The new model Ford Ranger, what more could you want in a pick up

Running a pick up as your company car is not as lucrative a tax saving as it used to be. In 2007 the company car benefit in kind was adjusted from £500 to £3000 fixed, no matter the CO2. That said, if you had a comparable four by four instead of a quality pick up, the company car tax burden is £190 to £210 a month more. That is a great start toward paying the monthly lease cost of your new pick up, but should it be the Ford?

For the last five years, Ford has invested heavily in safety in safety and vehicle efficiency. The new Ranger benefits from much of the research and also tops the pick-up tree for carrying and towing capacities. Ford build quality is now just about a match for VW and other market leaders, the Ranger is no exception with a  superb interior fit and finish.

 

The new Ranger is a result of Ford working towards a smaller number of products and the as the smaller brother of the F-150, the worlds best-selling truck, the Ranger has replaced units in Africa, South America and Australia as well as Europe. It is put together in Thailand and Argentina and quality is superb.

 

The new Ranger has recently won the International Pick-Up award. Tests carried out in difficult terrains and carrying large loads or towing at the outer limits of all vehicles, the Ranger wiped the board, scoring more points from the judges than second and third places combined.

 

The new Duratorq engines are gems, they are more economical and stronger with  Euro 5 emissions. The Ranger has also been granted an NCAP 5 safety standard, the first commercial ever. The cab is sound and heat insulated, its quieter than before and with car-like specification, you can easily live day-to-day with it.

This is after all a vehicle that is meant to be able on and off-road. Ford have installed 4wd on the fly, with rear wheel drive and selectable four wheel drive at up to 70 mph.  The Ranger has been fitted with a low range with a locking diff unnecessary due to the complex traction system on board.

 

In practical terms the Ranger is thoroughbred Ford with superb storage and power points, even down to a store under the rear seats. The passenger side storage compartment will store a 16 inch laptop.

Make no mistake, this is no car. But among its peers the Ford is tops right now and has sent everybody else running back to the design boards to catch up.