Coppers up the ante with Ranger Raptor

Christmas has come early for the boys and girls in blue in the UK, with the South Wales Police force taking delivery of a Ford Ranger Raptor.

The initiative is part of a trial run, which includes Ford Focus ST estate, one that should be perfect for the often dodgy UK weather and rural landscape of South Wales.

With no engine upgrades, crims aren’t going to struggle to pull away from the 2.0-litre turbo diesel given its modest 157kW/500Nm figures, lacklustre 0-100km/h time and a top speed that’ll struggle to crack 170km/h.

However, if the chase turns off smooth tarmac to the beaten track, the Raptor’s Fox shocks, beefed-up componentry and Baja dessert race mode will prove invaluable. Therefor anyone looking to evade the law via cross-country means will need a talented rig.

If the pace does ramp up on-road, the South Wales Police will also have access to a Ford Focus ST estate – which has ample grunt and a 250km/h top speed. Sadly, while we’re due to receive the hyped-up ST hatch in early 2020, the wagon version isn’t slated for Australia.

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Both the Ranger Raptor and Focus ST Estate have been given the full police treatment with stickers and emergency lights and sirens by Ford’s Special Vehicle Preparation team in Essex.

MORE PHOTOS: Check out the gallery at the top of this article

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Tell us below: What do you think – should Aussie police forces get in on the Raptor action?