Being a contractor’s daughter meant that for most of my childhood, I ended up travelling in pick up vans so testing the new 2016 Ford Ranger was in my comfort zone. The model, with a bold new look is clearly set to establish new benchmarks in the light commercial vehicle segment with robust capability, comfort and advanced technology.

The tough and modern look to the new Ranger begins with an updated exterior design. The bold look certainly lends the new Ranger a powerful presence on the road, and immediately conveys a sense of capability.

A more muscular hood flows into a strong new trapezoidal grille, which connects seamlessly with the chiselled projector headlamps, accentuating the new Ranger’s width and strong stance.

The updated exterior has been combined with a stylish new interior that creates an even more comfortable, contemporary and car-like environment for the driver and passengers. Strong horizontal lines run across the width of the cab, giving a sense of spaciousness, creating a clear distinction between the upper and lower levels, and placing the focus on the central eight-inch touchscreen on the high-spec models.

What I found different and new for a pickup since I last drove one was the technology enhancements – in the new Ranger, a new dual-TFT instrument cluster provides drivers with information about the vehicle, as well as entertainment and cellphone features at a glance, which look stylish and yet practical.

A host of cutting-edge technologies are available on the new Ford Ranger to help drivers stay connected and in control. SYNC^®2, the latest generation of Ford’s in-car connectivity system, gives drivers smarter and safer ways to stay connected and is standard on the new Ranger Limited and Wildtrak.

Using natural voice commands, like “temperature 21 degrees”, “play” or “call Natasha”, the driver can control the car’s climate controls, entertainment system and phone functions more easily than ever before. An eight-inch touchscreen places more controls at the driver’s fingertips, with colour-coded corners for easy menu navigation.

The new Ford Ranger remains one of the most capable pick-ups in its class. With an exceptional 800mm water wading depth, and with 230mm of ground clearance, it is designed and engineered to handle the most extreme terrains with ease.

A robust electronically controlled transfer case allows drivers in 4×4 models to shift on the fly from 4×2 to 4×4 high via a knob on the centre console. For low-speed torque or additional downhill control, drivers can also engage low-range 4×4 gearing, while an electronic locking rear differential helps to improve traction in difficult conditions.

For extra convenience, the new Ranger features a 240-volt power socket that can be used to power a laptop computer or mobile device anywhere, from a work site to a family road trip.

The new Ranger, available in single cab, Rap Cab and Double Cab variants has impressive power, capability, and towing capacity that is made possible thanks to the latest generation of powerful, more refined and fuel-efficient Duratorq TDCi diesel engines, as well as the proven Duratec petrol unit.

The new Ford Ranger is available in a wide range of models and specification levels to cater to customer needs whether for work or play.