Is this a horse? Or rather a goat? The Bronco is the name given to the vast wild horses of the western United States. And that’s also the name of Ford’s new SUV for Europe, a new version of a legendary off-road classic that started in 1966. In the US, however, the all-wheel drive vehicle is also known as a goat: these four letters abbreviate “Goes Over Any Terrain”, which means “to master any terrain”. It also fits better – who has seen wild horses climbing mountains?
Goat …
We went to mess with the Bronco at a quarry near Kitzbühel (A). It brings talent with it: short overhangs, all-terrain tires and up to 29 centimeters of ground clearance. Its four-cylinder petrol engine delivers 304 hp (224 kW); There is no diesel or electric support. We use a rotary switch in the center console to switch between Normal, Eco, Slippery, Mud, Sand, Rocky and Baja, a kind of rally sports program. In addition, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or optional automatic mode can be selected and terrain reduction engaged. In addition to the standard rear axle lock, a lock for the front axle is also available on request. Both can be activated via solid switches on the dashboard.
… on the work
We activate the reduction and rear lock and roll on a slight slope. With the Hillholder, the Bronco safely stops on slopes, even in reverse, even if you lift the brake pedal. The five-seater easily overcomes slopes. And with the help of Hill Descent Assist, it constantly crawls down slopes where pedestrians in walking boots slide. Take your feet off the pedals because the Bronco can do everything on its own.
The wandering path awaits below, with no more than two wheels swaying helplessly through the air. At idle, the off-roader still rolls over bumps. Thanks to the off-road cruise control, the Bronco automatically maintains its speed up to 31 km/h off-road, while we concentrate only on the steering. And when you hold the steering wheel at the right moment when the car rolls over in the depressions because only two tires touch the ground.
And off site?
Rugged terrain, but then tough on the road? It once was: the Bronco steers easily on asphalt, thanks to its angular body that remains very clear despite its length of up to five meters. Of course, comfort suffers on off-road tires, but the Bronco rides less bumpy than its direct competitor, the Jeep Wrangler, for example. Good chassis and goat skills are hard to reconcile.
The hardware is contemporary, including digital instruments, navigation, digital radio DAB+ and numerous assistants. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of plastic on the inside that can easily be washed away after a day in the mud. It should also lower the price: it’s not yet known, but it should be lower than the four-door Jeep Wrangler (95,900 CHF), which is only available in Switzerland as a plug-in hybrid (381 hp / 281 kW). ) is delivered. The Bronco won’t launch until 2023.