Sector Analysis Pick-ups and 4x4s
LOOK OUT FOR FOUR TO FORD RANGER
Previously the pinnacle of the Ford Ranger line-up, the Wildtrak is now being pushed towards the middle. But it’s in this middle ground where you will find choice, as the Wildtrak will be the only trim available with both four-cylinder 2.0-litre and V6 3.0- litre diesel. If you want a more basic and affordable truck, lesser trims are available but they only get the 2.0-litre engine. Equally, if you want a more extravagant lifestyle pick-up, it is only possible to have the new range-topping Platinum with the V6 diesel. Wildtrak is the mid-point; the crossover, the sensible option. Aesthetically, there’s little to differentiate the two engines. Except for a V6 badge on the front wing of the truck, the two engine choices are visually
3.0L MAXUS T90EV
identical. For your money – a £4,500 premium over the 2.0-litre – you get a 35hp increase in power to 237hp, and 600Nm of torque rather than 500Nm. The V6 gets the same quick steering, decent cornering abilities, limited body roll and high levels of grip. Not to mention peerless off-road performance as the 2.0-litre but with more full- blooded performance.
Sample model: Ranger Wildtrak 3.0 V6 Engine size Payload
Load volume
1,059kg N/A
Combined mpg CO2
Price (ex VAT)
27.9 mls 252g/km £43,850
Maxus has adopted a bold electrification strategy that is exemplified by it becoming the first brand to introduce a battery- powered pick-up truck, the T90EV. Features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the cab, a reversing camera, LED daytime running lights and 17in alloy wheels. The truck is currently offered in a single trim level. Despite the battery pack sitting beneath the floor of the truck, it has a claimed wading depth of 550mm. The T90EV has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3,300kg and is powered by an 88.5kWh battery pack wedded to a 150kW (204hp) electric motor, giving it a claimed range of up to 330km (205 miles). A DC fast charge from 20% to 80% capacity takes 45 minutes, according to
Sample model: Maxus T90EV Engine size 204hp 150kW electric Payload
Load volume
1,000kg N/A
Maxus, but an 11kW AC charge from 5% to 100% takes nine hours. This rises to 13 hours for a 7kW AC fill.
When driving in traffic or out on the open road the regenerative braking is efficient – no doubt helping to maintain range – but not overbearing. The electric power-assisted steering though feels light and jittery, which does not inspire confidence when not travelling in a straight line.
Battery range CO2
205 mls 0g/km
Price (ex VAT, inc PiVG) £46,727
SSANGYONG MUSSO
The Musso’s new front-end styling gives the truck a tough and purposeful look. Short and long-wheelbase models are marketed, power comes courtesy of a 202hp 2.2-litre diesel delivering 12% more power than the engine in the previous model. It is married to a six-speed manual gearbox, if you opt for the entry-level EX. Everything else comes with a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission. Payload in the SWB Saracen tested here is 1,059kg and it’s worth noting a full payload and a trailer grossing 3.5 tonnes can be carried at the same time. Gross permitted train weight is 6,750kg.
The cabin offers a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. Unusually on a light commercial, those seats also boast
3.0L
VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK
a cooling function for hot weather. A 12- volt power socket is provided along with dual USB ports. The infotainment package includes a TomTom SatNav and a DAB radio along with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ride is on the nervous side when
unladen, but in-cab noise levels are otherwise well-suppressed and the truck handles well even when pushed quite hard.
Sample model: Saracen Double-Cab 4x4 automatic Engine size Payload
Load volume
1,095kg N/A
Combined mpg CO2
Price (ex VAT)
31.5 mls 236g/km £31,515
Volkswagen’s Amarok pick-up truck is returning to the UK market after an absence of three years. This new iteration is based on Ford’s Ranger as part of the product collaboration between the brands. The double-cab only Amarok comes in four specification grades: Life, Style, PanAmericana and Aventura. Power outputs range from 170hp to 205hp for the 2.0- litre TDI engine through to 240hp for the 3.0-litre TDI V6.
The 10-speed auto shift-by-wire system is consummately smooth on road and comes with four selectable driving modes; 2H, 4H, 4L, for challenging off-road conditions; and 4A, which distributes drive force to all four wheels via a multi-plate clutch and can be selected for improved
2.0L
traction. There are six driving modes to cater for a variety of on- and off-road conditions. Electromechanical power steering supplants the previous hydraulic system and delivers less strenuous steering without sacrificing feedback. It also facilitates the integration of park assist and lane assist. The ride is soft, comfortable and the cabin quiet. In a nutshell, the Amarok is more SUV- like than any other pick-up truck you’ll find.
Sample model: Amarok Style 2.0 205hp Engine size Payload
Load volume
1,060kg N/A
Combined mpg CO2
Price (ex VAT)
32.1 mls 229g/km £41,450
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WhatVan? August 2023
www.whatvan.co.uk
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