Ford has brought back the iconic Bronco SUV after 25 years since it was last produced, with an upgrade of cool retro styling, innovative features and impressive off-road capabilities. In both two-door and four-door forms, the 2021 Bronco has that sort of stance, proportion and detailing that not only gives this SUV the necessary aura of utility, but lend the vehicle a massive presence. With its rugged look and convertible nature, this off-roader is going to give some tough competition to Jeep Wrangler or the new Land Rover Defender. The heritage inspired SUV is available in three-guises: Two-door, four door and Bronco Sport. Ford is launching Bronco with seven different grille designs. The frameless aluminium doors should give the SUV an advantage at feeling like a proper full-fledged convertible when the top is removed. Ford will offer a modular hardtop (three-piece on the two-door, and four-piece on the four-door) and a cloth soft top.
Unlike the predecessor, Bronco does not come with a V8 option. The base engine is the 2.3 Litre turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder, and is estimated to put out 270HP and 310 Ib-ft of torque. The other option is a twin-turbo 2.7 litre V6 that generates 310HP and 400 Ib-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission bolts to both gas engines, but a seven-speed manual is only compatible with the smaller one. Other eye catching features include 35-inch mud-terrain tyres, bead-lock capable wheels, electronic locking front and rear differentials and long travel dampers.
In the aesthetics department of the interior cabin, Bronco has a few more innovations than its competitors. Bronco has a rack build into the top of its dashboard which allows a smartphone or a Go-Pro camera to be mounted, which can be plugged into nearby 12V power outlets. As the frameless doors are removable, the company claims that they can be stored onboard of the extended wheelbase four-door model. The rubberized flooring and marine grade vinyl upholstery can help protecting the cabin when exposed to elements, while the floors are offered with built-in drains. The 8.0-12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is powered by Ford’s latest Sync 4 software which allows connection with user’s smartphone wirelessly. The infotainment system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The unit can be upgraded with desirable options, such as built-in navigation system and a more powerful stereo. A 360-degree surround-view camera suite is optional, which not only will help in parking manoeuvres, but also help avoiding close-in obstacles. The bronco will offer a full suite of advanced driver-assist systems as per Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 Suit. Features include pre-collision assist with automatic emergency breaking, blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert, lane-keeping assist and post-impact breaking.
In the terms of passive safety, Ford’s engineers have also figured out how to package side-curtain airbags into the roll cage.
