The Ford Ranger Platinum elevates the bakkie segment with a perfect blend of rugged performance and premium luxury. Offering refined comfort, advanced tech, and powerful V6 performance, it sets a new standard on the road.

• The Ford Ranger Platinum combines luxurious SUV comfort with the power and versatility of a top-tier bakkie.
• With its 3.0L V6 engine and cutting-edge technology, the Ranger Platinum delivers unrivalled performance and sophistication.
• From Matrix LED lighting to premium leather interiors, the Ranger Platinum redefines what a bakkie can be.
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Ford has just raised the bar in the highly competitive bakkie segment with the launch of the Ranger Platinum, a vehicle that blends the rugged capability of a traditional bakkie with the luxury, comfort, and sophistication of a premium SUV. The Sandton Times took the Ford Ranger Platinum on a week-long adventure through the heart of Sandton, putting it to the ultimate urban challenge of brunches, browsing, and boujee events. The Platinum not only coped with the fast-paced city life but excelled, effortlessly combining its tough, off-road prowess with the refined elegance of a luxury SUV.

Positioned at the pinnacle of the Ranger range, the Platinum model stands as a true testament to Ford’s dedication to performance, refinement, and style. But this isn’t just another tough-as-nails pickup – it’s an elevated driving experience that effortlessly combines class and power.

Its sleek silk chrome exterior finishes, Matrix LED headlamps, and striking 20-inch alloy wheels demand attention on any road. Whether it’s the impressive grille with accented mesh, the three-dimensional ‘PLATINUM’ badging, or the exclusive side steps and rear bumper detailing, every inch of this bakkie exudes class. Ford has even thought about the finer details, like the colour-coded door handles and mirror caps, which give the Ranger Platinum a seamless, high-end appeal. And let’s not forget the loadbox, equipped with fixed sports hoops, side rails, and Ford’s Cargo Management System to keep your gear secure while you go off the beaten track.

When it comes to lighting, the Ranger Platinum takes things up a notch with Ford’s innovative Matrix LED system, which is currently exclusive to the Platinum and Raptor models. This is no ordinary lighting; the adaptive Matrix LEDs allow for a glare-free high beam, increased visibility, and a High Beam Boost that gives you 30% more light when needed. On top of that, the Dynamic Bending Lights function swivels the headlamps by up to 15 degrees, guiding your view around bends, offering a level of control on winding roads that’s simply unmatched in this segment.

Inside, Ford has truly outdone itself. The cabin of the Ranger Platinum is the epitome of comfort and luxury, with premium leather trim, accented stitching, and the exclusive quilted and perforated leather seats. The front seats are not only heated and ventilated but also offer 10-way power adjustment, so whether it’s sweltering heat or a chilly morning, you can always find the perfect position. The attention to detail is extraordinary – from the Black Maple decorative finishes on the dashboard and door appliques to the satin aluminium trim strips that give the interior a sophisticated feel.

The high-end tech suite is another standout feature. A 12.4-inch full-width LCD instrument cluster, which is shared with the Raptor, provides a crystal-clear view of all driving parameters, with customizable graphics based on your driving preferences. The Ranger Platinum also features Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment system, which integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera system, and a premium B&O sound system with 10 speakers for a concert-like experience inside the cabin. There’s even a 400W inverter built into the vehicle for charging modern devices while on the go, along with multiple USB points for both front and rear seat occupants.

Ford has also ensured that the Ranger Platinum offers a seamless towing experience. The Pro Trailer Back-up Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance makes reversing a trailer a breeze, while the Selectable Drive Modes let you easily adjust for a range of conditions, whether it’s mud, sand, or rocky terrain. And with the full suite of advanced driver aids, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, and Active Park Assist, driving the Ranger Platinum is not just easy; it’s effortless.

But the Ranger Platinum isn’t all about luxury – it’s got performance where it counts. Under the hood, the 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine delivers 184kW of power and 600Nm of torque, making it more than capable of handling anything you throw at it. Whether you’re towing a heavy load (up to 3.5 tons), navigating the city, or tackling off-road adventures, the Ranger Platinum delivers seamless power and control. The 10-speed automatic transmission works in perfect harmony with the V6 engine, providing smooth and efficient gear shifts that enhance the driving experience. And with Ford’s full-time four-wheel-drive system, you can be confident that you’ll have the traction and control you need, regardless of the terrain.

All of this comes with a price tag of R1’119’000, including VAT. The Ranger Platinum is available in local showrooms from the end of Q1 2024 and includes a four-year/120’000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance, and a five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. Additionally, the Ranger Platinum offers optional service plans for up to eight years or 135’000km, allowing you to extend the peace of mind that comes with owning a premium vehicle.

Whether you’re commuting through Sandton, heading out for a weekend adventure, or tackling tough 4×4 trails, the Ranger Platinum offers the perfect balance of rugged performance and refined comfort. Ford has clearly set a new standard in the segment, proving that a bakkie can be both tough and sophisticated – and the Ranger Platinum is the perfect embodiment of that vision.

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