Ford is once again setting new benchmarks in the highly competitive bakkie segment with the launch of the Ranger Platinum – the most luxurious and sophisticated Ranger ever.
The Platinum joins the recently announced Tremor as the latest additions to the Ranger line-up. 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.
“The new Ranger led the South African double cab segment in 2023, and for good reason thanks to its exceptional all-round capabilities whether used for work or play, along with its car-like driving characteristics and outstanding safety,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa. “Ranger Platinum now takes the bakkie segment into unchartered territory by providing the exceptional levels of luxury, comfort and refinement normally associated with premium sport utility vehicles, or SUVs.
“Ranger Platinum complements the other recent additions to the line-up, including the new Ranger Tremor, and adventure ready Wildtrak X that we launched late last year,” Mashinini says. “This gives customers a wide range of Ranger models to suit their unique needs, whether living the city life in Sandton or Sea Point, mixing the daily commute with adrenaline-fuelled sports on the weekend, or tackling your favourite 4×4 trails with confidence.”
Class and style
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 for a further exclusive touch.
On a practical level, the Cargo Management System is fitted as standard, making it easy to safely secure all types of loads, while the useful roof rails are carried over from the Wildtrak models.
The Platinum joins the Raptor as the only Ranger models currently available with Ford’s innovative Matrix LED lights which are built into the signature C-clamp headlamp design. The fully adaptive Matrix LED lighting system offers numerous benefits, including a glare-free high beam which prevents dazzling other road users while providing increased visibility at night.
High-end technology
As with the recently announced Ranger Tremor, the Platinum receives Pro Trailer Back-up Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance, which has also been added to the Raptor and Wildtrak X as standard features, and is available as an option on the Wildtrak derivatives. Pro Trailer Backup Assist takes the guesswork out of reversing the vehicle with a trailer, as the driver simply uses the rotary Selectable Drive Modes controller on the centre console to position the trailer where required. Trailer Reverse Guidance provides informational graphics and up to seven camera views to help the reverse the trailer while the driver uses the steering wheel to control the direction.
For charging modern devices and powering accessories on the move, a 400W inverter is built into the vehicle, with 240-volt and 12-volt power outlets positioned on the rear of the centre console and in the load bay. This is complemented by dual USB points for both front and rear seat occupants.
Refined performance
The premium look and feel of a high-end luxury vehicle is one thing, but it must be matched with effortless performance – and in this regard the Ranger Platinum doesn’t disappoint. It features the same silky smooth 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine as found on the top-spec Wildtrak model, delivering a seamless 184kW of power at 3 250 r/min and a massive 600Nm of torque from 1 750 to 2 250 r/min.
This highly praised V6 engine provides seamless performance in the city, on the open road, when towing (up to 3.5 tons) or venturing off-road. It is mated to Ford’s sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission that is electronically controlled using the compact e-Shifter, and is packaged with the switch-operated electronic parking brake.
As with all V6 models in the range a full-time four-wheel drive system is standard, providing sure-footed traction and control, regardless of the driving conditions. It operates in 4 Auto (4A) by default for both on and off-road driving, while 4×4 high-range (4H) and low-range (4L) can be selected for gravel and more challenging terrain, respectively. Rear-wheel drive only is available by switching to 2H.
