The new Ford Ranger has a lot to live up to, with the updated versions of the Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi L200 providing all the practicality we've come to expect but without the agricultural sensibilities. With a comprehensive set of upgrades, this new Ranger looks better than ever - and we got the chance to try it out ahead of the launch early next year.
Our short test drive was on Ford's off-road test track at the brand's huge facility in Lommel, Belgium in a double cab model using the most powerful 197bhp 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel. Other models will also be available with a 158bhp 2.2-litre diesel, and there's a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes.
Ford's updates for the Ranger have brought its look up to date, and with its chunky grille, large headlights and taillights it definitely looks the part. It has two seats in single cab form, with the four-seater Super Cab and five-seater Double Cab models also available.
Like the L200 and Navara, the new Ranger feels much more car-like inside, especially with the plush leather trim in the Wildtrak model we drove. With a new eight-inch touchscreen sat-nav and infotainment system embedded in the dash you'd be forgiven for thinking you're in a high-riding SUV rather than a hard-working pick-up.
The switchgear, steering wheel and gear selector are straight from Ford's car range, and while there are still hard plastics around the dash there's definitely a more upmarket feel inside. The engine sounds smooth at idle too, without the clattery noise you tend to find in older pick-ups like the Isuzu D-Max.
Thanks to the four-wheel drive system, low-range gearbox, hill descent control and locking differential the Ranger is impressive when it comes to off-roading. The big 3.2-litre engine has 470Nm of torque and pulls strongly even at low revs - and that bodes well for towing. In the UK that's a key factor for pick-up buyers, and with a 3,500kg towing capacity the Ranger is up there with the class leaders.
With fuel economy of 28.2mpg, however, the larger engine might not be the best choice when it comes to cutting costs - especially when the new Nissan Navara manages over 40mpg on the combined cycle with only slightly less power.
With its high ground clearance and chunky tyres the Ranger tackled the muddy slopes and deep ruts of the off-road course, but we'll have to wait until next year to find out how it drives on the road.
- Price: £32,370
- Engine: 3.2-litre 5cyl diesel
- Power/torque: 197bhp/470Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed auto, four-wheel drive
- 0-62mph: 10.4 seconds
- Top speed: 109mph
- Economy/CO2: 28.2mpg/265g/km
- On sale: Now