What Ranger?

We’ve been driving a lot of the new Ford Rangers lately, and they are extremely good. They have the burly looks, excellent driving ergonomics and slick drivetrains that mark them as part of a next generation of bakkies. We have lots of praise for the new 2.0-litre turbodiesels, now allied to the ratio-madness of a 10-speed auto box.

They have a proper low-range 4x4 system with a rear diff lock, giving them sure-footed capability on all but the most extreme 4x4 trails. And when it comes to long road cruising, who is to argue with a very premium car-like array of driver aids and an infotainment system that is right up there for sound quality and ease of use.

There are plenty of model options for buyers too, but the ones that concern us are the top-end four-wheel drives. When it comes down to selecting the right Ranger for the job, if you aren’t going to reach for the Raptor, which is