21 minute read
FORD BRONCO
For thirty years, the Ford Bronco was part of the North American automotive landscape.
Debuting as a 1966 model, the original Bronco was aimed at the growing recreational four-wheel drive market exemplified by Jeep’s CJ Series.
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Tapping into the “equine” success Ford was enjoying at the time with the Mustang, the Bronco was billed as a new kind of horse; one built for the wild, with standard four-wheel drive, two-speed transfer case, good ground clearance, compact dimensions, tough construction and spartan appointments.
Now, the Bronco is back. And it’s locked on to the same target as the original – Jeep.
Across five generations over the next three decades, the Bronco grew and evolved (and was briefly marketed in Australia in the 1980s) before being discontinued in 1996 as Ford, like automakers the world over, shunned the
authentic 4x4 off-roader and embraced the urban-oriented SUV “soft-roader”.
THREE PONIES
In tribute to the original Bronco, which was offered in roadster, sport utility and wagon forms, the all-new version is available in three forms, too: Bronco twodoor; Bronco four-door; and Bronco Sport. The latter two are Bronco firsts, as all five generations of the original Ford off-roader were only ever offered in two-door form.
While clearly inspired by the original model, the new two- and four-door Broncos are clean sheet designs and built using body-on-frame construction, whereas the Bronco Sport is based off Ford’s Escape SUV, so it has monocoque construction and a noticeably different look, dictated by the constraints of that platform.
Styling of the new Bronco shows clear inspiration of the original.
The Bronco Sport will run its own engine/ transmission combinations, too, with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol threecylinder or 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol four-cylinder, matched to an eight-speed automatic in both instances.
On the two- and four-door Bronco, engine choices are a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol four-cylinder (that’s in the current Mustang) and a 2.7-litre twin-turbo petrol V6. A 7-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission is available with the 2.3 engine, but choose the 2.7 twinturbo and it’s auto only. The 7-speed manual is the big talking point in the specs released so far, as it features a dedicated ,
crawl gear – 94.75:1 - for rock hopping and other serious off-road work. On the 10-speed auto, maximum crawl ratio is 67.8:1.
In general, the two- and four-door Broncos are the hardcore off-roaders of the trio, and while the Bronco Sport is a little softer, it still offers four-wheel drive as standard and can be optioned up to tackle seriously challenging terrain.
BUILT WILD
The all-new Bronco debuts under the tagline of ‘Built Wild’, which should give you an idea of its off-road focus. Ford’s mission was to deliver a vehicle that offers “maximum 4x4 go-anywhere, anytime capability and confidence”.
Clearly aimed at Jeep’s Wrangler, that capability starts with a part-time fourwheel drive system as standard that includes a two-speed transfer case that’s manually selectable, with shift-on-thefly engagement and a 2.72:1 low ratio.
An optional “Advanced 4x4” system enhances this, with automatic on-demand engagement of an electromechanical twospeed transfer case and 3.06:1 low-range ratio.
The Bronco also squares up to the Wrangler with its removable doors and roof panels for real open-air off-roading. Unlike the Wrangler, there’s no fold-down windscreen, but the doors and roof are said to be easier to remove and come with storage bags that allow them to be carried in the vehicle when not in use.
Styling of the new Bronco shows clear inspiration of the original.
Packed with off-road focussed tech, the Bronco will run an exclusive Terran Management System with selectable G.O.A.T. modes as standard on all model grades. Standing for Goes Over Any Terrain, G.O.A.T. covers up to seven modes, with Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Sand as the default modes. Added with certain model grades and option packs are Baja, Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl modes.
Under the label of ‘Trail Toolbox,’ off-road
assistance tech includes ‘Trail Control,’ a form of off-road cruise control, and ‘Trail One-Pedal Drive’ that automatically controls acceleration and braking in slowspeed situations like rock crawling.
While some specs are still to be released, further evidence of Ford’s fair dinkum approach to making sure the new Bronco can take on the wildest terrain is the inclusion of Dana AdvanTEK front and rear axles as standard, with Spicer PerformaTrak electronic locking diffs optional.
The suspension is what Ford calls H.O.S.S., standing for High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension. Available across all three new Broncos, the H.O.S.S. system on the two- and four-door models incorporates an independent front end with twin alloy A-arms and coil-over shocks, and a five-link rear with coil-overs that offers up to 215mm of front travel and 261mm rear travel, depending on the model grade and options. Ford are claiming this as best-inclass and 17 per cent better than its closest competitor – the Jeep Wrangler.
