Ford F-150 Ecoboost

It’s easy to see why the F-150 has been such a hit in the US. It offers space for five, huge towing and carrying abilities and is top value. Efficiency is increasingly important to American drivers – which is why the powerful, but relatively frugal, V6 EcoBoost is a step in the right direction. Sadly, in the UK it’s import only – which will bump up one of its most attractive features: the price.

America’s best-selling truck has been given a boost! As well as a new diesel, Ford’s Focus gets new EcoBoost petrol engines – and the 2.2-tonne F-150 pick-up is benefiting from the technology, too.

Now in its 12th generation, the F-Series truck has been a huge success story for Ford. At its 2004 peak, 939,511 found homes in the US in a single year – that’s nearly one sold every 30 seconds! But the blue oval isn’t resting on its laurels.

All EcoBoost petrol engines get direct-injection and a turbo. And while the 1.6 and 2.0-litre units are already established, and a 1.0 three-cylinder is on the way, the F-150 requires something more substantial. 

Under the bonnet is a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 360bhp and 570Nm of torque. It’s billed as the premium engine in the range, and eclipses the current top-spec 5.0-litre V8 by 5bhp and 55Nm, while returning 1.4mpg more, at 26.4mpg. Climb aboard, and you’re faced with a dash layout that strikes a neat blend of ruggedness and luxury.

The latter is a bonus, though, as the F-150 has always been designed as a workhorse first and foremost.

Put your foot down and, once the ponderous six-speed auto has picked a ratio, there’s a surprising turn of pace given the car’s size.

Of course, it doesn’t have the signature V8 burble – instead there’s a turbo whistle under heavy throttle – but in every other respect the EcoBoost is more than a match for the larger unit.

Huge torque at low revs makes the engine perfect for the F-150 – it can even tow a 30-foot boat.

Thanks to the light steering and a vagueness to the major controls, the handling is tricky – as we discovered during several laps of Ford’s test track in Dearborn, Michigan. 

But cornering agility isn’t the point of this car. More important is the high-set seating position, which gives a great view of the road ahead, and the surprising refinement. It all adds up to a traditional American driving experience, which is powered by a thoroughly modern engine.

Rival: VW Amarok

The Amarok boasts the solid build quality for which the German firm is famous, allied to a sophisticated 4WD system, ample load bed and spacious cabin. A truly premium pick-up.