The Ford Ranger Raptor mixes the tough, go-anywhere ability of other models in the Ranger line up with the comfort demanded by drivers and passengers more used to cars than pick-ups whilst also offering the performance and driving pleasure that enthusiasts enjoy.

The Raptor was developed by Ford Performance, a division of Ford famous for developing cars wearing the legendary RS badge, and is powered by a 2-litre Bi-Turbo Ford EcoBlue diesel developing a mighty 500 Nm of torque, which is distributed to the Ranger’s four-wheel drive system via a 10-speed automatic transmission, so it’s always in the right gear at the right time whether it’s being used in an urban environment or off-road.

The load and towing capacity are less than the standard Ranger because of a chassis redesign that makes the Raptor more refined than its commercial cousins. Coil springs replace the leaf springs that are so common on the rear of pick-ups and it has cleverly designed Fox dampers with bypass valves that give a comfortable ride on a wide variety of terrain.

The vehicle modelled was the third Raptor that Ford UK retained for press and PR work and was the first to feature the striking Raptor Decal pack, a popular optional extra. It was featured in a detailed road test film presented by Rebecca Jackson for the CarGurus UK YouTube channel and many magazine and newspaper articles as well as Ford publicity material.