OPTION UP
It’s the options that have US off-road enthusiasts salivating, starting with a Bilstein position-sensitive damper upgrade for the H.O.S.S. and including the aforementioned advanced 4x4 system and Spicer diffs, as well as an automatic sway bar disconnect function that can be disengaged under load. There’s also optional enhanced power steering for low speed turns and the ability to fit beadlockcapable 17-inch rims with 35-inch tyres – a factory first from any volume manufacturer.
“We created the Bronco family to elevate every aspect of off-road adventure and equipped them with class-leading chassis hardware and exclusive technologies to raise the bar in the rugged 4x4 segment and take people further into the wild,” said Ford COO, Jim Farley.
BASE, BIG, BLACK, BANKS, BAD, TR AK . . . AND SASQUATCH?
While the range of options – and an accessory list that’s already 200 items long - will allow Bronco owners to make their vehicle their own, Ford are making the process a little easier with a range of pre-packaged trim levels. Above the base model, buyers will be able to choose from ‘Big Bend,’ ‘Black Diamond,’ ‘Outer Banks,’ ‘Wildtrak’ and ‘Badlands’. Incorporated into these trim levels are different equipment packs – Mid, High, Lux and Sasquatch - that offer a range of tech, convenience, capability and cosmetic features.
The first three packs are pretty selfexplanatory, but Sasquatch (what a cool name!) needs explanation. Made for off-roading, this package includes the aforementioned beadlock-capable 17- inch wheels with 35-inch tyres, as well as electronic locking front and rear diffs, a 4.7:1 crawl ratio, high-clearance suspension with Bilstein shocks and accommodatingly higher wheelarch flares.
BASE BRONCO:
Comes with the 2.3 E coBoost, 7-speed manual and part-time , p p
four-wheel drive as standard, plus the Terrain Management System, five GOAT modes, 16-inch wheels with 30-inch tyres, push-button starting, cloth seats and floor carpeting.
The ‘stripper’ spec of the base Bronco allows Ford to list it at US$29,995 in twodoor form and US$34,695 in four-door form. The 2.7-litre engine, 10-speed auto and Advanced 4x4 System can be added, but of the equipment packs, only the Sasquatch is offered on the base model. BIG BEND:
Standard features over the base model include an additional GOAT mode, 17-inch wheels with 32-inch tyres, LED head and fog lights, a leathertrimmed steering wheel and gear shifter, plus some cosmetic changes. Options on the Big Bend level that are unavailable on the base Bronco include heated front seats and remote starting. Engine, trans and 4x4 system options carry over, with the Sasquatch and Mid Equipment packs available. The latter includes features like Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system,
ambient lighting, heated front seats, 12V outlet, dual-zone temp control, remote starting and an enhanced safety suite under Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 banner.
BLACK DIAMOND: Adds more off-road capability and dur ability with a heavy-duty modular front bumper with removable end caps, a steel rear bumper, rock rails, heavyduty bash plates, seven GOAT modes, water-repellent marine grade cloth seats and rubberized flooring that can be hosed out. Both the Mid and Sasquatch option packs are available.
OUTER BANKS: Drops back to six GOAT modes , but upgrades the rims to 18-inch and adds signature LED lighting front and rear, heated front seats, overhead console switchgear, powdercoated side steps and the Mid package as standard. Like the base, Big Bend and Black Diamond Broncos, the 2.7 engine and 10-speed are optional, as is leather trim and the Sasquatch package, with the High and Lux option packages introduced with this trim level. The former includes a 12-inch centre console display, 360-degree camera, forward sensors, sideview mirror and additional sound
deadening. The latter adds a 10-speaker B&O sound system, wireless charging pad, voice-activated sat nav, additional USB ports, Evasive Steering Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.
WILDTRAK: A familiar name, but with unfamiliar featur es. The 2.7 EcoBoost and 10-speed auto are standard on this grade, as is the Advanced 4x4 System, seven GOAT modes, heated cloth front seats, and the Mid and Sasquatch packages. Leather upholstery, High and Lux packages are also available.
