The 213hp 2.0 diesel engine is only one part of the package. A reinforced chassis, longer travel suspension, larger disc brakes, and high-tensile steel 'bash plates' front and rear allow the vehicle to be used safely in extreme terrain.
A distinctive Raptor grille also sets the pickup apart from its tamer siblings and the competition, as do flared front fender protectors and wheel arch extensions. Redesigned bumpers include an integrated tow hitch at the back.
Dimensionally, the Raptor is wider, taller, rides higher than the standard Ranger, and for rough terrain it has greater ground clearance and increased approach and departure angles. It has a wading depth of up to 850mm and can tow up to 2,400kg.
Raptor comes equipped with no less than six electronically controlled terrain driving modes, including an appropriately named 'Baja' one tuned for offroad high-performance as required in competitive events such as the Baja Desert Rally.
There's a 10-speed automatic transmission and drive formats are 2WD, 4WD and 4WD low.
With more than 50,000 units sold across Europe last year, Ford's Ranger is the vehicle of choice for many special emergency and response teams in many countries.
Raptor comes as standard with a wide range of driver assist systems, including hill descent control, roll stability, and trailer sway control, and will be available in only one version, priced at €63,950.
I drove it last week in Morocco on road, rocks and sand dunes in the challenging Essaouira area. Given the work put into the vehicle by Ford's Asia-Pacific design and engineering centre in Melbourne, Australia, it was always going to be a capable vehicle. However, it turned out to be not just an excellent performer in the rough, but a seriously refined car on the highway.
For highway use, though the term doesn't quite mean the same in Morocco as on our motorways here, the combination of rear coils, really well designed seats, and the powertrain which is quieter than any of us would have expected, Ranger Raptor is as driveable as any large saloon car.
Then take a detour through the beaches, sand dunes, and rocky foreshore around Essaouria, and Raptor becomes entertainingly rambunctious. Sand can be tricky to get through without getting into trouble, but the terrain management and some level headed use of the torque available saw us safely across some courses which won't likely be met by most buyers of the machine. Rock crawling proved the apparent strength of the reinforced chassis. And the whole thing is fun in all caps.
Ford are expecting to sell 60-80 units in Ireland this year, and maybe 100 next year. Given their level of preorders, that shouldn't be difficult. It will be interesting to see just who is prepared, though, to shell out €64,000 for a pickup, however much it fulfils the promise of its looks.
Here's a clue. Somebody who wants something as iconic as a Mustang, but with family use and work capability.
PRICE: €63,950. WHAT I LIKED: Does what its looks promise. RATING: 4++/5.
