Ford Ranger Last knockings before the all-new model arrives

Twelve 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.

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.

It says something that even as the fat lady sings for the Ranger, its cabin is a benchmark for all its rivals.

Most have caught up with it in terms of rear-seat legroom, but it’s still an object lesson in getting the simple things right. The seating position is superb and you can remain in it for hours at a time without fatigue.

The lower-spec models have aged better here, as they have less in the way of premium materials for others to try and emulate. We also fi nd them ergonomically better as, with fewer controls to concentrate on, Ford’s bad habit of putting unclear graphics on its buttons is less of an issue. At least there’s nothing wrong with the way they’re laid out, though. In terms of multimedia, the Ranger has a mobile wi-fi hot spot and access to app-based remote control functions. Not every version gets this, but you don’t have to go to the top of the range to fi nd it. DRIVING

The Ranger is one of those trucks that makes you feel like the king of the road. It’s big, hefty and very confi dence-inspiring. Whether you’re load-lugging in an XLT or cruising in a Raptor, you only ever feel like the master of all that surrounds you.

drives with an excellent feeling of heft, giving you real confi dence behind the wheel. It has good, smooth steering and the sort of predictable

OTR OTR (ex-VAT) (inc VAT)

XL 2.0 130 Regular Cab £24,750 £29,700 XL 2.0 170 Chassis Cab £25,250 £30,300 XL 2.0 170 Regular Cab £25,400 £30,480 XL 2.0 170 Super Cab £26,200 £31,440 XL 2.0 170 Double Cab £27,000 £32,400 XLT 2.0 170 Super Cab £27,350 £32,820 XLT 2.0 170 Double Cab £28,150 £33,780 Limited 2.0 170 Super Cab £31,415 £37,698 Limited 2.0 170 Double Cab * £32,215 £38,658 Limited 2.0 213 Double Cab auto £34,475 £41,370 Wildtrak 2.0 213 Double Cab auto £35,875 £43,050 * Auto extra £1450 + VAT

New Ranger: Wildtrak 2.0 205 Double Cab auto £39,350 £47,220 Wildtrak 3.0 240 Double Cab auto £40,750 £48,900 Raptor 3.0 292 Double-Cab auto £48,300 £57,960 Raptor 3.0 292 Double-Cab auto £48,300 £57,960

If the new model had arrived in time to be included in the judging for this year’s award, the Ranger would have been the red-hot favourite. Yet such is the old one’s brilliance, many people would say it should won every year since its launch in 2012. It remains a hugely competent, endlessly fl exible vehicle whose enormous popularity in high-spec form disguises the fact that deep down, it’s a rock-solid workhorse. We’ve loved every Ranger we’ve ever tested – but while the Raptors and Wildtraks have been great, it’s the XLs and XLTs we’ve respected most of all. Even after this year’s ugly price rises, it remains a masterpiece right to the end.

body roll you can use to your advantage in corners.

It steers and handles predictably and refi nement is generally good, too, with a smooth and quiet ride on all but the very worst road surfaces. Whichever engine you get, it has enough; the 170 is as strong as you’ll ever need, but the 213 is a hoot – though in Sport mode, it can be quite a handful on B-roads, giving you the feeling that you’re having to hold it back.

On top of this, it’s extremely able off-road, with good suspension and tractability on all models. There’s a very wide range of top-quality kit available for modifying it, too.