Ford Courier 2003 Review

What we liked
>> Nice engine
>> Good low range gearing
>> Stability on gravel roads

Not so much
>> Insufficient rear legroom
>> Superfluous rollbars
>> Ditzy radio controls

CLOSE UP
The new Courier XLT 4WD dual cab carries substantial upgrades, increasing its appeal in the $40,000 to $50,000 'sports truck' market segment. The littler Ford bears a deliberate resemblance to the big and chunky F-Series 4x4, a strategy Ford hopes will attract potential buyers who like the idea of an F-truck the family can handle.

At $42,860 the XLT sounds pricey but is still four grand cheaper than the Toyota Hilux SR5 diesel, the most expensive vehicle in this category, and the market leader by a country kilometre. What the Ford can claim as an asset is off-road ability, though only a direct comparison between it and the Hilux would resolve the question: which of the two is most capable?

FEATURES
The Ford wears a distinctive new chrome grille, headlights, front bumper and front fenders. High series chrome enhances the front and rear bumpers, door handles, the tailgate handle and the excellent mirrors. Black-out inserts sit neatly between the edges of the grille and the halogen headlight assemblies.

A Pioneer radio/cassette player thumps out volume through two front and two rear speakers but is tuned via minuscule controls. A six-stack CD unit is bolted to the floor under the front passenger seat, where it might be vulnerable to accidental kick damage.

The sides of the cargo tray have strong tie-down hooks and a tie-down bar on each side. Two polished roll-bars reinforce the impression of toughness but they can be an impediment when tying down a load.

Trim levels are what you'd expect: they're very car-like. High-end XLT models offer a comfortable interior with power steering, power windows, keyless locking/unlocking, good seats, plenty of storage space for odds and sods, a quiet driving environment, and pleasant two-tone grey velour upholstery. Primary gauges use white numerals on a black background with red indicator needles, and easy-on-the-eye backlighting for night use. The front seats have tilt and slide adjustment and adjustable headrests.

MECHANICAL
The PG Courier range comprises 10 variants, powered by either a 2.6-litre petrol engine or the 86kW, 2.5-litre turbocharged and intercooled diesel. Both engines drive through a five-speed manual transmission, with ratios matched to the different engines' characteristics. Both transmissions have been improved and in our opinion now give smoother shifting.

Diesel XLT models have an engine immobiliser. A four-speed auto is available, but not on diesel models, and there are five body styles. The front suspension is Ford's double wishbone type with torsion bar, while rear suspension is by conventional leaf springs. All 4x4 Couriers have a limited-slip differential. Six-spoke alloy wheels are standard equipment inside 265/70 15inch Michelin LTXs.

COMFORT
Drive any of Courier's competitors and you'll immediately appreciate how comfortable the Ford is - for two occupants, anyway. The front seats have excellent lateral support, important during off-road excursions, and ample adjustability for even the tallest driver and front seat passenger. Access and egress is easy, thanks to a long sidestep, and once inside, headroom is more than adequate. All the instruments and controls are easily read or reached. Three grab handles improve passenger comfort during off-road work and the environment controls are very effective.

The downside to all this is the lack of legroom for rear passengers. The back seat is 'kids only' territory in which most adults will find it difficult to get comfortable. This is a drawback not only in the Ford but in every dual cab 4x4 we've driven; if anything, evidence that these sports trucks are aimed more at two-up recreational use than any need to transport five beefy blokes to a work site.

SAFETY
Safety features on XLT models include four-wheel ABS brakes and dual airbags. Ford says the Courier's cross-braced, ladder-type chassis has greater rigidity than an H-beam or open beam configuration, and provides superior passenger safety and load bearing characteristics. The cabin structure gives maximum occupant protection, while XLT models get side intrusion beams, a collapsible steering wheel, and an 'anti-submarining bar' which sounds a bit bizarre but helps position the occupants properly in relation to the seat belts.

The twin-piston ventilated disc brakes are excellent, giving plenty of feel and strong stopping power. We liked the powerful four-jet windscreen washers, and wipers that thoroughly cleaned a wide area. The new Courier also has more rigid doors.

COMPETITORS
Courier's rivals are all Japanese of course, and all, if CarPoint's experience is anything to go by, remarkably similar. The diesel Courier's immediate rivals are the Holden Rodeo LT, the Toyota Hilux SR5, the Mitsubishi Triton and the Nissan Navara ST-R.

If horsepower is important to you, the most powerful engine in the dual cab club is the three litre diesel in Nissan's Navara ST-R, with a comparatively stonking 110kW. The least powerful, believe it or not, is the Toyota SR5 with 85kW. Then again, power isn't everything in a 4x4. What you want is torque, and the Toyota has more of that than anyone. None of these diesel sports trucks are cheap. The Toyota SR5 is the most expensive, as you'd expect, and Ford's Courier the least expensive. That being the case, we reckon it's good value for money

ON THE ROAD
The Courier diesel 4x4 is a pleasant vehicle to drive, on and off-road. The suspension gives great ride quality over rough gravel roads at normal speeds and the vehicle always feels sure-footed. Ford has done some work on the steering ratios too, and we'd have to say the Courier steers very nicely. The gear shift has a smooth, light action and so does the clutch.

Small diesels of 10 years ago were very agricultural but Ford's 2.5-litre engine in the Courier is impressive. It pulls willingly at any revs, produces very little vibration, and it's quiet. Fuel consumption over a variety of on and off-road conditions was 8.6km per litre (11.6lt/100km), and much of the time it was carrying a 120kg motorcycle. The Ford has only average ground clearance, but with decent low range gearing is fairly capable off-road. It also has first class brakes, with progressive feel and plenty of power.