Sharing honours in this sector is no accident. The new Ford Ranger and second-generation Volkswagen Amarok are based on the same underpinnings and share most of their drivetrain and electrical architecture. The Ford is the dominant one of the pair however and seals its win with a greater number of derivatives and options than the VW, whilst cleverly the two contenders manage not to step on each other’s toes.
Engine-wise Ford brings it’s proven, if a touch unrefined, 2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel to the party with 170bhp, and shares the VW 240bhp V6 TDI with the Amarok. They will please most pickup users, 2-litre for economy (33mpg) long motorway stints and general work, whilst the six-pot diesel offers more punch for towing or running at full payloads all the time, with mid-20s mpg. These double cabs will carry over 1,000kg. Then there’s the stand-alone model in Ford’s Ranger range; the Raptor. This comes with either the 2-litre diesel and slightly reduced spec or the full-fat twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with almost 300bhp (and Lancia Stratos exhaust note) multi-mode 4WD system, supple Baja-race inspired multi-link rear axle and active dampers specifically designed to cope with jumps – no, we’re not joking. Okay, you cannot carry a tonne or reclaim your VAT and you’re looking at 20mpg too, but we should all just be glad it actually exists.
Entry-level versions get the six-speed manual transmission, it’s slick enough if a touch slow, but most get the ten-speed automatic, which is excellent. Small Land Rover models use nine ratios to cover all bases, but the Ranger still has dual-range gears in the 4WD transmission, giving a total count of 20-forward and two reverse ratios to pick from. There are paddle-shifters but, to be honest, just leaving it to its own devices is best – the Raptor V6 even auto-blips on downshifts, chucking a little more unleaded down the twin pipes!
Lower grade models get a 10in centre-tainment system whilst Wildtrak and above get a 12in screen. It is thankfully surrounded by a decent number of proper switches, with the spacious cab offering plenty of storage and excellent seats too. Good all-round vision is assured by the high driving position with huge mirrors and full 360-degree camera system on most versions.
There’s something for everyone in the range. The base XL has 16in steel wheels, no carpets and black bumpers – the fleet choice – whilst the XLT adds alloy wheels, heated windscreen, tyre pressure monitor and auto-wipers. Move up to a Tremor and off-road adornments of sump guard, sidesteps, wide arches and more flexible suspension are up for grabs, with the hugely popular Wildtrak getting such refinements as keyless entry, 18in alloys, privacy glass, that 12in screen, heated seats and wheel, softer suspension and electric park brake. For sole traders this is a great all-rounder. The Wildtrak and Wildtrak X are respectively off-road or luxury biased and the MS-RT with side skirts spoilers and, 21in alloys looks like the Ford-Napa BTCC team have arrived on site. Then there’s the Raptor, which is more of a performance SUV that you don’t mind getting dirty, than a working pickup, but it sure is fun!
All Rangers mimic an SUV in the level of safety kit they boast, with lane assist, adaptive speed control, reverse parking sensors or cameras and even reverse auto-braking for unseen hazards – a life saver for pedestrians who do the funniest things.
Perhaps the Ranger’s greatest strength is its badge. Ford has a massive dealer network, understands, perhaps better than any manufacturer out there, the requirements of the LCV operator and revels in its customer loyalty.
Highly Commended Volkswagen Amarok
While based on the Ranger, the Volkswagen Amarok strives for more of a work and play compromise. On the road, the Amarok’s ride quality is softer and more mellow than its blue oval-badged counterpart. Volkswagen’s version of the model is unashamedly targeted at the luxury end of the pick-up market from where the withdrawal of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class has undoubtedly boosted its fortunes.
Volkswagen offers the double-cab-only Amarok in four specifications: Life, Style, Panamericana and Aventura.
