Uh oh, we badly want the new Ford Ranger MS-RT

Ford has been collaborating with the bodykit fanatics at M-Sport’s road-going arm MS-RT again, and we think the new Ranger MS-RT might be the best thing they’ve come up with yet. You’ll be able to buy this modified pickup from Ford Pro dealers all across Europe, with deliveries starting later this year. Sign us up.

The look is inspired by the racing Rangers that compete on circuits in Asia, and we’re absolutely loving that bluff front end with its new bodywork, honeycomb grille and integrated splitter. It’s a full 82mm wider than the standard Ranger with the track width increased and the arches flared out. Round the back you get a proper diffuser and even a little ducktail spoiler. Excellent.

There’s special, firmer suspension too which drops the ride height by 40mm, and the diamond cut wheels are 21in and wrapped in low profile tyres.

“If Ranger Raptor is the ultimate off-road truck, then the Ranger MS-RT is the ultimate street truck,” says Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro Europe. “It’s a departure from what we usually see in this segment in Europe, but with more car-like driving dynamics and the towing and carrying capacity unchanged, we believe it will offer a compelling new option for pickup customers.”

Yep, the Ranger MS-RT retains its one-tonne load-carrying and 3,500kg towing capacities thanks to the inclusion of the 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. That sends 237bhp and a healthy 443lb ft of torque to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic gearbox.

Inside you get some faux leather with special blue stitching and MS-RT badging, as well as a ‘sports steering wheel’ with a blue 12 o’clock marker. That should come in handy on the next tip run.