The Raptor’s body is noticeably wider than a standard Ranger (168mm wider in fact) and with the tracks some 150mm wider, it stands 50mm taller, which adds to its road presence.

The Ranger Raptor features a long-travel suspension with Fox-developed dampers that are designed to take a beating off-road while fat and chunky 17-inch wheels shod with BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres give the Raptor a purposeful look.

A new 2,0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine with 157kW and 500Nm does service under the bonnet of the Ranger Raptor and it comes mated with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, both of which are now also available for the standard Ranger.

I questioned the smaller 2,0-litre bi-turbo engine. For a vehicle of its size you almost question the lack of the previous 3,2-litre 5-pot turbo diesel engine which has kept Ford rolling in glory for so many years, but coupled up with the 10-speed automatic gearbox, the power is available immediately and enthusiastically. 

The Raptor’s Terrain Management System (TMS) offers various settings including Baja mode, which allows you to experience some tail-happy thrashing in the dirt. 

The Raptor’s interior has a few sporty details including the obligatory Raptor logos, Raptor sports seats wrapped in leather and a sports steering wheel with paddle-shifters. The infotainment system will keep the driver and passengers connected and entertained and features a sound system which left my heart thumping and face smiling.