Ford Ranger lauded for safety score
Safety experts have hailed the new Ford Ranger as the 'safest pickup' ever tested in European crash tests.
European safety organisation EuroNCAP, which crash tests new cars and awards them a rating out of five, has given the Ranger a special mention in its 'top achievers of 2011' list.
The Ford Ranger, a workhorse pickup truck sold in the UK, US and Australia, was commended for its high scores in all areas of the test.
However, it was particularly impressive in pedestrian safety where it scored a total of 81 per cent. Not only is this one of the highest scores ever, it is well above new targets of 60 per cent.
Cars and vans which do not achieve 60 per cent in pedestrian protection, which includes bonnet impact, will not be capable of receiving a five-star rating in future.
New Ford Ranger prices start from £18,565 in the UK. Launched late last year, the Ford Ranger includes updated design and a huge leap forward in efficiency and running costs.
All engines meet European emissions regulations (Euro 5) but the payload capacity remains a hefty 1,340kg.
The powerful new Ford Ranger, a pickup truck also available in double cab option, is also capable of towing 3,350kg. The van is an off-road workhorse popular in both the US and Australia.
The new Ford Ranger is available to buy now in a single trim level but with an extensive choice of interior fabrics and exterior colours.