Road Tests: Ford Ranger 2.5TD Super Cab 4x4

Published: Commercial Motor, 13 Mar 2003

Super Trooper
by: Colin Barnett
Tax breaks offered on company cars are unintentionally benefiting pickyup drivers, expanding on the already-healthy traditional market. Let's hope the Chancellor doesn't regret his generosity and reverse the tax breaks that are making models like the Ranger Super Cab so attractive.

Verdict

While others have their gimmicks, the nearest this Ford Ranger gets to frivolity is its unique (except for its Mazda half-brother) rear-door arrangement. It provides easy access to rear of the cab, both for passengers and for bulky goods that you may not want to expose to the elements in the load box. Rear doors apart, the Ranger Super Cab 4x4 is indeed a hard worker but with enough refinement and comfort to make work as much of a pleasure as possible. Although fuel economy is unremarkable, its superior payload helps to compensate in no small way. Even if, or should that be when, the bubble bursts on this section of the market, you can count on the Ranger in its more utilitarian forms performing faithful service.

Vehicle Specifications

Ford Ranger 2.5TD Super Cab 4x4
Fuel Consumption:26.4mpg(10.7lit/100km)
Average speed:63.8km/h
Gross weight as tested:2,930kg
Net payload:1,135kg
Price as tested:£14,437(ex-VAT)