THE Ford Ranger is Britain's favourite pick-up truck and to keep it in the top spot Ford has introduced a PHEV version that is especially tempting to business users.

The Ranger PHEV delivers lower emissions that will benefit business users by reducing the tax bill while still offering all of the talents that the standard diesel model can offer.

That will make it a smart choice while the Wildtrak model retains its visual appeal that helpsdraw customers in.

Emissions are now an important factor when it comes to business taxation, and the arrival of the Ranger PHEV makes it the perfect double-cab pick-up for those keen to keep their tax bill as low as possible.

From the outside, not a lot looks different and the Wildtrak trim is very generous for a truck.

The load bay is slightly smaller but there is the option of a sliding sports bar that allows racks to be attached above the cargo bed, while Ford's Pro Power system allows users to connect any device with a three-pin plug to the truck's drive battery.

Two filler flaps on the nearside rear wing are the main visual clues that the vehicle is a PHEV. One pops open to reveal the charging port for the battery, while the other is the fuel filler and is released with the push of a button on the dashboard.

These are used to refill an 11.8kWh battery and a 70-litre fuel tank respectively, with the latter supplying fuel to the 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that we've seen in other UK Ford models.

The set-up in the Ranger PHEV produces 277bhp and 697Nm of torque, so the plug-in model is second only to the petrol Ranger Raptor for power, while Ford's familiar 10-speed automatic gearbox is fitted as standard.

The 0-62mph time of 9.2 seconds is impressive for such a big vehicle, while the Ranger PHEV also boasts a towing weight of 3.5 tonnes and a payload of more than a tonne, so there are no compromises there when compared with the diesel versions.

The load bed is slightly higher to cater for the battery, so cargo space is slightly reduced but not by much.

Most Ranger diesel owners face a tax bill of £7,000 but opt for the low emission PHEV and this reduces to £4,600 - a substantial saving.

The PHEV drives and feels like any other automatic Ranger and the combination of electric motor and petrol engine is good, with the former delivering instant responses while the engine gets up to speed. The petrol engine is quiet and the automatic box is good as are the brakes. The ride is also fine and no worse than some family SUVs.

The usual drive modes can be selected via the push-button controls down behind the drive selector, including an EV button that allows you to either drive the PHEV in standard hybrid mode - switching between power sources as the electronics see fit - switch to silent EV running, or save the charge for later or recharge the battery using the engine while on the move.

Like the rest of the Rangers this PHEV Wildtrak model is stylish, crammed with kit and has all the usual safety features, as well as being a good performer and it certainly makes very good sense for business users.

£44,900 (excluding VAT)

277bhp 2.3-litre turbo petrol PHEV driving four wheels via 10-speed automatic gearbox

105mph

9.2 seconds

28 and 25mile all-electric range

36

71g/km

19%

3yrs/60,000 miles

4.6