Ford has officially taken the wraps off its new 2021 Ford Bronco SUV, paying homage to the company’s iconic 4×4 which began life all the way back in the 1960s.
It’s not everyday that you see an old car name being revived; the Bronco is expected to go on sale in the USA later this year. The Bronco will be offered in three variants, initially in two- and four-door off-roaders built on the Ford Ranger/Everest platform. These models will feature removable roofs and doors. A light-duty SUV which is built on the Ford Escape platform will also follow shortly after.
The 2021 Ford Bronco family might also grow to possibly include a pick-up truck at some time in the future, along with hotter Ford Performance models.
The third-gen Bronco was even built and sold in Australia between 1981 to 1987, when it was assembled in Ford’s Brisbane plant.
The Australian connection with the Bronco runs deep, the third-gen Bronco was built in Brisbane and sold in Australia between 1981 to 1987, whilst the new model is based on the same Aussie developed platform that underpins the current Ford Ranger and Everest.
Ford has clearly pitched the new Bronco squarely at Jeep Wrangler in the off-road segment, sharing many traits with the Wrangler such as a removable hardtop roof and doors, and a boxy, functional silhouette, as well as a passion for going off the beaten track.
The engine range in the USA features either the already potent 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that makes 201kW and 420Nm, or the more powerful 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 engine pumping out 231kW and 542Nm. On the lower powered petrol model, power will be sent to all four wheels through either a all new seven-speed manual gearbox or a 10-speed automatic. On the larger 2.7 litre Ecoboost unit, power will go exclusively through the 10 speed automatic.
Ford claims that the Bronco will posses class-leading off-road specs, and will better the Wrangler in almost every area. From gearboxes allowing you to crawl through difficult terrain, enchanted and toughened dampers, to its ability to wade 850mm deep water and 295mm of ground clearance, as well as 29° rampover, 43.2° approach, and 37.2° departure angles, the Bronco should be a hoot to take into the wild.
Sadly the Bronco is forbidden fruit for us, with the new model destined for the US and Chinese markets only, with no right hand drive production planned. Might be a while then before we see this 4×4 punching through the Aussie bush.
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