Ford Raptor Ranger

The versatile Ranger has been given a Ford Performance upgrade and the impressive new Raptor can handle anything Ed Coles throws at it

- Ed Coles

First impression of the Raptor edition of the new Ranger: has anybody got a stepladder? She is a beast.

Walking around the Raptor, I can’t make my mind up if it’s Mad Max or Batman. Either way, it looks the part and I quite like the almost grey primer paintwork.

The Raptor is a Ranger on steroids. Ford Performance has got hold of the Ranger and turned it into an all-purpose off-road vehicle.

The front suspension arms are a bit longer than standard — 150mm longer to be precise — and the wheel arches are beefed up accordingly. The front suspension has been upgraded with Fox Racing shock absorbers.

With longer springs, the Raptor sits a bit higher, with greater travel available. The Raptor’s bespoke 17in alloys, with proper off-road tyres, are a declaration of intent.

Looking from the front, we’re not going to have to worry about ground clearance. There is an impressive 229mm. In any case, the underside has been fortified with an aluminium skid plate to cope with any geographical hazards.

In addition to that, the Raptor comes with some extra custom goodies: front grille, aerodynamic rear sports hoop, unique front and rear bumpers, along with strengthened and larger sidesteps. So I might not need that stepladder after all. The Raptor also comes with front and rear ventilated discs, so stopping shouldn’t be a problem.