Sime Darby Auto Connexion today officially unveiled the new 2023 Ford Ranger Platinum, as the new range-topping variant to the “regular” Ranger pick-up truck line-up here in Malaysia. The Platinum variant expands upon on the Wildtrak with more luxuries, and will also get a price tag to match – RM183,888 on-the-road and without insurance, making it some RM15k more expensive than the WildTrak.
For the extra dough, you’ll be getting a new variant-specific front grille with a chrome pin-like mesh pattern, satin-silver accents all around the exterior, a set of 20-inch dual-tone alloy wheels wrapped in highway terrain tyres, as well as the ‘Platinum’ badgings on the bonnet and tailgate.
The more intriguing additions to the exterior are found at the back, more specifically the new Flexible Rack System consisting of a sliding load rack and ‘swing-in-place- roof racks, that allows for more flexibility to carry longer items such as surfboards and kayaks. Befitting its premium positioning, the new Ford Ranger Platinum also gains a new powered roller shutter for the cargo area, alongside a damper for the tailgate.
Aside from these new additions, the rest of the equipment list remains identical to the Ranger WildTrak, including the Matrix LED projector headlights with the C-clamp daytime-running lights and auto dynamic levelling, full LED tail lamps, as well as the signature integrated side steps behind the rear wheel wells. The Equinox Bronze colour, previously reserved only for the Everest, is also now a Platinum exclusive on the Ranger.
Inside, the new Ford Ranger Platinum in Malaysia is also suitably dressed up with the new black quilted-leather upholstery with white cross stitching, and the front seats also now get heating and ventilation functionalities, in addition to their 10-way power adjustability (with memory function for the driver).
‘Platinum’ badging on the front seats, dashboard, and premium floor mats help denote this as the new range-topper, while a new Bang and Olufsen sound system wraps up the new interior additions.
Otherwise, the interior kits are all carried over from the WildTrak, including the massive 12-inch vertical central infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, Qi wireless charging pad, and a bank of switches for your auxiliary powered devices in true pick-up truck fashion.
Safety equipment is also unchanged from the WildTrak, with the premium pick-up truck coming as standard with autonomous emergency braking with cyclist, pedestrian, and junction traffic support, Evasive Steer Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality, as well as lane keeping and centering assist.
The Ford Ranger Platinum continues to be powered by the same 2.0-litre bi-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, making 210 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The Raptor-approved mill is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and an e-Locking rear differential, sending power to the ground via all four wheels.
Again, the new Ford Ranger Platinum is priced at RM183,888 on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of a five-year/160,000 km warranty, optinally extendable up to seven years and 200,000 km. It’s still not quite an SUV yet, though – for that, check out the new Ford Everest WildTrak that was also unveiled alongside today.
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