World's Top Pick-Up Named

Judges ranked the new Ranger based on its performance, engine line-up, payload and towing capability. The bakkie was tested at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, England.

The Izuzu D-Max and Volkswagen Amarok placed second and third, respectively.

Award Hat-Trick

Jarlath Sweeney, a judge on the panel, said: "The Ford Ranger is a great all-rounder, combining the perfect blend of on-road comfort and stability with off-road capability."

Paul Randle, vehicle line director of Ford Europe, said: “The Ranger is great for work and great for leisure, and customers will appreciate the difference as soon as they get behind the wheel.

“This prestigious award is testament to the work of our global product teams and there is plenty more to look forward to with the launch of the all-new Transit and all-new Transit Connect in 2013.”

Ford has also scooped the 2012 “International Engine of the Year” for its 1.0 EcoBoost petrol engine as well as the International Van of the Year 2013  (new Transit Custom).