Ford Mzansi has launched the Platinum spec Ranger locally and it promises to offer Premium SUV comfort for Double Cab buyers.
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.
Ford’s innovative Matrix LED lights which are built into the signature C-clamp headlamp design come standard. High Beam Boost plus Dynamic Bending Lights add to the lighting tech.
Chrome accents are used for the side steps to the side vents, window linings and rear bumper, while accented wheel arches house standard 20-inch alloys fitted with all-season tyres. The loadbox 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, making it easy to safely secure all types of loads, while the useful roof rails are carried over from the Wildtrak models. Buyers can have the nifty powered roller shutter fitted as an added-cost option.
Customers can select from five colour options for the Ranger Platinum: Iconic Silver, Frozen White, Carbonized Grey, Lucid Red and Agate Black.
The Platinum comes with a 12-inch centre touchscreen display which incorporates the latest-generation SYNC 4A infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging, SYNC Off-road screen, 360-degree camera system, and the premium B&O sound system with 10 speakers. The Platinum is equipped with the 12.4-inch full-width LCD instrument cluster, which is shared exclusively with the Ranger Raptor.
The front seats offer heating and ventilated cooling functions, along with 10-way power adjustment with memory function.
Powering the Platinum Ranger is a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine delivering 184kW of power at 3 250 r/min and 600Nm of torque from 1 750 to 2 250 r/min. It is mated to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
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 4x4 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.
Also launched locally was the Ford Ranger Tremor, an XLT based special edition with the following key offerings:
- Ranger Tremor equipped with the same suspension upgrades as the recently launched Wildtrak X, including specially developed Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers, 24mm higher ground clearance and 30mm wider track
- Based on XLT series with 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine and full-time 4WD, incorporates easily cleaned interior trim for hard-working applications
- Debuts Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance, now available as standard on Tremor, Wildtrak X, Ranger Raptor and upcoming Ranger Platinum, optional on Wildtrak 4x4 and 4WD models
The Ranger Platinum and Tremor will be available in local showrooms at the end of Q1 2024.
- Ranger Tremor Double Cab 2.0L BiT 4WD 10AT R977 500
- Ranger Platinum Double Cab 3.0L V6 4WD 10AT R1 119 000
Included as standard is Ford Protect comprising a four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever occurs first.