:
2,499cc four cylinder turbodiesel
CO2 Emissions:
255g/km
Power/torque:
143PS/330Nm
Economy:
30.4mpg combined
*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
The era of the full-on ‘leisure’ pick-up is over, says Ford. Environmental pressures mean urban buyers of top-spec Chelsea Tractors are downsizing to something a lot greener, leaving the pick-up sector to the business user. So the Ford Ranger Thunder, not the Wildtrak, will be the best seller. It’s well-specced without the Wildtrak’s ‘bling’ – and without the thirsty 3.0-litre engine. And that means the Ford Ranger Thunder is spot-on for the business user who needs a powerful workhorse during the week, but wants to take his family out at the weekend.
*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)