BADLANDS: Takes the Big Bend spec and adds 33-inch tyr es, a unique suspension configuration with sway bar disconnect and seven GOAT modes. The heavy-duty modular front bumper with removable end caps and steel rear bumper from the Black Diamond are also added, as well as marine grade cloth seats, rubberized flooring and overhead console switchgear. All four equipment packs are optional on this grade, along with leather seats.
FIRST EDITION: Limited to 3,500 units and an upgr ade on the Badlands spec. Includes a safari bar, special exterior graphics, black hardtop and a unique interior trim with leather seats (including heated front seats and a 10-way power driver’s seat) and carpeted floors. Lux and Sasquatch packs are standard on this limited-edition.
NO BRONCO HERE
While there’s a lot to get excited about with the Bronco, there’s also something to be disappointed about – it almost certainly won’t be coming to Australia. Apparently, there are no plans to build the Bronco in RHD, so that excludes us and our Kiwi cousins, as well as the UK, Japan and South Africa, to name the prime RHD markets.
With the two- and four-door Broncos being body-on-frame, that will make RHD conversion easier, but any local company looking at doing so would have to look long and hard at the business case for such an undertaking. With Ram and Chevrolet pickups being locally converted, the skills are obviously here, but poor Jeep sales in Australia wouldn’t inspire confidence that Bronco conversions could deliver a return on investment.
The truest of the three new Broncos to the original, the two-door Bronco will likely be the most popular, too.
Due for US release early next year, the two-door is the same as the four-door in most aspects, aside from its doors and seating configuration, obviously. Styling is pretty much identical, too, but there are subtle differences, like the grille pattern.
With its upright appearance, flanked by round headlights, that grille is the most obvious nod to the original Bronco from 1966, but the full width FORD identification has been replaced with BRONCO. This brings up an interesting
element to the Bronco’s design – there’s no Ford identification on the exterior of the vehicle. No Ford badge or Blue Oval anywhere outside and it’s largely the same story inside, with just a small plaque near the gear shifter declaring it’s a Ford product. This, apparently, is a deliberate ploy on Ford’s behalf, as they are aiming to make the Bronco a standalone model in a similar way to what they’re doing with the Mustang.
The small ‘peak’ to the front guards is another nod to the 1966 Bronco, as is the subtle bodyside crease.
“Similar to the first-generation model, Bronco’s square proportions, short overhangs and wide stance are optimized for off-road adventure,” says Paul Wraith, Bronco chief designer. “The side profile features a flat, no-nonsense surface with clear-cut edges and robustly flared fenders. Large, open wheel wells are a modular design with a quick-release attachment for simple customization.”
Other notable design features include deceptively simple wheelarch flares (that are removable) and an equally subtle standard front bumper with tow hooks and built-in fog lights. Clever touches include mounting points on the windscreen’s top edge for fitting roof racks and light bars, side mirrors
mounted to the body (so they don’t come off when the doors do) and cleats on the front guards that serve as position markers when off-roading and tie-down points for cargo on the road, or tents when in camp.
That smart thinking continues inside, where there’s removable front passenger grab rails, optional MOLLE straps on the back of the front seats that allow a variety of items to be hung or fastened, and an accessory rail atop the dash that’s set up to hold smartphones, GoPros, etc., with USB plugs there, too, to minimise cable clutter.
Buttons for the diff locks and essential off-road functions are also topside of the dash, while the GOAT modes are selectable via a rotary dial alongside the gear shifter.
Outputs from the available engines are not finalised yet, but Ford predict s maximums of 201kW and 420Nm for the 2.3 EcoBoost four, and 231kW and 542Nm for the 2.7 EcoBoost twin-turbo V6.
On the transmissions, the 7-speed manual that’s exclusive to the 2.3 EcoBoost offers a 4.46:1 final drive ratio on most grades, except the Badlands that’s 4.7:1. On the 10-speed auto, final drive varies from 3.73:1 to 4.46:1. Choose the Sasquatch package and it’s 4.70:1 regardless of trim level.
The two-door Bronco rolls on a 100.4- inch (2550mm) wheelbase, with LxWxH dimensions of 4412x1928x1826mm. Depending on added features like a roof rack or modular bumpers, these measures vary a little, as does fording depth, but that increases to a maximum of 851mm with the Sasquatch package.
Choice of wheels, tyres and suspension varies ground clearance from 213mm to 295mm and impacts approach/departure/ breakover angles, too. The design’s minimal front and rear overhangs contribute here, with approach angle varying from 35.5 to 43.2 degrees, departure angle from 29.8 to 37.2 degrees and breakover angle from 21.1 to 29.0 degrees.
