The Ford Ranger is Britain’s favourite pick-up truck and to keep it in the top spot Ford introduced a PHEV version that is especially tempting to business users.
In this instalment of Drive Time John Murdoch takes a drive in the UK’s favourite pick up truck. The Ford Ranger now offers PHEV technology making it more tax efficient. John also discovers that Mazda is launching its stylish 6e all electric model this summer with a special charging deal for retail and contract hire customers.
The Ford Ranger is Britain’s favourite pick-up truck and to keep it in the top spot Ford introduced a PHEV version that is especially tempting to business users.
The Ranger PHEV delivers lower emissions that will benefit business users by reducing the tax bill while still offering all of the talents that the standard diesel model can offer. That will make it a smart choice while the Wildtrak model retains its visual appeal that helps draw customers in.
Emissions are now an important factor when it comes to business taxation, and the arrival of the Ranger PHEV makes it the perfect double-cab pick-up for those keen to keep their tax bill as low as possible.
From the outside, not a lot looks different and the Wildtrak trim is very generous for a truck.
The load bay is slightly smaller but there is the option of a sliding sports bar that allows racks to be attached above the cargo bed, while Ford’s Pro Power system allows users to connect any device with a three-pin plug to the truck’s drive battery.
Two filler flaps on the nearside rear wing are the main visual clues that the vehicle is a PHEV. One pops open to reveal the charging port for the battery, while the other is the fuel filler and is released with the push of a button on the dashboard.
These are used to refill an 11.8kWh battery and a 70-litre fuel tank respectively, with the latter supplying fuel to the 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that we’ve seen in other UK Ford models.
The set-up in the Ranger PHEV produces 277bhp and 697Nm of torque, so the plug-in model is second only to the petrol Ranger Raptor for power, while Ford’s familiar 10-speed automatic gearbox is fitted as standard.
The 0-62mph time of 9.2 seconds is impressive for such a big vehicle, while the Ranger PHEV also boasts a towing weight of 3.5 tonnes and a payload of more than a tonne, so there are no compromises there when compared with the diesel versions.
The load bed is slightly higher to cater for the battery, so cargo space is slightly reduced but not by much.
Most Ranger diesel owners face a tax bill of £7,000 but opt for the low emission PHEV and this reduces to £4,600 – a substantial saving.
The PHEV drives and feels like any other automatic Ranger and the combination of electric motor and petrol engine is good, with the former delivering instant responses while the engine gets up to speed. The petrol engine is quiet and the automatic box is good as are the brakes. The ride is also fine and no worse than some family SUVs.
The usual drive modes can be selected via the push-button controls down behind the drive selector, including an EV button that allows you to either drive the PHEV in standard hybrid mode – switching between power sources as the electronics see fit – switch to silent EV running, or save the charge for later or recharge the battery using the engine while on the move.
Like the rest of the Rangers this PHEV Wildtrak model is stylish, crammed with kit and has all the usual safety features, as well as being a good performer and it certainly makes very good sense for business users.
FAST FACTS
Ford Ranger Wildtrak PHEV automatic
Price: £44,900 (excluding VAT)
Mechanical: 277bhp 2.3-litre turbo petrol PHEV driving four wheels via 10-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 105mph
0-62mph: 9.2 seconds
Combined mpg: 28 and 25mile all-electric range
Insurance group: 36
CO2 emissions: 71g/km
BIK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles
Overall rating (out of 5): 4.6
To tempt customers to buy their new electric 6e model Mazda is offering a tethered or untethered Pod Home Charger for only £499 if they place an order by the end of June. The deal is available to retail or Mazda contract hire customers.
On sale in Europe since last Autumn, the updated Mazda6e will arrive in the UK this summer with a new 78kWh single battery specification – priced at £38,995 for the Takumi and £39,995 for Takumi Plus. With stylish premium saloon proportions combined with hatchback functionality – the Mazda6e reinvents the Mazda6 for the electric age.
Commenting on the Pod Home Charger offer, Mazda UK Sales Director, Laura Brailey, said: “We recognise that many prospective Mazda6e customers may be new to electric vehicles and the simplicity, convenience and the well-established end-to-end installation process associated with this offer is designed to deliver a seamless and stress-free move to electric car ownership.” As an additional benefit all retail and fleet customers will also be eligible for a £500 public charging credit when opening an account via the Mazda Public Charging App<. This benefit provides customers with a £500 charging credit that’s redeemable via the app across participating public charging networks.
Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director, Mazda Motors UK, said: “The Mazda6e is the car our dealers have been waiting for, with a nod to the popularity of the Mazda6 it’s a real statement of intent for the future and illustrates how Mazda can bring great design, technology and style to battery electric vehicles.
“And with the suspension, power steering and braking carefully calibrated by the team at Mazda Research Europe in Frankfurt to match UK preferences, I’m sure the Mazda6e will be an electric car that delivers the engaging driver experience you’d expect from Mazda”. He added, “In the UK we are facing some unique and complex challenges in the balance between EV legislation and consumer demand but at Mazda we will introduce new models and ensure our product range fits the pace of actual consumer demand in the UK with technologies that are amongst the best in the market.
“The arrival of the Mazda6e in UK showrooms this summer is perfect, it’s a fantastic and timely addition to our multi-solution approach that includes mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric offerings.
“With a UK price that sees both models under £40,000, this value proposition is even more tempting when you see the huge tally of equipment and technology fitted as standard across both the Takumi and Takumi Plus. The Mazda6e is also a car that positions Mazda strongly in the expanding D segment BEV fleet market, where the cars blend of style, value, practicality and desirability will I’m sure win over business users”. Available to configure and order now, the first Mazda6e will arrive in UK dealers this summer, while later in the year the next chapter in Mazda’s BEV story will arrive in the UK – with the debut of the all-new Mazda CX-6e SUV.
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