Turkish Delight?

Your tweets tell us the Ford Cargo has a face that only a mother could love. But would that stop you driving one? You don’t have to look at it when you’re at the wheel…

Like the Ottoman Empire before it, Turkish-built Ford trucks are invading Europe. They are already available in 15 Eastern European countries, and there are more to follow. Although Ford Trucks has no plans to sell them in Western Europe just yet, it’s certainly not ruling it out for the future. And with an increasing number travelling on our roads, we thought it about time we have a drive in one.

First, let’s dispel a common myth. The only thing this truck has in common with the original Langley built Ford Cargo is its name. The cab shell is completely different, as is the drive line. It’s true that Ford Otosan, which builds the Cargo, used to manufacture a version of the old Cargo, but this isn’t it.

This particular cab has been in production for a few years now and has recently undergone a mild facelift. Changes to the side deflectors have improved aerodynamics and had a positive impact on fuel economy too. It is available in Low Roof and Extra High Roof guises.

While the previous model (the 1846T) used an Iveco engine, and was available only as a Euro 3 or Euro 5, the 1848T and its lesser-powered 1842T sibling are offered in Euro 3, Euro 5 and Euro 6 guises. Power comes from Ford’s own 12.7-litre Ecotorq engine, developed specifically for this truck. The two power ratings are 420hp (2150Nm) and 480hp (2500Nm), but a 500hp-plus version will be added to the line-up soon.

The truck uses a combination of EGR and SCR to meet Euro 6 emissions standards and features a variable-geometry turbocharger.

The inside story

The cab’s interior is best described as functional. It’s perfectly comfortable, and everything feels screwed together reasonably well; it’s just not inspiring.