We've seen this Ford Ranger image before, but we thought we would show you this latest test mule anyway. It was spotted testing in Death Valley recently so development is clearly continuing.

Whether this means much for the U.S. market is still unclear. The on-again, off-again saga of the next-generation Ranger is a well worn subject and Ford has never been much help in clearing the air on the situation.

Speculation aside, is this the Ranger that Ford should be working on? Would a truck that's slightly smaller than the current crop of midsizers be a better choice that meeting Toyota and Nissan head on? Oh and don't forget Mahindra and its diesel-powered pickup due next year.

Mahindra delayed until 2010