Where the two-door Bronco is a fourseater only, the four-door has room for five. That’s the key difference with the four-door Bronco, as the running gear, mechanical spec, options packs and many other features are identical.
A cloth soft top is standard on the four-door Bronco and includes a “tilt up” function that allows for easy access to the cargo area, while the modular hardtop is optional, but buyers can order both tops.
The modular hardtop roof system is made up of four sections (three on the two-door) and all panels can be removed by one person. One-bolt attachment and included grab points on the doors make their removal easier, too, while the doors
can be stowed in the cargo area once removed: a feature unavailable on the Jeep Wrangler.
Remove those roof panels and you’ve got real open-air motoring. While the door frames are chunky (to incorporate the side curtain airbags), the roof is open, with no continuation of the B-pilllar across the roof as the roll bar protection is incorporated aft of the C-pillar.
Another note on the Meccano-like structure of the four-door Bronco, that also applies to the two-door, is that the rear quarter windows can be removed without the need for tools and without taking off the roof panels.
Interior features are shared with the two-door and include an instrument panel inspired by the first Bronco, but upgraded with a full-colour LCD display. The rest of the dash is minimalist in design, with the centre console touchscreen flanked by air vents and bold BRONCO identification in front of the passenger. Depending on trim level, the touchscreen for Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system is either 8 or 12 inches, with the latter claimed as the largest in its class. SYNC 4 allows over-theair updates and seamless integration to the FordPass Performance app with offroad navigation – a Bronco class-exclusive feature that allows owners to easily plan, navigate and share their off-road adventures.
On trim levels fitted with the 360-degree camera system, SYNC 4 also provides classexclusive off-road “spotter views” to provide additional visibility when rock crawling or negotiating particularly rough trails.
Advanced topographic trail maps and more than 1,000 curated trail maps are provided as part of class-exclusive trail content from NeoTreks’ AccuTerra Maps, Trails Offroad trail guides and FunTreks trail guides.
“The trail mapping system available on Bronco is truly a game-changer in the off-road community,” says Mark Grueber, Bronco consumer marketing manager. “It works online or off, on either of the navigation-capable 8- or 12-inch SYNC systems, allowing users to select one of hundreds of available curated trail maps to map out and then track, capture and share their adventures with others.”
As mentioned, Ford branding is virtually non-existent inside the Bronco, but there are lots of funky design details, while modularity allows certain features, like passenger grab rails, to be removed easily or updated with other parts.
The four-door Bronco rolls on a 116.1- inch (2949mm) wheelbase, with LxWxH dimensions of 4810x1928x1826mm (1854mm with the soft top). As with the two-door, added features like a roof rack or modular bumpers impact these measures.
With the same exterior design that includes minimal front and rear overhangs, approach angle is the same as the two-door Bronco, varying from 35.5 to 43.2 degrees, but the departure angle drops marginally, to 29.7/37.0 degrees, depending on wheel/ tyre and suspension package. Obviously, the longer wheelbase impacts the four-door’s breakover angle, which drops to 20.0/26.3, depending on wheel/tyre and suspension packages.
Ground clearance of between 210mm and 292mm is almost identical to the two-door Bronco, but fording depth is the same, at up to 851mm with the Sasquatch package.
Max towing capacity is shared with the two-door at 1,587kg, as is the 204kg maximum static roof load, but max payload increases to 621kg.
It’s part of the Bronco family, but the Bronco Sport is something of an odd inclusion being based on an existing model - the Escape SUV – and of monocoque construction where the two- and fourdoor Broncos are bespoke designs and use body-on-frame construction.
Being based on the Escape (a small SUV, but subcompact in US terms) means the Bronco Sport comes with some compromises, starting with the styling, which has less of the boxy retro look of the other two models and more curves and rounded edges. Ford calls it “modern, heritage-inspired style that stays true to the original Bronco DNA”.
While it may seem like a soft-roader at first glance, Ford says the Bronco Sport has some serious off-road ability, backed by testing in extreme environments.
“Bronco Sport has the toughness and smarts to help turn off-road novices into 4x4 pros,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford chief product development and purchasing officer. “Bronco Sport embraces the needs of outdoor enthusiasts – every inch of it was designed and engineered with weekend adventurers in mind.”
