FORD’S iconic off-road SUV Bronco has finally arrived in the Philippines, reinforcing the American automaker’s strong foothold in the off-road vehicle segment. Making its initial public appearance in the country, the new-generation model comes in the Outer Banks variant with Sasquatch Package and a complimentary Peace of Mind service inspection package for a worry-free ownership experience.
“The SUV that started it all for Ford is finally here. We are excited that Filipinos will finally get to experience the off-road performance of the All-New Bronco. With its iconic design and rugged terrain capabilities, adventure seekers are in for a thrill as it can take on extreme conditions in the great outdoors,” said Mike Breen, managing director of Ford Philippines.
Rugged and adventure-ready
Since its introduction in 1965, the Bronco nameplate has been a staple in anything off-roading. Its inside-and-out design was always straightforward without the frills. But the latest generation model’s design inspiration comes from the realities of off-road driving in mind.
The fresh exterior look is easily recognizable. Its body-on-frame platform, short overhangs, and high-ground clearance unapologetically screams off-roading. The latest model’s four-door configurations offer a removable top and doors for that extreme open-air driving experience.
The front grill’s design stemmed from the nameplate’s classic Bronco historical design, while the round-shaped LED headlights and short vertical LED taillights provide a timeless look. Dark tones are everywhere, such as matte black steel bash plates, fender flares, black painted sport tubes, and black removable hard top, among others.
However, the latest generation’s Outer Banks variant with Sasquatch Package boosted the looks with enhancing features. Starting with the variant’s high ground clearance suspension it complements the high clearance fender flares while serving a purpose for traversing rugged terrains, also helping to keep mud, dirt, and other elements away from the vehicle body. The high-gloss, black-painted 17-inch alloy wheels have warm alloy beauty ring beadlock capable wheels, adding more muscle to the overall look. More importantly, it aids off-road situations by providing tires with better traction in low air-pressure situations. The 35-inch Mud-Terrain (M/T) Tires also provide added traction whether driving through muddy, rocky or uphill conditions.
Meanwhile, the advanced 4×4 On Demand Engagement feature provides power to all its wheels for enhanced traction and stability. With its G.O.A.T. Modes™ (Goes Over Any Terrain), it can match performance to the terrain, weather, or whatever the roads and trails throw your way with the simple turn of a dial. There is also the High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) System with Position-sensitive BILSTEIN™ Shock Absorbers designed for the harshest conditions, aiding drivers to achieve off-road stability at higher speeds and great precision at lower speeds. Moreover, the drivetrain’s 4.7 Final Drive Ratio with Electronic-locking Front and Rear Axle is engineered for maximum traction, ensuring optimal grip and torque.
Functional and connected
Inside, the materials utilized are easy to clean and maintain. The seats are leather-trimmed in dark space gray and navy pier color. The driver’s seat has a 10-way power adjust, while the front passenger has an eight-way power adjust. Combining functionality and style, the All-New Bronco comes with a Carbonized Gray Molded-in-Color Hard Top with a deadening headliner ready to withstand various weather conditions. It also gives an open-air rush with an easy-to-pull-off-and-store removable roof and doors option.
In terms of connectivity, the core feature of the All-New Bronco is the SYNC® 4 infotainment system via a 12-inch colored touchscreen with swipe capability and enhanced voice recognition, ensuring more accessible access to various vehicle controls. The screen also doubles as a monitor for the 360-degree camera that gives better visibility, especially in rocky and unpredictable terrain. It also has a premium B&O® Sound System with ten speakers, including a subwoofer, for an immersive listening experience.
Potent EcoBoost engine and advanced safety features
Motivation comes from a 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 Engine with Auto Start-Stop mated to a 10-speed Automatic Transmission. On paper, the power output is 330 hp and 555 N-m of maximum torque.
Apart from the list of standard safety features, the latest Bronco also comes with Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology, a suite of enhanced driver-assist technologies and safety features such as Auto High-Beam Headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping System, and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking to name a few. Moreover, the vehicle is FordPass™ app ready with certain features such as the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor, Vehicle Status, and Vehicle Location- giving owners the information support they need to fuel their adventures.
Pricing and colors
The All-New Bronco Outer Banks variant with Sasquatch Package retails at P4.998 million. Available colors are Eruption Green, Race Red, Cactus Gray, Oxford White, Azure Gray (additional P20,000), and Shadow Black. It is exclusively available for online reservation via the Ford Philippines website and is expected to arrive at Ford dealerships in mid-June 2024.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino
