International van of the year report 2023 George Barrow
suitable loose surfaces making it a hard candidate to look beyond simply for its sheer enjoyment and driving capabilities. There is then, of course, the elephant in the room when it comes to payload. With just 652kg allowed in the rear and a 2.5-tonne towing capacity, rather than the more usual 3.5-tonnes, it doesn’t necessarily fi t the bill for everyone – not least because the VAT isn’t recoverable in the UK.
The rest of the Ford Ranger models provide a more sensible and varied approach to the segment. From the entry-level XL model through to XLT, Wildtrak, Wildtrak X, Tremor and Platinum, there’s a model for every customer and occasion. Giving the range a real strength in depth. With a choice of 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi- turbo or 3.0-litre V6 diesel engines, the Ranger has unprecedented levels of torque, up to 600Nm. While, as standard, it doesn’t have the trick suspension of the Raptor it does have a very composed ride and direct responsive steering. If you plan to use the Ranger for more extreme pursuits, the Wildtrak X and Tremor models are
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available with more off-road focused Bilstein dampers, but having tested the standard setup back-to-back you really must be on rough terrain and really pushing to benefi t. Those models are also only available with the 2.0-litre engine, but it’s the engine that feels more at home in the Ranger – bearing in mind it is shared with the Amarok. The 2.0-litre is a tried-and-tested engine in the Ranger line-up, carried over from the previous model. It’s powerful enough, with plenty of torque and considerably more effi cient than the V6. The additional weight and potency of the V6 does perhaps make it more engaging off-road where there’s more immediacy in the power delivery and more of it. The V6 diesel is a very welcome addition to the Ford Ranger line-up but the power plant feels more at home in the Amarok. Volkswagen’s range is almost as comprehensive as Ford’s with entry- level Amarok trim followed by Life and Style – a natural competitor to Wildtrak given that it is the crossover point in the range where the 2.0-litre and V6 diesel are both available. Higher up are
the Panamerica and Aventura, the latter of which is more aligned to Ranger Platinum. Slightly softer suspension, ideal for highway use and lighter assisted steering that disguises the bulk of the heavy pick-up each characterise the Amarok’s driving. The changes are subtly different to the Ranger when driven in isolation but back-to back you really notice the differing styles of the two products. Like the V6 Wildtrak, the more off-road orientated Panamerica devours the dirt roads around Athens while also capably climbing hills and rocky obstacles, albeit with the same issues brought on by the front wheels spinning. Last but not least there’s the Toyota Hilux GR Sport II. The second generation of the Gazoo Racing inspired pick-ups this time has many more upgrades, including cosmetic tweaks from all black details like the sports bar, bumpers and grille, to red coil springs and seat belts. But like the Raptor it’s the under the skin changes that look to defi ne the GR Sport II, with 20mm ride height increase as well as an increased track of 140mm at the front and 155mm at the rear. The wider stance together with the new
front and rear axles improve the Toyota’s handling to such an extent that it is in some ways the best handling of all the assembled models when on a smooth asphalt surface. The lighter Hilux kerb weight makes it agile and you can place it precisely into a corner where you fi nd huge amounts of grip. There’s a slight numbness around the centre point of the wheel as initial turn in on the fi rst few degrees of steering fails to communicate itself to the chunky new tyres, but after that it’s direct and purposeful. Unfortunately, for all it’s on-road merits the same can’t be said for its off-road performance, where the once smooth riding suspension jolts, crashes and shimmers over rough surfaces. Perhaps expecting Raptor-like ride quality is a step too far – but on dusty, bumpy dirt tracks strewn with small rocks, the Amarok and Wildtrak make better companions.
The results for the International Pick-Up Award will be announced on 22 November at the Solutrans commercial vehicle show in Lyon, France, along with the winner of the International Van of the Year 2024.
November 2023 WhatVan? 15
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