Ford’s new Ranger Platinum priced for SA
In the South African automotive market, the competition in the bakkie fold is undeniably intense, as titans from all four corners of the world consistently vie for supremacy, with their monthly sales figures serving as a testament to their ongoing rivalry.
That said, Ford is gearing up to improve its sales with the addition of the Platinum variant to the Ranger lineup. Slotting just below the Bakkie Wars-winning Raptor model and above the Wildtrak, the Platinum model brings a host of impressive equipment and a dash of chrome detailing.
To begin with, it comes with a unique front grille that incorporates accented mesh and a silk chrome finish for the horizontal bars, side steps, side vents, window linings, and rear bumper.
There is a ‘PLATINUM’ badge on the bonnet and lower sections of the front doors, and 20-inch alloys wrapped around in all-season tyres. As for the front bumper, mirror caps, and door handles, they are painted in the same colour as the car.
At the back, the load bin features a fixed sports hoop, side rails, a cargo management system as standard, and a powered roller shutter as an added-cost option.
Buyers can choose from five colour options: Iconic Silver, Frozen White, Carbonized Grey, Lucid Red and Agate Black.
Powering the Ranger Platinum is the same 3.0-litre V6 engine that powers the top-spec Wildtrak with 184kW and 600Nm of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Ranger Platinum has a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes and comes with the brand’s full-time 4WD system that's also employed by the 4×4 versions of the Wildtrak application.
In its Platinum trim level and priced at R1,119,000, the new model injects more tech and style into the already capable bakkie range, courtesy of its upmarket cabin and stylish exterior tweaks.
It is earmarked to go on sale in SA at the end of the first quarter of the year.