Ford Ranger Wildtrack 4x4 pickup

The third-generation Ford Ranger 4x4 pickup has been designed from new to meet the demands of the current commercial market.

There are four different body styles available. The Regular Cab with two or four-wheel drive, has two doors, two seats and the longest load bed of all Ranger's. There's also a Super Cab version, which has four doors, the rear of which open in reverse. There is a Double Cab offering the most space for passengers, but with the shortest load bed. With four doors and five seats and is available with four-wheel drive only. Finally available as a Chassis Cab, offering almost limitless potential for customisation but is aimed squarely at a specialist commercial operator.

There are four trim levels available: XL, XLT, Limited and Wildtrak, and there's a wide range of customisation options to suit either your lifestyle or business. The vehicle is one of the best pickup's to drive, powered by a standard 2.2-litre diesel engine, available with either 123bhp or 148bhp. There is also a range-topping 3.2-litre diesel with 197bhp with the ability to tow a braked trailer weighing up to 3,500kg.

The most efficient model is the 2.2-litre TDCi diesel Regular Cab with 123bhp and rear-wheel drive. It returns 39mpg and emits 192g/km of CO2. The four-wheel drive with a spacious Super Cab body sees fuel economy drop to 35mpg and CO2 emissions climb to 209g/km.

The Single Cab only has two doors but this allows a massive 2.3-metre-long load bed with a maximum capacity of up to 1,309kg (Engine Dependant). The larger four-door, five-seat Double Cab reduces load-bed length to 1.5 metres and payload to a maximum of 1,179kg.

All range models are equipped with grip and stability-enhancing features as well as hill-start assist, hill-descent control to limit downhill speeds, off-road and trailer sway control that can help to restore control of a trailer that has started to weave while being towed. The XL version has Ford’s clever Easy Fuel system (which prevents you filling up with petrol by mistake), tinted glass, electric door mirrors and a height-adjustable driver seat. The XLT model adds chrome and body-coloured trims, cruise control, air-conditioning, alloy wheels, automatic wipers, a heated windscreen, a load-bed liner and an upgraded stereo with Bluetooth phone connectivity. The Limited model has side steps, dual-zone air-conditioning, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery and a high-spec stereo with a colour screen. The top-of-the-range Wildtrak model adds roof rails, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear parking camera and sat nav.

Options are fairly limited, but include various different types of tonneau cover for the load bed. Models without standard air-con or sat nav can have these added. A digital tachograph is also available for commercial operators. Either as a new or used option, this range of vehicles are worthy of their status.