2023 PICK-UP OF THE YEAR
FORD RANGER Last knockings of current model before replacement goes on sale • Still a benchmark
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welve months ago, the allnew Ranger had just been unveiled and we were confidently expecting that it would be the one to beat this time round. Frustratingly, though, while the first models have already been price-listed in the UK and deliveries are expected to have started by the time you read this, the new Ranger has taken just too long to arrive for us to be able to include it. So it’s still the old model that we’re judging here. Which does make it feel a bit like we’re marking time, but to be honest that’s been the case every since the new one was revealed.
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We mentioned the price list for the new one, and based on the small number of top-end models to have gone up so far it’s about £5k more than the existing Ranger. This itself has gone up in price by an average of 11-12% over the last year, which says something about the demand Ford has still been getting as the old one runs out. That’s saying something when you consider that this is basically an 2012 truck. Ford has worked wonders to keep it fresh throughout the whole of its life, both as a work truck and, in particular, a lifestyle vehicle. Nonetheless, with the new model so close to arriving, most buyers will
be hanging fire – especially as the old one costs so much more than it did this time last year.
RANGE
The choices will start to drop off as various models start to sell out, but all things being equal the Ranger is available in Double-Cab form throughout, with Single and SuperCab alternatives at utility level. Here, even the base-spec XL gives you equipment like cruise, air-con, DAB and Bluetooth – and while it’s not as plush as the Limited and Wildtrak, there’s a fitness for purpose to them that’s very satisfying. Our feeling would be that the XLT hits the
spot perfectly – it really does have everything you need in a truck, as well as a no-nonsense honesty that’s very refreshing if you’re not impressed by a big screen or dollops of leather and chrome. All Rangers come complete with an epic list of optional equipment, too, and Ford doesn’t gouge you with the price of these items. It’s too late for this to be relevant to the outgoing model, but we look forward to more of the same with the new one.
CABIN
It says something that even as the fat lady sings for the Ranger, its cabin is a benchmark for all its rivals.
4x4 22/11/2022 15:33
