The new Ford Ranger Platinum is penned in for a South African launch before the end of March.
At a starting price of R1,119,000, the Platinum will assume the flagship role of the standard Ranger family – not counting the bespoke Ranger Raptor with its unique engine and architecture.
The new double cab is a classier entry in the Ranger line-up than the headlining Wildtrak which is focused on off-roading prowess, as it provides “the exceptional levels of luxury, comfort, and refinement normally associated with premium SUVs,” said Ford.
The Platinum displays its premium pedigree with a model-unique mesh grille, “Platinum” badging on the nose, accented wheel arches surrounding 20-inch alloys with ebony accents, silk chrome finishes around the perimeter, and a colour-coded front bumper, mirror caps, and door handles.
The load box features a fixed sports hoop, side rails, and Ford’s versatile Cargo Management System as standard, and its roof rails are carried over from the Wildtrak models.
Adaptive Matrix LED headlights – which have thus far only been fitted to the Raptor – are also included with abilities such as a high-beam boost function and dynamic cornering lights.
The cabin of the new Ranger is equally elevated above its namesakes by way of exclusive quilted and perforated leather seating with heating and ventilating features, ambient lighting, Black Maple finishes, satin aluminium trim strips, and several soft-touch panels.
Of course, it brings a plethora of amenities as well, including a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.0-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, and dual-zone climate control.
This is accompanied by a variety of safety and assistance programmes such as adaptive cruise control with lane centering, a 360-degree camera system, active park assist with autonomous parallel and perpendicular parking, and a new airbag between the front seats that prevents occupants from hitting one another in a collision.
Powering the Platinum is none other than Ford’s pinnacle 3.0-litre, V6 diesel engine churning out 184kW and 600Nm, married to a 10-speed automatic gearbox and advanced four-wheel-drive system.
The configuration returns a fuel consumption of 8.4l/100km and enables the double cab to carry a maximum payload of 944kg and tow up to 3,500kg.
Cream of the double-cab crop
The premium bakkies that will be fighting against the new Ranger Platinum for your hard-earned cash are shown below.
Click on the underlined prices for more information.
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD V-Cross 4×4
- Starting price – R908,600
- Power – 140kW/450Nm
- Fuel consumption – 8.1l/100km
- Payload cap – 970kg
- Towing cap – 3,500kg
Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 4×4 Legend RS
- Starting price – R1,005,000
- Power – 150kW/500Nm
- Fuel consumption – 8.0l/100km
- Payload cap – 775kg
- Towing cap – 3,500kg
VW Amarok 3.0TDI V6 Aventura 4Motion
- Starting price – R1,184,200
- Power – 184kW/600Nm
- Fuel consumption – 8.4l/100km
- Payload cap – 942kg
- Towing cap – 3,500kg
Jeep Gladiator 3.6 Rubicon
- Starting price – R1,344,900
- Power – 209kW/347Nm
- Fuel consumption – 12.4l/100km
- Payload cap – 693kg
- Towing cap – 2,721kg
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