Manufacturers go through lows and highs. Some decades they’re on fire and can’t be touched. Other times they just can’t quite make things line up how they’d hope. It’s something we seem time and time again, but it’s hard to argue that Ford is doing anything but winning right now. The re-released Bronco is just the latest in a string of vehicles they’re getting right. And they’re doing it in a bloody big way.
If you haven’t seen the re-released Bronco it’s aimed head on at Jeeps Wrangler. While it doesn’t sport a solid front axle like the Wrangler, Ford have jam packed it full of off-road features. Sadly the Bronco isn’t currently slotted to hit Australian shores so we’ve gone through and picked out our favourite features we’d love to see in future Ranger or Everest models.
Crawler Gears
Like the Everest and Ranger, the Bronco is available with a few driveline combos. There’s a 310hp V6 turbo petrol with a 10 speed auto. Or more interestingly for us is a 270hp turbo 4-cylinder and a 7 speed manual. The 7 speed ‘box drives like a regular old 6 speed on the black top with 5 usable gears and an overdrive for the highway. Head off-road though and there’s an ultra low first gear giving the Bronco huge mechanical advantage in the rough stuff. Imagine just being able to grab another gear and effectively having low range rather than waiting for the transfer case to shift.
35in Tyres Stock
Australian laws basically dictate that the factory tyre size is the safest size you should run. The new Bronco in Sasquatch trim comes sporting huge 35in tyres inside the guards. And hey, who are we to argue with Fords engineering department? 35in tyres standard on Aussie delivered Rangers or Everests would cut modification defects in half overnight.
Trail Turn Assist
Alright. we’ll admit Ford didn’t invent the concept here. but it’s still fantastic seeing it in the lineup and we’d love to see it in future Rangers or Everests. Tap the Trail Turn Assist button in either 4-low or 4-high, hook the wheel hard left or right, and damn near turn on the spot. The system automatically locks the inside rear wheel letting the whole rig pivot off that corner. It’d be fantastic in tight terrain like the Vic High Country.
DIY Modifications
Technically there’s nothing stopping you from pulling the doors off your new cruiser or patrol, but it’s not exactly encouraged. The new Bronco is so user friendly it even comes with its very own tool set in a stamped Bronco case. Cast your eyes over the Bronco’s door hinges and you’ll see specially stamped Bronco bolts telling you it’s a-okay to yank the doors. The front guards and even rear quarters are also removable for ease of replacement at home if you tap a tree. Imagine the possibilities if the new Rangers tub sides were held on by 10 easy to access bolts.
Hydraulic Disconnecting Swaybar
Swaybars are one of the greatest inventions on modern 4x4s. They allow you to have supple suspension for undulating terrain, and still have weight up top without rolling around dangerously on every roundabout. The problem is they also limit articulation off-road. The Bronco sports a hydraulically controlled swaybar meaning you can have a flat ride on-road, tap a switch and gain extra articulation off-road. The system means it can be controlled even mid flex too. Lifted a wheel? Tap a button and the whole suspension will droop down giving you more traction and ability to drive out.
So what do you reckon? Are these features you’d like to see in future off-road orientated new models? or is the Bronco a little too out there for you?
Quick Links
Ford Ranger Tradie Edition – Mr4x4
Bronco USA Website