Details of the Bronco Sport’s four-wheel
drive system have yet to be revealed, but Ford says it’s advanced, with a classexclusive twin-clutch rear-drive unit and electronic diff lock feature that’s similar to a mechanical diff lock and allows greater off-road performance.
The Terrain Management System and G.O.A.T. modes carry over from the two/ four-door Bronco, offering up to seven selectable modes, from Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Sand, to Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl.
The Bronco Sport also gets the H.O.S.S. suspension of the other two models, but based around a MacPherson strut front end and independent double lateral link semi-trailing arm rear. Various upgrades elevate this suspension package above the Ford Escape it’s based on and optional to this is a tougher H.O.S.S. set-up that adds softer coil springs and stabiliser bars at each end, twin-tube shocks and hydraulic rebound stops up front and thicker monotube shocks and a unique cast knuckle at the rear.
Available Trail Control technology, a form of off-road cruise control, furthers the Bronco Sport’s off-road prowess, offering vehicle-controlled throttle and braking at speeds of up to 32km/h and 10km/h in reverse, so the driver need do no more than steer.
Four separate bash plates are available, protecting the engine, transmission, transfer case and fuel tank, with front tow hooks optional, too.
A choice of 17- and 18-inch wheels are offered, but none of the mad Sasquatch 35- inch tyres. Rubber is limited to 29 inches maximum, and like the other Broncos, a full-size spare wheel is standard.
The five-seat Bronco Sport runs a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged threecylinder petrol engine as standard, with a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol four-cylinder optional or included with specific trim levels. Engine outputs are still provisional, but in the area of 135kW and 257Nm for the 1.5 engine, and 182kW and 373Nm for the 2.0 four-cylinder.
An 8-speed automatic is the only transmission available, but on the 2.0 engine, this can be upgraded to an 8-speed with paddle shifters and SelectShift manual shifting mode.
Trim level options are reduced compared to the two- and four-door Bronco, with Big Bend, Outer Banks and Badlands offering
progressively greater levels of equipment and upgrades, while the First Edition will combine the Badlands spec with unique cosmetic touches, and is limited to 2,000 units.
Big Bend increases the wheel size and adds features like push-button starting, satellite radio, rubberized cargo floor, side/ rear privacy glass and more. The Outer Banks version adds features like 18-inch wheels, leather-trimmed seats, remote starting, reversing sensors, a 6.5-inch instrument display and ambient lighting, to name a few.
The 2.0-litre engine and upgraded transmission comes online with the Badlands version, as does the upgraded suspension, Advanced 4x4 System, Terrain Management System with seven GOAT modes, Trail Control function, 180-degree front camera, underbody bash plates and more. The First
Edition upgrades the Badlands, adding full leather trim, power front seats, a 10-speaker B&O sound system, power moonroof, cosmetic touches and a trailer towing package (max. towing capacity is just under 1,000kg).
Ground clearance on the Bronco Sport varies from 198mm to 223mm, with fording depth of up to 600mm. Wheel/tyre combos alter approach/departure/breakover, too, from 21.7 to 30.4 degrees (approach), 30.4 to 33.1 degrees (departure) and 18.2 to 20.4 degrees (breakover).
Notable design features include MOLLE straps on the front seatbacks, a built-in bottle opener in the cargo area and an optional Cargo Management System that includes a slide-out work table, 400-watt inverter and LED floodlamps in the tailgate.
More than 100 factory-approved accessories will be available from launch, including themed bundles for Bike, Snow, Water and Camping.
The Bronco Sport will be the first new Bronco to market, with a North American release later this year, where the other Broncos are due partway through 2021. At US$28,155, pricing for the Bronco Sport starts just under the base two-door Bronco.
Like the two- and four-door Bronco, the Bronco Sport is unlikely to be released in Australia.
The all-new Bronco debuts under the tagline of ‘Built Wild’, which should give you an idea of its off-road focus. Ford’s mission was to deliver a vehicle that offers “maximum 4x4 go-anywhere, anytime capability and confidence”.
Now, the Bronco is back. And it’s locked on to the same target as the original – Jeep.
For thirty years, the Ford Bronco was part of the North American automotive landscape. Debuting as a 1966 model, the original Bronco was aimed at the growing recreational four-wheel drive market exemplified by Jeep’s CJ Series.
WORDS Mike Ryan | PHOTOS Ford Media
