2016 Ford Ranger M-Sport 3.2 TDCi 4x4 double cab first drive

Rally car-builder M-Sport’s modified version of Ford’s top-end European pick-up truck, the 3.2-litre diesel Ford Ranger Wildtrack. The Cockermouth-based firm, run by former star rally driver Malcolm Wilson, is currently in expansion mode, and is keen to establish a range of own-brand modified road cars. It is concentrating at first on Ford’s commercials, and already offers M-Sport versions of the Transit Custom and Connect.

Those vehicles are all built in Abergavenny by Van Sport, using a specification laid down by M-Sport. The builders have wisely concentrated on décor and suspension for their improved models, rather than change the power trains or mess with the ultra-convenient selectable four-wheel drive system.

The two M-Sport Transits are already on sale, and the Ranger hits showrooms next month. It costs £35,995 plus VAT for the top-spec, 3.2-litre diesel, six-speed automatic version we're testing here. That’s a pretty solid £43,200 retail for those of us who can’t claim VAT, although it's likely to appeal most strongly to professional owners in search of image, and attracted by the fact that even this vast double cab pick-up attracts less benefit-in-kind (BIK) taxation than a Kia Sportage or Discovery Sport.

In the UK, this most luxurious of Rangers aims to play the role fulfilled in America by the famous Ford Raptor: a pick-up with performance and road ability to rival a specialist SUV. The M-Sport Ranger is neither as big or wide as a Raptor, but it’s still 5.4 metres long and weighs 2.2 tonnes - big for Europe - so it needs all of its 197bhp, and more to the point its 347lb ft of torque, to feel energised. The 0-60mph time is just under 11sec, which is reasonably brisk but no threat to hot hatches. Its speciality, however, is mid-range acceleration: it can accelerate 30-70mph in an impressive 11.7sec.

The big thing about the M-Sport Ranger is its road presence. It has a special, Raptor-like front bumper, a new bonnet lip, a special grille with a pair of inset Lazer lights, prominent black wheel arch extensions and door handles. There's also a sports exhaust to give more character to your progress, but it’s more noticeable inside than out. The interior is entirely re-trimmed in quality black leather, and there’s a leather-trimmed steering wheel with an ultra-thick rim that perfectly suits the Ranger’s character and steering effort.

Our test car had an optional off-road set-up that increases the ride height by 40mm and calms the rear spring rates (normally set up for industrial load-carrying) at the same time, to give a more level ride. There’s also an optional undershield, and an impressive Lazer light bar.