THE new Ford Ranger Raptor is totally bonkers and I love it.

It has arrived here some months before the mainstream new Ranger models are due to debut in the UK and this outrageous version will have customers drooling.

The Raptor is a truck with attitude and it can deliver the goods on and off the road with a sense of style. Its looks demand respect and it gets lots of attention thanks to its muscular looks and in this case Code Orange colour and Raptor splash decals.

It is not cheap at £59,530 before any options but that buys you a performance double-cab truck crammed with tech and equipment levels that you would expect to get in a prestige saloon.

It sitson smart alloy wheelsclad in massive tyres designed to tackle all kinds of surfaces.

To climb into the cabin you need to use the attractive side steps and a grab handle but once in you will be surprised by the level of comfort, equipment and tech on offer.

The view is great from behind the wheel and the elevated position makes you feel that you are the king of the road.

Despite its tough looks and bulk the Raptor is easy to drive as the steering is light but don't expect to park in a tight space.

My truck featured the 292PS EcoBoost 3.0-litre petrol engine with 4WD and a 10-speed automatic box.

The power is delivered smoothly and the Raptor can reach 111mph and sprints to 62 mphin 7.9 seconds.

As you would expect it is thirsty with a combined mpg of 20.5 but if you drive it gently - which is not likely - you could get 23.7mpg.

Another downside is that the payload of 620kg is much lower than the standard Ranger and as a result does not qualify business users for the 20 per cent tax relief from HMRC.

That will not deter potential buyers who will want this truck for its looks and street cred.

The Ford Performance team have fitted the Raptor with special FOX shocks that are adjustable for Normal, Sport and Off-Road driving and there are seven drive modes including Sport, Slippery and Rock Crawl, combined with front and rear locking differentials.

You can also alter the sound of the Raptor's exhaust and control most other functions from the 12-inch dashboard touchscreen.

The Raptor offers all the latest safety systems and equipment which means it has a five-star NCAP rating.