Ford have expanded their Ranger offering even further, with the launch of the Platinum derivative, which is said to be the most luxurious and sophisticated Ranger ever.
The Ranger Platinum takes the bakkie segment into a new territory by offering the exceptional levels of luxury, comfort and refinement normally associated with premium SUVs in their double cab model.
What makes the Ranger Platinum different?
The Ranger Platinum can be distinguished from the rest of the Ranger line up by a unique grille incorporating accented mesh and a silk chrome finish for the horizontal bars and grille surround. This is accompanied by three-dimensional Platinum badging on the bonnet and lower sections of the doors for a further exclusive touch.
Classy chrome detailing has been applied to a variety of surfaces including the side steps, side vents, window linings and rear bumper. Black accented wheel arches house attractive 20-inch alloy machine-faced wheels with ebony accents, which are fitted with all-season tyres. The front bumper mirror caps and door handles have been colour coded to create a refined and seamless visual appeal.
The load box incorporates a fixed sports hoop and side rails as standard, while the tailgate has been updated with additional damping for enhanced ease of use. Roof rails as well as the Cargo Management system is fitted as standard, the latter making it easier to secure all types of loads, particularly smaller items from rolling around in the load box. A powered roller shutter can also be fitted as an added cost option.
The Ranger Platinum also gains Ford’s Innovative Matrix LED lights, previously only available on the Raptor, which are incorporated into the C-clamp headlight design. This fully adaptive Matrix LED system ensures glare free high beam driving while providing increased visibility at night by preventing the dazzling of other road users. The system also features a high beam boost feature and dynamic bending light function.
Added luxury inside
The cabin takes a no-nonsense approach to comfort, convenience and supreme luxury. The seats feature premium quilted and perforated high-grade leather along with accent stitching and Platinum badges on the seatbacks and floor mats. The front seats offer heating and ventilation, along with 10-way power adjustment with memory function.
The instrument panel has been updated with an exclusive edge thanks to soft-touch trim with accent stitching, while attractive Black Maple decorative finishes adorn the dashboard and door appliques along with satin aluminium trim strips. The addition of an upper glovebox ensures enhanced practicality.
The Platinum is equipped with a 12.4-inch full width LCD instrument cluster which provides a clear view of all the vehicle parameters, while the graphics and theme change according to the chosen Selectable Drive mode. A 12-inch centre touchscreen display incorporates the latest generation SYNC 4A infotainment system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a SYNC off-road screen, 360-degree camera system and premium B&O sound system with 10 speakers.
A full range of advanced driver aids includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Park Assist, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems and seven Selectable Drive Modes.
The Ranger Platinum boasts advanced safety features too, including being the first Ranger model to be equipped with far side airbags positioned between the front seats, designed to prevent occupants from colliding with each other in an impact. Dual front, side and curtain airbags, along with a driver’s knee airbag, provide further collision protection.
Under the bonnet
The Ranger Platinum has the performance to match its updated look and feel thanks to a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine which delivers a seamless 184kW at 3 250rpm and 600Nm from 1 750rpm. It is mated to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. As with other V6 models in the range, a full-time four-wheel drive system is standard, which operates in 4 Auto, while 4x4 high-range and low-range can be selected when required.
Pricing
The Ranger Platinum retails for R1 119 000 which includes a four-year/120 000km warranty. Customers are able to purchase service or maintenance plans at an additional cost.
Credit: Reuben van Niekerk
