Sector Analysis Pick-ups


LOOK OUT FOR FOUR TO FORD RANGER RAPTOR


The second-generation Raptor sports a V6 petrol engine producing 289hp and 491Nm of torque although the 210hp 2.0-litre diesel used in the first Raptor remains on sale as the entry-level option for the Raptor range. The V6 engine has been toughened up with a graphite-iron cylinder block that is said to be 75% stronger and stiffer than the iron used in a regular engine. Fox 2.5in Live Valve dampers provide position-sensitive damping, which means the Raptor is even more comfortable on the road but able to endure far greater levels of impact from off-roading. Faster steering makes the Raptor more agile than before and has improved the handling and


3.0L ISUZU D-MAX


Extended- and double-cab D-Max pick- ups weigh below 2,040kg unladen. This means they are subject to car rather than commercial vehicle speed limits, which gives them the edge over many of their rivals.


All D-Max models get the same


driver feedback on-road. Off-road performance is enhanced by the addition of a new standard front and rear locking rear differential and four pre-set selectable off-road modes – Rock Crawl, Mud/Ruts, Sand and Baja – in addition to the Normal, Sport and Slippery on-road settings. The 652kg payload, is below the 1,000kg threshold allowing VAT to be reclaimed.


Sample model: Ranger Raptor V6 Petrol Engine size Payload


Load volume


652kg N/A


MPG CO2


Price (ex VAT)


20.4 miles 315g/km £57,960


engine; a 1.9-litre 164hp diesel and performance is far from dynamic. In the V-Cross double cab access to the cargo bay, which offers eight tie-down points, is by means of a tailgate. Aided by a gas-filled strut on the offside, it drops down horizontally and the load area is protected by a plastic liner. In the cab buttons beneath the centrally-positioned 9in colour touchscreen control the heating,


1.9L


ventilation and air-conditioning. The screen controls the DAB radio’s functions as part of a package that includes Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. In-cab storage includes a lidded box between the front seats, bins in all four doors and a lockable glovebox. The D-Max range is comprehensively equipped with onboard safety and driver assistance systems.


Sample model: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross automatic Engine size Payload


Load volume


1,090kg N/A


MPG CO2


Price (ex VAT)


30.7 miles 241g/km £38,709


TOYOTA HILUX


The Toyota Hilux’s image may be that of a tough commercial workhorse, but while that remains a vital part of its appeal, the manufacturer acknowledges the importance of the lifestyle pick-up market. That’s why 50% of UK Hilux sales are now of the high-spec Invincible X variant, and a further 10% are taken by the new range-topping GR Sport. The GR Sport features a bespoke suspension set-up designed to deliver a more dynamic drive, including new shock absorbers and stiffer front springs. There’s no dedicated high-


performance engine option with the GR Sport. Instead, you get the more powerful of the two engines available with the rest of the Hilux range – a 2.8-


2.8L


VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK


Volkswagen has its sights firmly set on seizing control of the premium pick-up market with its new Amarok and the 3.0-litre V6 PanAmericana model, which is expected to be the best-seller, is leading the charge.


litre, 204hp diesel. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, which on the GR Sport can be operated with manual shift paddles. Available only as a double-cab model, the GR Sport retains the regular Hilux’s load-carrying capabilities, including a payload of just over 1.0t, and a 3.5t braked towing capacity. Exterior styling features include a black mesh front grille.


Sample model: Toyota Hilux GR Sport Engine size Payload


Load volume


1,010kg N/A


MPG CO2


Price (ex VAT)


30.0 miles 248g/km £41,508


Apart from a good deal of bounciness on uneven road surfaces when unladen, which is inevitable with even the most sumptuous pick-up trucks, the PanAmericana drives like a luxury SUV. It’s quiet too, with little road or wind noise intruding into the cab. Fuel economy is not great and customers with economic, not to mention environmental, concerns may be advised to consider the more frugal 2.0TDI engine.


3.0L


A new electro-mechanical power steering set up combines with the 10-speed automatic shift-by-wire transmission taken from the Ford Ranger donor model.


The automatic transmission comes with four driving modes; 2H, 4H, 4L for the most challenging off-road conditions and 4A, for improved traction on varying road surfaces.


Sample model: Volkswagen Amarok Panamericana Engine size Payload


Load volume


1,054kg N/A


MPG CO2


Price (ex VAT)


38.0 miles 265g/km £46,200


34


WhatVan? January 2024


www.whatvan.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53