The Ford Courier is a small pickup truck sold on the South American and other emergent markets. The vehicle was designed as a compact utilitarian work horse and it’s based on the 1998 Ford Fiesta hatchback. The Ford Courier pickup has a load capacity of 1543 lb. and it’s powered by a 1.6 liter engine which develops 103 hp @ 5500 rpm.

The Ford Courier pickup competes against models like the Fiat Strada, Peugeot Hoggar and Chevrolet Montero. The truck is available only in single cab configuration and power is sent to the front wheels by means of a five speed manual gearbox.

The Courier name is also used by an Australian version of the F-150 pickup. But despite the name coincidence, the small South American Courier it’s totally different than the big Australian pickup.

Design

The Ford Courier shares the same front end design with the African built Fiesta based Ford Bantam "bakkie" pickup and the overall design is pretty clean. We especially like the unique radiator grille which gives the truck a touch of dynamism.

Though, the headlights are a bit dull for our tastes and you’ll find more modern designs at other trucks in the segment.

To break up the monotony the hood is traversed by two creases which form a nice “V” shape pattern. Moving on to the front bumper we find it pretty rudimentary, but we like its triangular fog lamps, as they gel well with the main lights.

Unfortunately, the rest of the Courier’s body is pretty dull without any fancy line to break up the monotony.

As most vehicles of its type, the Ford Courier is equipped with a convenient foot step integrated into the rear spoiler which permits you to climb easier into the tray.

Interior

The Ford Courier’s interior design is pretty rudimentary and looks heavily dated compared to models like the Chevrolet Montero. The materials and plastics are also worse than expected which it’s a pity, as Ford could do a better job.

At least, the build quality is pretty solid and most of the fittings seem well done. The overall ergonomy it’s also fairly well sorted and every control is at its right place.

The central instrument panel is lighted in a strange green light, but all of its indicators can be read without too much fuss.

The steering wheel continues the dated design initiated by the grille and looks a bit dull for today’s standards. On the other hand, you won’t have any complains about the seats as they offer a proper back and lateral support and give a good driving position.

The outward visibility it’s also excellent and you won’t be disappointed by the big, exterior mirrors either.

The storage compartments include a spacious glove box, a small cubby hole positioned in front of the gear knob and a set of useful door pockets. There is also some useable space behind the seats.

Engines and performance

The 2010 Ford Courier is powered by a 1.6 liter Flex which churns out 103 hp @ 5500. The engine feels pretty agile around the city and can hit the 100 kmph mark in 10 seconds. Perhaps it goes without saying that the Courier won’t win you any drag racers, but you can rely on its generous payload capacity with confidence. It’s also pretty refined and can deals reasonably with heavy weights thanks to its generous torque of 145 Nm achieved at 4500 rpm.

The engine is mated on a responsive five speed manual gearbox with short throws.

2010 Ford Courier engines specifications

Ride and handling

The Ford Courier is equipped with Independent, McPherson type suspensions with lower triangular arms, stabilizer bar, telescoping pressurized dampers and double acting coil springs, while at the back it gets parabolic springs with dumpers.

The ride is pretty close to the one of a passenger car and the vehicle it’s able to deal with the road imperfections without affecting the driver’s comfort. The handling is also among the best in the segment, while the body lean is perfectly kept in check.

You won’t have any complains about the Ford Courier’s stopping power either, as you can rely with confidence on the front discs and rear drums which also come with ABS system included.

Verdict

The Ford Courier pickup is a practical and rugged work horse, but it’s less refined than many other trucks found on today’s market.

Its spartan cabin it’s a half step behind almost any other pickup truck found in the segment, but at least it offers a decent ergonomy. The engine however is a perfect match for the utilitarian nature of the truck and its generous torque won’t disappoint you at any time. Not to mention about the Courier’s superior ride and handling abilities which are among the best you’ll find around.

The Ford Courier shares the same front end design with the African built Fiesta based Ford Bantam