Insight

April’s Used Van Hero 2019

Andy Picton | 15 Apr 2019

About the author

Andy Picton

Chief Commercial Vehicle Editor

Having worked previously for Barclays Asset Finance and LeasePlan in the commercial vehicle sector, Andy joined Glass’s in 2002 as part of the Commercial Vehicle team working closely with manufacturers, leasing and insurance companies, traders, dealers and auction houses. He was promoted to Chief Commercial Vehicle Editor in 2016 and manages our industry-leading team of valuation experts. He loves football, music and commercial vehicles.

For those wanting on and off-road appeal and rugged reliability

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is been named as Glass’s Used Commercial Hero for April.

Each month, Glass’s Commercial Vehicle editors hold a meeting to name the current Used Van Hero in the UK market – the model they believe offers versatility, durability and outstanding value for money.

Andy Picton, Chief Commercial Vehicle Editor: “Despite increased competition in this sector, the Ranger is the pick-up of choice for many new and used buyers.  Sales of new have grown year on year since 2012, with over 50,000 pick-ups sold in the UK last year. Over 30% of these were Rangers, making it comfortably the best-selling pickup in the UK.

Its combination of specification, payload, off-road and towing capabilities, reliability and dealer network also made it the perfect choice for many used buyers.

WHY

There is a comprehensive model line-up for the Ranger. Models are available with rear-wheel drive 4×2 or all-wheel drive 4×4 transmissions paired to Regular, Super and Double cab formats.  In 2016, a more efficient 160PS engine replaced the 150PS unit, whilst at the same time, a more economical version of the 3.2TDCi 200PS powered the Limited and Wildtrak models.

WHEN WAS IT ON SALE

The Ranger launched in 1998 and shared platforms with the Mazda B-Series until 2006. From then and until 2011, the Mazda was renamed the BT-50 when the partnership finished. The introduction of the Wildtrak to the UK line-up took place in September 2005. The sixth generation Ranger made its debut in 2016, receiving enhancements such as revised headlights and DAB radio. SYNC2 connectivity was standard on the Limited and Wildtrak models. Options included lane-keeping alert for the first time.

A 2019 facelift arrives in the summer and features an all-new set of 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engines that will replace the 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre units. A 10-speed automatic will feature for the first time along with a number of specification improvements. The all-new top-of-the-range Raptor model will also be available to the UK market.

WHAT’S GOOD

Although truck-like in appearance, the Ranger offers a comfortable drive with good levels of specification. The latest Ranger is five star Euro NCAP crash rated and is available with driver aids including hill descent control. Plenty of engine torque in low gears allows for easy towing or carrying of heavy loads. Maximum payloads and towing capabilities are in line with the competition. The large Ford Transit Centre dealer network means help is never far away.

WHAT’S BAD

At 231g/km CO2 and combined 31.2mpg, the Wildtrak 3.2TDCi auto is not going to tick many ‘green’ boxes. The six-speed automatic gearbox is a little sluggish whilst the offset pedals of the manual can be uncomfortable. The standard warranty of 3yrs/60,000m is the shortest in this sector.

IDEAL BUY

Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 3.2 TDCI 200PS auto double cab – 2016/66 with 35,000 miles – Retail £16,595 + VAT, Trade £14,725 + VAT

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