Work and play Thunder strikes right note for business users

Ford Ranger Thunder: balances work and play

Ford Ranger Thunder test Review: Mark Bursa

Ford Ranger Thunder 2.5TDCi 143PS Double Cab 4×4

What is it?

Mid-range ‘dual-purpose’ version of Ford’s all-new Ranger pick-up. The Ranger Thunder features the same powertrain and performance as the entry-level XL, but with roomy four-door, five-seat cab and higher trim.

What’s hot?

• Excellent diesel: plenty of power, vast reserves of low-end torque…
• But gives decent fuel economy and CO2 levels for its class
• Anti-stall facility gives off-road exemplary performance…
• …just put in first, don’t touch the pedals…
• …and the engine management system does the work
• Trim is up-market without being overtly ‘flash’…
• …but you get body-coloured wheel arches, front fogs, 16in alloys…
• ….chrome on grille, door handles, ‘sports bars’ and rear rollover cage
• Cab well-finished with carbon-fibre effect soft plastic, comfortable seats
• Air con standard; Thunder trim adds digital inclinometer and compass
• There’s plenty of rear legroom – rear seat will accommodate three adults
• Loadbed has standard protective plastic liner
• Sturdy tailgate has central latch, so can be dropped with one hand
• Towing capacity an excellent 3 tonnes…
• … enough to haul a small digger or a large caravan

What’s not?

• Umbrella-handle handbrake old-fashioned in age of electronic handbrakes
• Lots of play in the rather vague steering; turning circle poor
• Engine noise becomes noticeable ‘boomy’ at motorway speeds
• Slightly bouncy unladen ride, but still better than most rivals
• There’s no hard top option at the moment (one is coming)
• Automatic gearbox is an option – though it compromises performance
• There’s room on the dash – but no sat-nav option
• Front seats are heated – but there’s only one switch…
• …so it’s either both on or neither!

What you need to Know

*Monthly contract hire rental generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

**Trade value of van if purchased after three years and 60,000 miles. (Powered by Deltapoint)

Business Van Manager Road Test Rating

The era of the full-on ‘leisure’ pick-up is over, says Ford. Environmental pressures mean urban buyers of top-spec Chelsea Tractors are downsizing to something a lot greener, leaving the pick-up sector to the business user. So the Ford Ranger Thunder, not the Wildtrak, will be the best seller. It’s well-specced without the Wildtrak’s ‘bling’ – and without the thirsty 3.0-litre engine. And that means the Ford Ranger Thunder is spot-on for the business user who needs a powerful workhorse during the week, but wants to take his family out at the weekend.

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