Ford’s improved Ranger really has gone large in its appeal as a competitive proposition against tough rivals in the pick-up segment. The idea is to tempt everyone from builders to surf-boarding, mountain-biking families with what is now a very complete product indeed.

There are three Ranger bodystyles - ‘Regular’ single cab, ‘Super’ (which has occasional rear seats) and ‘Double Cab’ with proper rear seats. As for practicality, well the ‘Regular Cab’ and ‘Super Cab’ models offer the largest load area box in the class with, respectively, 1.82 and 1.45 cubic metres, while the Double Cab version is also more than competitive with 1.21 cubic metres. Running costs, meanwhile, are much improved - by over 17% with the four cylinder version, which now returns 43.5mpg on the combined cycle and 171g/km of CO2.

Under the bonnet, most models will be sold with the 160PS 2.2-litre four cylinder TDCi turbo diesel that Ford uses in its passenger car line-up. For really effortless towing though, you’ll need the flagship Ranger engine, a purpose-designed 3.2-litre five cylinder TDCi diesel with 200PS on tap and 470NM of torque, most of which you can access from as low in the rev range as 1,750rpm.

And inside? Well, if you go for the four-door Double Cab, there’s plenty of space in the back: two six-footers can certainly sit one behind the other with ease. Under the rear seat, you’ve hidden storage bins to keep tools and valuables away from prying eyes. Or, if the rear bench isn’t in use, you can fold down the backrest for packages you may not want to consign to the rear loadbay.

And up-front? Well, you climb up high to perch behind the wheel of any pick-up and this Ranger is no exception, with an airy, commanding cab offering great all-round visibility and class-leading front seat headroom.

When it all comes down to it, the right tool can make child’s play of men’s work. And if you’re looking for one of the best all-round contenders in the pick-up sector right now, then this is the right tool. Job done.

  • CAR: Ford Ranger pick-up range
  • PRICES: £19,280 -£31,900 - on the road [ex VAT]
  • ENGINES: 2.2-litre diesel (125 & 150PS) and 3.2-litre diesel (200PS)
  • MAXIMUM PAYLOAD: 1.21 cubic metres / 1340kg
  • TOWING CAPACITY: 3350kg
  • STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ESP, ABS, Trailer Weave Detect, Suspension Load Levelling