PK Ranger

FORD frankly could not wait to dump the old Courier name and adopt the international Ranger moniker for its new fourth-generation light commercial vehicle range.

Like sister company Mazda, whose BT-50 shares the same architecture, Ford also dropped the underperforming 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine from its range, opting instead for latest-generation direct-injection common-rail 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, which are called Duratorq in the Fords.

The entry-level 2.5-litre turbo-diesel develops 105kW at 3500rpm and 330Nm at 1800rpm, while the 3.0-litre offers 115Nm at 3200rpm and 380Nm at 1800rpm.

Both 16-valve four-cylinder engines are quieter than before and perform considerably better, enabling Ford to get by without the V6 petrol variant.

Thanks to a variable-geometry turbocharger, turbo lag is reduced and the torque curve is extremely flat from 1800rpm through to about 3500rpm, offering strong acceleration in that rev range.

The standard transmission is a five-speed manual while an optional five-speed auto was made available on only one 4x2 model – the range-topping Crew Cab high rider – and four of the seven 4x4 models.

As with the Courier, Range body styles include a Single Cab with little room behind the seats, a Super Cab with emergency-only seating and rear-hinged doors for easy access, and a Crew Cab with more adult-friendly rear seats and conventional doors.

Braked towing capacity rose from 1800kg with the Courier to 2250kg for the 2.5-litre Rangers and up to 3000kg for the 3.0-litre models fitted with a Ford towpack and load-levelling kit.

A premium Wildtrak model was added later.