Keep on trucking with the Ford Ranger

It’s an off-road capable pickup that doesn’t take up two parking spots. Intriguing

Outside Alabama and Alberta, the UAE is one of the few locations where driving a pickup (flatbed, monster, or otherwise) attracts little more than a nod of appreciation. Rumble down the country lanes of Aldershot in the UK, though, and they’d believe the End of Days was approaching. Over in the Middle East, we have the space, both on and off-road, and in general larger families and more of an outdoor life to warrant this class of vehicle being a sensible purchase. Now, we have to confess when it comes to trucks, for us, the Ford Ranger’s older sibling the F-150 is the final word in the genre. So when its smaller relative turned up we didn’t know if we were going to take to it or long for our favourite. Let’s see how we got on with each other.

What do you get with this one?

The Ranger’s clamshell hood houses a choice of two turbodiesel engines designed to deliver power and torque, while also using less fuel than ever before. Simple as that. We know what you’re thinking, “diesel!” Yes, diesel. Unusual in this part of the world, but it is what it is and we can report the technology must have moved on leaps and bounds since the Renault 19 we, er, enjoyed in the ‘90s. Not only did we not have to fuel up during our entire test, Ford’s diesel engines create more power and, in most cases, far more torque than their key rivals. Depending on specification level, the Ranger’s 2.2-litre Duratorq turbodiesel engine produces between 150 and 160hp and around 380Nm of torque. The 3.2-litre Duratorq turbodiesel engine available in the XLT and Wildtrak develops a class-leading 200hp and 470Nm torque. These numbers dictate excellent towing capabilities of up to 3.5 tonnes.

Is it fun?

This car was designed, engineered and tested in Australia. Does that count? It looks the part surrounded by the dunes and you can tell it is built well. Stepping up on the running boards into the cabin evokes a suitable amount of cowboy spirit and when you combine it with a high beltline, a raked grille and slanted windshield, the car appears far more athletic than its contemporaries. Off-road, Ranger’s short front and rear overhangs allow better approach and departure angles for tackling steep terrain, while its 23cm ground clearance is impressive. Features like Hill Descent Control which takes the stress out of the precise driving required when tackling the technical challenges of the region’s tight and twisty mountain roads and Ford’s 4X4 Shift-On-The-Fly where you can switch between two- and four-wheel drive on the go provides off-roaders with increased peace of mind. You can also load it up with up to 1425Kg of gear, so there’s no need to pack light!

And on the road?

A car of this sort is never going to beat too many off the line, but that’s not why you want one. Inside the engine runs quiet, thus it can pass as an everyday commuter. There’s plenty of space for everyone to be transported in comfort and there’s all that Ford easy-to-use tech too. Overall, jolly good show.