Ford launched the Ranger Platinum in the highly competitive bakkie segment and claims it is the most luxurious and sophisticated Ranger ever. It joins the recently announced Tremor as the latest additions to the Ranger line-up.
What’s new?
The Platinum series takes prime position at the pinnacle of the standard Ranger line-up, alongside the mighty Ranger Raptor which is the master of high performance and off-roading.
Exterior:
The Ranger Platinum distinguishes itself from the rest of the Ranger line-up with a unique grille incorporating accented mesh and a silk chrome finish for the horizontal bars and grille surround. This is complemented by three-dimensional 'PLATINUM' badging on the bonnet and lower sections of the front doors.
Chrome detailing is evident throughout the vehicle, from the side steps to the side vents, window linings and rear bumper, while accented wheel arches house 20-inch alloys, fitted with all-season tyres. The front bumper, mirror caps and door handles are colour coded.
The load-box incorporates the fixed sports hoop and side rails as standard, while the tailgate features additional damping for enhanced ease of use. On a practical level, the Cargo Management System is fitted as standard. A powered roller shutter can be fitted as an added-cost option.
The Platinum joins the Raptor as the only Ranger models currently available with Ford’s Matrix LED lights.
Interior:
The seats are unique to Platinum and feature premium quilted and perforated high-grade leather, along with accent stitching and “PLATINUM” badges on the front seatbacks and floor mats.
Furthermore, the front seats offer heating and ventilated cooling functions, along with 10-way power adjustment with memory function.
The instrument panel, similarly, gains an exclusive edge thanks to soft-touch trim with accent stitching, Black Maple decorative finishes for the dashboard and door appliques, satin aluminium trim strips and the addition of the upper glovebox.
In keeping with its range-topping status, the Platinum is equipped with the 12.4-inch full-width LCD instrument cluster, which is shared exclusively with the Ranger Raptor.
Numerous other trend-setting features found in the Wildtrak and Ranger Raptor are standard fare on the Platinum.
Performance:
The Platinum features the same 3-litre V6 turbodiesel engine as found on the top-spec Wildtrak model, delivering 184 kW and torque of 600 Nm. The engine is connected to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
As with all V6 models in the range, a full-time four-wheel drive system is standard.
Price:
The Ranger Platinum and Ranger Tremor will be available in local showrooms at the end of Q1 2024.
The Ranger Platinum Double Cab 3.0L V6 4WD 10AT costs R1 119 000 and the Tremor Double Cab 2.0L BiT 4WD 10AT R977 500.
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