The Ford Ranger has been a popular choice for truck enthusiasts since its restyling in 2011. The Wildtrak spec has been the aspirational peak for many would-be owners, but with the introduction of the V6 diesel engine, the Wildtrak may no longer be the most desirable option.

The standard twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 168- or 202bhp is no longer as impressive with the introduction of the 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine producing 237bhp. Ford has also created a new Ranger Platinum spec to fill the gap between the Wildtrak and the newly V6-petrol-powered Ford Ranger Raptor.

However, the V6 Wildtrak still sits in the heartland of the Ranger range and is a connoisseur’s edition compared to the 2.0-liter Wildtrak. The 35bhp increase in power and £4500 jump in price from the 2.0-liter diesel are negligible, but there’s also 443 instead of 369lb ft of torque, which is where the difference begins to shine through on a commercial vehicle like this.

The 3.0-liter truck gets the same quick steering, decent cornering abilities, limited body roll, and high levels of grip as the 2.0-liter one, not to mention peerless off-road performance. But as a V6, it also possesses the ability to rip the road away from beneath you and spin its wheels in many of the lower ratios of its 10-speed automatic gearbox.

This V6 isn’t a performance truck in the same way that the Raptor is, though. Aside from a gruffer new engine note, it’s still best suited as a worker rather than a head-turner. It feels stronger and more robust than the lesser-engined Wildtrak, and while it doesn’t have the ride refinement of the expensively damped Raptor, it still manages a tranquil and pleasant drive.

The downside is that you shouldn’t expect much change out of 24 miles from a gallon of diesel, which is a long way short of the 2.0-liter model’s efficiency.

Interior-wise, the new Ranger is first-rate, with a blend of Ford-car niceties such as the large, portrait-orientated infotainment touchscreen and full-leather seats front and rear.

Comparing the Ranger to the Amarok, the difference is like chalk and cheese. Both are comfortable and capable pick-ups, but they have very different vibes. One truck feels hard, the other soft. If the Amarok is a bit squdgy around the middle and more welcoming, the Ranger is rock-solid and purposeful.

In conclusion, the V6 Wildtrak is a pick-up with greater personality, and although it may no longer be the pinnacle of the regular Ranger line-up, it certainly still stands out.