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Ford’s new Ranger 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine will power an expanding range for next year’s AA DRIVEN Car of the Year, in a new model called Platinum. It sits alongside a version of the same name of the new Everest SUV already on sale.
The 184kW/600Nm V6 is now available on the bespoke Ranger Sport ($75,490) and as an option on the Wildtrak ($82,490), making the Platinum the new flagship for this powertrain: at $84,490 it’s the most expensive Ranger with the new V6, which is an improvement of a unit used by the F-150 in the US. It comes standard with a 10-speed automatic and a full-time AWD system.
The Ranger Platinum is intended to have a more luxury vibe than the Wildtrak: the focus is on “outstanding comfort and generous detailing” says Ford, and it even has its own color: Equinox Bronze was previously only available on the Everest SUV. Note that the Platinum is a full factory model available worldwide, not just a local dress-up.
The Platinum includes many of the key features that set the Wildtrak apart, including a dashboard with extra storage (also used on the Everest) and the largest 12.4-inch portrait infotainment touch screen.
But beyond that, it’s a matter of swapping out some of Wildtrak’s visual sass for more sophistication. The Platinum has machine-finished 20-inch alloys, matrix LED lights, a bespoke grille (including a “silk chrome” finish) and the clever new Flexible Rack System (FRS), which is a nice swap for roof rails of Wildtrak and fixed “sailplane”.
The FRS consists of folding roof racks and a patent pending Sliding Load Rack. Roof racks feature crossbars that swing across the roof as needed, can be adjusted to two different lengths, and then stow away on the roof rails when not in use. The Sliding Load Rack can be operated by one person and locks into five different positions along the load box. A pop-up crossbar raises the height of the loading platform to match the roof racks.
The interior gets quilted leather-accented trim, heated steering wheel and heated/ventilated seats.
The only options available on the Ranger Platinum are exterior paint colors. Note that the black roof shown will not be available in New Zealand.
The Ranger Platinum will go into production as a “MY23.50” model from April 2023, with the first arriving in May 2023.
The Ranger remains the top-selling new car in NZ year-to-date, reaching the milestone 10,000 mark (10,465) in November. It is now ahead of Toyota Hilux (9178) and Mitsubishi Outlander (8768).
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