Ford Ranger 3.0TD V6 Platinum 4WD

The.battle for double-cab supremacy continues, with Ford’s luxurious new Ranger Platinum appealing to the lifestyle-oriented buyer

- Kyle Kock, Siyavuya Mbaduli

Price: R1 120 100 0-100 km/h: 9.35 secs Power/Torque: 184 kW/600 N.m Top speed: 180 km/h CAR fuel index: 10.10 L/100 km CO₂: 222 g/km

In our market, bakkies account for roughly one-fifth of the overall passenger vehicle sales; and out of that total, more than 50% can be attributed to double cabs - testament that South Africans buy these vehicles more than SUVs, hatchbacks or sedans.

The Blue Oval's been hard at work bridging the gap between the models in the Ranger line-up in terms of abilities, appeal and, most importantly, affordability. Two models were recently added to the double-cab Ranger portfolio; the more off-road-focused Tremor and the Platinum variant you see here. It's aimed at those who are affluent enough to be able to afford a powerful bakkie that costs north of R1 million, and favour comfort over the Raptor's hard-edged performance.

Platinum lettering is proudly displayed across the width of the bonnet lip, and the grille is unique to Platinum-badged models, with a generous dose of chrome garnish. The Matrix adaptive LED lighting system, which is otherwise available only on the Raptor, befits the Platinum's status as a halo model, and features both a cornering function and dynamic high beams that won't dazzle oncoming motorists.

Even the most eagle-eyed readers might be fooled into thinking the Ranger Platinum has the same alloy wheels as the Everest Platinum, but instead of the 21-inchers featured on the SUV, Ford sensibly chose to offer the bakkie with 20-inch rims wrapped in tyres with a chunkier 50 sidewall, instead of the Everest's 45s. The rest of the Platinum's profile has similar brightwork treatment, though the chrome border has been brought forward to the C-pillar instead of the Everest's D-pillar placement.