THE new Ford Ranger line-up is conventional with Regular, Super and Double Cab body styles plus a Chassis Cab option for bespoke body suppliers.

At launch, which is more or less now, there is the choice of two high torque turbodiesel engines all with six-speed manual gearboxes. The engine availability depends on the body option and specification level.

There is a 2.2-litre four cylinder 150ps unit and a 3.2-litre five cylinder 200ps version.

Both are available with an automatic transmission option for Double Cab models. A 2.2-litre 125ps diesel unit is due shortly for two- and four-wheel drive versions of the Regular (Single) Cab.

Depending on the body style there are XL, XLT, Limited and Wildtrak levels of specification and equipment with Limited likely to be the most popular. Prices including Vat range from £17,705 to £29,135.

The most popular version will be the 2.2-litre, 150ps manual Limited Double Cab priced at £25,535. Commercial vehicle VED road tax will be £210 and the Benefit-in-Kind taxable rate is 20/40 per cent of £3,000.

The all new Ranger retains a ladder frame chassis with rear leaf springs plus dampers for strength and durability and it has numerous other better-than functions over the competition.

In most cases when the specifications are compared it offers better value for money claim Ford, a trait carried over from their modern passenger cars.

And if size matters the Regular Cab has the longest and largest load area and the highest payload at 1,340kg.

The Double Cab has the largest payload of any double cab at 1,152kg and all 4x4 models have a towing capability of 3,350kg which is 350 to 850kg more than the competition.

These specs will impress but so will the new chunky, muscular, all action looks. The old model was "sit-up-and-beg" in style, the new one is all thrusting and macho with lots of bright body colour options normally associated with Ford's latest car ranges. Inside the Limited version of the Double Cab it's just as impressive.

The fascia design and coverings for it and the doors and the upholstery is very much in keeping with that used for SUVs and top quality 4x4s. The same goes for the level of specification with electrically operated windows and door mirrors and with air conditioning. Safety too is the highest level with the new Ranger Double Cab being awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating, the first pick up ever to do so.

With the 2.2-litre four cylinder TDCi turbodiesel unit with 150ps, fuel consumption is officially 32mpg. CO2 emissions are 224g/km and the commercial vehicle annual road tax charge is also £210.

Again with this version with 17-inch alloy wheels the ride comfort and the ability of the suspension to offer a very compliant ride, coupled with sharp steering and handling, are impressive features.

Off-road the performance has also improved. There is the usual two- and four-wheel drive high ratio selection and four wheel drive low ratio easily selected by a turn button control.

With its anti-stall function the vehicle can climb steep tracks just using its tick over engine speed ensuring safe grip and the hill descent control can be varied for speed just by using the cruise control function.

Price: From £17,705

David Miles