While those of us in the States have to make due with the mildly reworked 2010 Ford Ranger until its replacement arrives in 2011, the rest of the world gets to enjoy the thoroughly updated version you see here. The new Ford Ranger will bow at next month's Geneva Motor Show and once sales begin in April, owners will be able to choose from three body styles: the standard single cab, a double cab or the RAP (Rear Access Panel) variant, which features a set of rear-hinged panels aft of the front doors.

Ten colors will be available including five new hues – Copper Red, Desert Bronze, Highland Green, Lagoon Blue and Wining Blue – with power provided by either a 2.5- or 3.0-liter Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel. Either oilburner will be available in either 4x2 or 4x4 configurations and mated to a choice of a five-speed automatic or manual gearboxes, and both engines are able to tow 6,600 pounds, with the 2.5-liter unit putting out 145 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter mill delivering 156 hp and 180 280 lb-ft of torque. The interior gets all the usual amenities, including air conditioning, power windows and a MP3-compatible stereo. Production will begin in Thailand in March and there's chance this is the best preview yet of what the U.S. will get in 2011. Hit the jump for the press release.

Obviously the most profound change with the new BT-50 series is the drive train which features the much vaunted new 3-litre, common-rail turbo diesel engine. Our previous experience with this unit in the Ranger was very positive and in the Mazda it reaffirms its abilities.

Practically instantaneous to start, and near silent when idling, this is a turbo diesel very much of the 21st century.

With 380Nm of torque and a very handy five speed gearbox, coupled with a smooth and positive shift action the BT-50 drive train is an absolute joy to pilot.

Off-road the rear-differential lock is nearly superfluous with the amount of torque you can summon to twist those tyres out of trouble.

In low-range, first gear dispatched even the most severe, sandy sloped inclines our Mozambican test trail could deliver.

A boon on the 3-litre double cab 4x4 is the presence of remote electric front wheel hubs which negate the chore of getting out and manually locking hubs.

The highly durable 2.5-litre 80kW/257Nm turbo diesel is carried over from the previous generation Drifter and should be joined by 2.6-litre fuel injected petrol power by the first quarter of next year.

On-road cabin insulation is good, ride quality comfortable and handling not too ponderous for a 4x4. The steering feel is still just a touch too light, and in strong cross-winds the 4x4 models, with their increased ground clearance, might wonder about the highway a bit.