FORD RANGER PLATINUM 3.0 LTR V6
With its unmatched blend of luxury and practicality, the Ranger Platinum redefines the premium bakkie experience, appealing to buyers seeking sophistication without compromising utility.
Built at Ford’s Silverton, Pretoria plant in South Africa for global distribution, this Ranger redefines sophistication in Ford’s bakkie segment, sitting alongside the high-performance Ranger Raptor as a top-tier offering. The Ford Ranger Platinum, priced at R1 119 000, is at the pinnacle of the Ford Ranger line-up, blending rugged versatility with premium SUV-like luxury. Its combination of advanced technology, refined design, and robust performance makes it, in the words of Ford, the most luxurious Ranger ever produced.
The Ranger Platinum is powered by a 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine, delivering 184 kW and 600 Nm of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission producing a smooth effortless drive. Its full-time four-wheel-drive system, standard across V6 models, ensures exceptional traction in 4A (Auto) mode for on- and off-road conditions. Drivers can switch to 4H, 4L, or 2H modes for varied terrains, making it ideal for towing and challenging environments.
Externally, the Ranger Platinum differentiates itself by chrome trim in the range, chrome detailing in the grille, side steps, and into the interior with vent detailing truly living up to it’s premium platinum name. The level of premium Ford finishing is further accentuated by the large 20-inch alloy wheels with ebony accents and fitted with all-season tyres and completed by colour coded bumpers and mirrors, completes the premium exterior great looks.
Where the Platinum really feels different is in the interior which rivals luxury SUVs, featuring premium quilted and perforated leather seats with “Platinum” badging. Heating or cooling options are built into the ventilated front seats. You can find the most comfortable position possible with a 10-way adjustable electric option, and it comes with a heated steering wheel to keep your hands warm for those cold early morning starts. The Ranger Platinum dashboard boasts soft-touch materials, Black Maple accents, and an extra upper glovebox for storage practicality.
The class leading 12.4-inch LCD instrument cluster, displays customisable graphics that adapt to the selected drive mode you are in allowing you to tweak suspension settings and customise your driving experience. The SYNC 4A infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera, complemented by a premium 10-speaker B&O sound system adding to the touch of sophistication on offer in the Platinum. A 400 W inverter with 240 V and 12 V outlets, plus dual USB ports, caters to modern device needs.
Practical Platinum features also include six fixed tie-down hooks in the load bay so nothing can slide around in the load deck. Roof rails from the Wildtrak model come as standard on the Platinum including a tailgate with a sleek metal power roller shutter, adding even more safety to your cargo as an optional extra.
Advanced lighting technology sets the Rager Platinum apart, with Matrix LED headlamps featuring glare-free high beams, a High Beam Boost for 30% brighter illumination, and Dynamic Bending Lights that swivel up to 15 degrees for enhanced visibility. Safety is prioritised with far-side airbags – a Ranger first – along with dual front, side, curtain, and driver’s knee airbags. Driver assistance features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Centring, Active Park Assist, Pro Trailer Back-up Assist, and seven Selectable Drive Modes (Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl).
The Ranger Platinum comes with Ford Protect: a four-year/120 000 km warranty, four-year/unlimited-distance.
By Jay Groat
