TEST III

Really the marketeers got it wrong when they allocated the term ‘crossover’ to the breed of jacked-up superminis taking over the motoring world at present.

We get the idea - that these ‘all-rounders’ (I use the term advisedly) can be practical and economical suburban transport during the week, but can then magically transform into rugged off-roaders eager to tackle the toughest mountain trails at the weekend.

The reality of course is that the vast majority of these pseudo-SUVs would throw a hissy fit if confronted with the slightest bit of non-tarmac covered terrain.

No, the true crossovers of the motoring world are Pick-ups - machines that can do an honest day’s work toiling in the harshest environments, yet can also be stylish and respectable enough to double up as prestige family transport.

More than most brands, Ford has recognised the dual-nature of Pick-ups, offering a broad and disparate number of versions of its very popular Ranger. These range (pardon the pun) from the pure workhorse-focused Ranger Single Cab which comes with a very useful load length of 2,317mm to the Ranger Raptor, a sporty derivative aimed at the leisure market that might not offer the maximum payload and towing capabilities, but has redefined just how much fun a Pick-up can be to drive.

Most customers will opt for one of the Double Cab versions of which there are four regular trim levels - XL, XLT, Limited and Wildtrak. The latter two in particular come with specifications that would put many luxury cars to shame, including Ford’s SYNC 3 voice control and infotainment system, 8-way power adjustable driver seats, bi-xenon headlights and rear view cameras.

However if the Wildtrak doesn’t stand out from the crowd enough, Ford also offers a limited edition version called the Thunder. Just 4,500 examples will be produced, so owners can bask in the knowledge that few other Pick-ups will have quite the cachet of their special Ranger.

The Thunder’s calling card is its unique visual appearance. Sea Grey metallic paint, black 18” alloy wheels, red accents on the grille and sports hoop bar at the rear of the passenger area, and prominent ‘Thunder’ logos on the front passenger doors and at the rear enable it to stand out from regular Ranger models.

The interior also gets unique ‘Thunder’ red embroidery on the full Ebony leather seats, while the red theme is continued with matching stitching across the steering wheel, seats, instrument panel and other touch points in the cabin.

Eye-catching it might be, but the Ranger Thunder is no show pony. With the same mechanical specifications as the other mainstream double cabs, it can tow up to 3.5 tonnes and has a payload capacity of just over 1 tonne. It’s powered by the most powerful version of Ford’s 2.0 litre EcoBlue diesel engine, developing 213 PS and a useful 500 Nm of torque. That’s matched to a ten speed automatic transmission - the same one as in the Mustang. Ten gears might seem like overkill but in practice it’s all pretty seamless, with the Ranger Thunder invariably in the right gear for the circumstances.

On-road manners of Pick-ups generally have improved considerably in recent years, and the Ranger is up with the best of them on the ride and handling fronts. I was particularly impressed on one particular stretch of badly surfaced road, which in practically every other vehicle I’ve driven invariably results in a jarring ride and harsh tyre noise. Clad in Continental CrossContact ATR rubber, the Ranger Thunder felt like it was riding on a velvet carpet in comparison. Its suspension is certainly one of the most composed in the Pick-up class.

The Ranger Thunder has a retail price of €49,772 ex-delivery charges (our test model was fitted with another €6k’s worth of extras including active park assist, adaptive cruise control, a load bed aluminium roller shutter with cargo management and load box divider, and a trailer tow pack amongst others).

That represents a price hike of just under €2.5k over the Wildtrak with similar auto transmission. A lot, some might argue, but for that you get a distinctive and stylish looking Pick-up that will turn heads while still able to get down and dirty when required. A proper crossover in other words.

Tested: Ford Ranger Thunder limited edition

SPEC CHECK

MAKE/MODEL: Ford Ranger TYPE/TRIM: Double-cab/ Thunder ENGINE/POWER: 2.0-litre Ecoblue Diesel 213 PS TORQUE: 500 Nm@1,750 rpm DIMENSIONS: Length; 5,359mm, Height; 1,848mm, Width; 1,97mm, Wheelbase; 3,220mm KERB WEIGHT: 2,125 - 2,340kg GVW: 2,246kg FUEL CONSUMPTION: 9.1 litres/100km (WLTP) C02 COMBINED: 239 g/km (WLTP)