Earlier this year ford launched the Ranger Platinum. There is already a fair amount of the distinctive double cabs dotting the roads. Ford intended to capture even more of the market share with the most sophisticated and luxurious double cab yet – something they were successful at and which the South African consumer appears to want.
I have been watching the road for the Platinum because when it initially launched, many opinions were that the Bakkie is too niche for the market. Consequently, I was curious how Ranger-loving South Africans would respond. What I have seen is the Platinum already in fair quantities. It seems Ford is not wrong about what consumers want.
The drive
The Ranger has set the bar so high that it has gone a long way in transforming perceptions and expectations within the segment. The Platinum does not disappoint either. Ford focused on creating a bakkie that offers car-like driving while still offering all the other perks that come with a bakkie.
It has a 3-litre turbodiesel V6 engine. This is the same engine used in the Ford Everest – the only Ranger derivative to use this engine. It has a power output of 184 kW and 600 Nm of torque. This is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It is electronically controlled using the compact e-Shifter, and is packaged with the switch-operated electronic parking brake.
Drivers can expect a powerful drive from the Platinum where the torque is prompt enough to considerably reduce the ‘torque-heavy’ drive often associated with bakkies. Do not despair, however, the torque that drivers want from a double cab is still there.
The driving comfort that comes with the Platinum is one of its biggest distinguishing characteristics from the rest of the line-up. The larger and lower-profile 20-inch alloy wheels play a role in bringing this smooth ride to drivers but do not imagine they would do as well offroad even if they are all-terrains.
Yet, its 4X4 capabilities are still not neglected. An electronically controlled permanent 4-wheel-drive system allows drivers to change between offroad driving modes. I don’t, however, think a driver would want to risk taking this particular bakkie offroad and I would be surprised if it is used for this that often.
The claimed fuel consumption is set at 8.4L/100km. We manged to average around 10L/100km. Ideally, while the Platinum does not lack responsiveness, you will see the consequences of a heavy foot in your consumption. An easy-going style of driving is likely to get you closer to claimed figures.
Design and style
The styling of both the exterior and interior of the Ranger Platinum is where the bakkie differentiates itself significantly. It has a new and unique grille that incorporates accented mesh and a silk chrome finish in the horizontal bars and surrounding the grille.
Additionally, there is three-dimensional badging of the Platinum name on the bonnet. It is also visible on the lower sections of the front doors as an extra touch.
Silk chrome detailing is evident throughout the vehicle, from the side steps to the side vents, window linings and rear bumper. There are accented wheel arches around the alloy wheels with ebony accents. The front bumper, mirror caps and door handles are colour-coded as well.
The loadbox incorporates the fixed sports hoop and side rails as standard. Additional damping is included for easier use. The Cargo Management System is also standard. The Wildtrak’s roof rails are carried over into the Platinum. A powered roller shutter is extra, however.
The seats are the most eye-catching feature as you climb into the Platinum. They are plush, perforated high-grade leather seats with a distinctive quilting and stitching style. Along with accent stitching and ‘Platinum’ badges on the front seatbacks and floor mats.
The instrument panel adds to the luxury of the bakkie with soft-touch trim and accent stitching. There is Black Maple decorative finishes for the dashboard and door appliques and satin aluminium trim strips. Ambient lighting that can be switched between colours is standard.
Tech and features
While the Platinum may not be the priciest of the Ranger derivatives, it does have the most features included as standard of all the model derivatives. When you are behind the wheel, it is easy to forget that you are even driving a bakkie.
The Ranger Platinum has is a sizeable 12.4 inches which is bigger than any of the other Ranger derivatives (other than the Raptor). Graphics and theme can be adjusted according to either the driving mode or driver preference.
The Platinum also has one of the team’s favoured features from the Raptor. The Matrix LED lights (built into a signature and eye-catching C-clamp design) are fully adaptive allowing for glare-free high beam to prevent dazzling other road users while still increasing visibility at night.
The most impressive part is the High Beam Boost feature. It has 30% more light than just the Matrix LED high beam alone. There is also Dynamic Bending Lights on the low beam that swivels the lights up to 15 degrees using sensors to measure speed and steering angle. You can see more of the road ahead as a result – it is a see-it-to-believe it feature. Words do not quite do it justice.
While the focus is on leisure, it still comes with Ford tech designed to simplify outdoor life. This includes the towing assistance. Pro Trailer Back-up Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance assist drivers when reversing with a trailer. The rotary Selectable Drive Modes controller positions the trailer where required. It includes informational graphics and up to seven camera views to help the reverse the trailer while the driver uses the steering wheel to control direction.
Other tech in the bakkie includes heated leather steering wheel, split-level storage compartment by the front passenger, 10-way power adjustment for the seats with memory function, SYNC 4A infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, SYNC Off-road screen, 360-degree camera system, B&O sound system with 10 speakers, 400W inverter built into the vehicle, with 240v and 12v power outlets in the rear of the centre console and in the load bay, dual USB points for both front and rear seat occupants.
Safety
The Platinum does not lack for any safety features. It is the first Ranger model to have far side airbags positioned between the front seats. This prevents the occupants colliding with each other in an impact
Other driver aids and assistance features include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Cantering
- Active Park Assist with autonomous parallel and perpendicular parking
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Seven Selectable Drive Modes (Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand and Rock Crawl)
- Dual front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags (total of nine)
If you are more of a fan of luxury and style, then the Ranger Platinum will likely appeal to you more than the options designed for off-roading in the Wildtrak or the performance drive of the Raptor. South African consumers appear to agree as more dot the roads each day.
Good to know
The specs
Engine: 3-litre turbodiesel V6 engine
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Power: 184 kW
Torque: 600 Nm
Fuel consumption: 8.2L/100km (claimed)
Price: from R1 119 000
Warranty and service plan: four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. Optional service or maintenance plans up to eight years or 135 000km available.
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