By Staff Reporter

The Bronco has officially come back and we are hoping it will make its way to South Africa. If pricing is right, we believe it could find the same success as the Mustang has found here. Anyways, back to the new Bronco which will be offered with four-door models for the first time ever.

Looks

Inspired by the first-generation model, Ford says, “the all-new Bronco’s architecture for two- and four-door models is based on a fully boxed, high-strength steel chassis that delivers available best-in-class suspension travel – 17 percent more both front and rear over the closest competitor to thrive in rugged environments.”

The side profile features a flat surface with clear-cut edges and flared fenders. Large, open wheel wells are a modular design with a quick-release attachment for simple customization. Bronco’s strategically placed steel shields protect critical hardware. Higher-capability models get an available front bash plate, plus shields for the engine, transmission, transfer case and fuel tank.

The new Bronco is likely to give the Jeep Wrangler a run for its money with its ability to make the open-air experience quick, easy and fun. Two-door models come with a standard three-section roof system – left and right front sections and a rear section – moulded-in colour and an available premium painted modular top with four sections that adds a removable panel over the rear seats and cargo area. Four-door models have four removable roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section. Roof panels on all models can be removed by one person by unlocking the latches from the interior. First-row panels stow away on board on two-door models.

All modular hardtops have rear quarter windows that are removable in three easy steps without removing the roof panels. By locating the sport-bar behind the second row, both Bronco two- and four-door models offer the largest overall open-top view in its class.

A cloth soft top, standard on four-door models, provides easy access to the open air and a unique tilt-up function for quick access to the rear cargo area. For customers who don’t want to choose between a soft or hardtop, the four-door model can be optioned with both.

Every Bronco comes with class-exclusive frameless doors that make them easier to remove. On four-door Bronco models, all four doors can be stored onboard with protective door bags. Exclusive cowl-mounted mirrors maintain sideview visibility when the doors are removed. Trail sights on the front fenders also serve as tie-downs, reminiscent of the first-generation Bronco, have a 150-pound capacity for securing longer items like canoes.

The new Bronco comes in 7 trims with 11 colour choices and more than 200 dealer-installable accessories for enhanced individualisation. The trims include a base model, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Wildtrak, Badlands, and a limited production First Edition.

In what Ford bills as a segment-first, every trim level of two- and four-door Bronco ride on 35-inch off-road tires direct from the factory.

Interior

Like the exterior, the instrument panel is inspired by the first-generation model, with gauges and controls clearly visible and intuitive. A multifunction color LCD instrument panel is front and center with the transmission shifter/selector and “G.O.A.T.” Modes controller in the center console. Available grab handles are integrated into the modular instrument panel and center console, while available MOLLE hooks are mounted in the seatbacks. Attachment points are built into the instrument panel to mount a bring-your-own-device rack, with 12-volt power connections to easily mount cameras, navigation units, phones or other devices.

A 12-inch SYNC 4 system with over-the-air updates and seamless integration to the FordPass Performance app with off-road navigation is available in the new Bronco. The SYNC system also displays the available 360-degree camera system with class-exclusive off-road spotter views to provide additional visibility in technical pursuits such as rock crawling.

Bronco’s advanced topographic trail maps and more than 1,000 curated trail maps are powered by trail content from NeoTreks’ AccuTerra Maps, Trails Offroad trail guides and FunTreks trail guides.

For ease of use in off-road situation, certain Bronco models come with washable rubberized floors with integrated drains and marine-grade vinyl seating surfaces that resist mildew.

Safety

A modern high-strength steel roll cage with integrated side curtain airbags in the upper structure and seats helps protect passengers from side impacts and complements driver and front passenger airbags. Additionally, the new Bronco is offered with Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technologies plus standard AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and Trailer Sway Control.

Engines

Powering the range is a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine which is projected to produce 201 kW and 420 Nm of torque and 2.3-liter EcoBoost with 231 kW and 542 Nm of torque. The engines are paired with either a segment-first 7-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Capability

Up to seven driver-selectable modes are offered including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Sand, with Baja, Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl for off-road driving.

Two 4×4 systems are offered on all Bronco models, a base setup and advanced 4×4. The base system utilizes a two-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case, while the optional advanced system features a two-speed electromechanical transfer case that adds an auto mode for on-demand engagement to select between 2H and 4H. Power is distributed to a Dana 44 AdvanTEK solid rear axle and Dana AdvanTEK independent front differential unit – both with available Spicer Performa-TraK electronic locking differentials for improved traction over rough terrain. Added capability comes with “Trail Toolbox” which includes Trail Control – cruise control for low-speed trail driving, while Trail Turn Assist tightens off-road turning radiuses through torque vectoring, and the innovative Trail One-Pedal Drive acceleration/braking control makes for more precise and confident slow-mode rock crawling.

Off-road credentials are enhanced by 11.6-inch ground clearance, maximum 29-degree breakover angle and 37.2-degree departure angle, plus best-in-class water fording capability of up to 33.5 inches.

The Bronco is not only all tough but to deliver thrilling high-speed off-roading and overall driving performance. Ford says every Bronco comes with an independent front suspension for improved control, confidence and comfort. At the rear, a rugged solid axle design featuring coil springs with five locating links delivers both strength and off-road control. Long-travel position-sensitive Bilstein dampers with end-stop control valves at every corner are available for added off-road durability and reduced harshness.

Production begins in early 2021 with deliveries expected around March in the Americas.