We all know what the Ford Bronco is meant to do. You only need look at the press pictures, digest the technical spec or attempt to think of any other car that could legitimately feature an 'Everglades' trim to know it's intended very much as a 4x4 in the traditional sense. The Bronco has been explicitly designed for people (i.e. Americans) who actually off-road, who might have a need for a winch and spotlights (beyond looking cool) and might well know the differences between all the Dana AdvanTEK axles. Ford didn't really bring the Bronco into this world to be trundled around city streets. But it wouldn't be the first 4x4 to be used on them...
In our couple of hours or so with the Bronco in London, it was impossible to keep track of the number of Defenders (new and old), G-Classes (new and old) and Range Rovers (you get it) sharing the capital's roads. People like an SUV in the city, in case you hadn't heard. Some people like something as awkward and recalcitrant to drive as an old Defender in the city, because it looks cool. So while it might not be the most taxing test for a Bronco, the urban jungle is surely a relevant one.
Those buying an SUV to garner attention in the city could do an awful lot worse than buy the latest Ford. And rather than something like a portal-axled G-Wagen (yes, people have them in London) or even the more off-roady Sasquatch Packaged Bronco, a Bronco Outer Banks on sensible wheels and tyres is far less intimidating. People are curious about it, certainly - they give you the thumbs up, and want to talk about it because they're intrigued. And in London, where driving Brum through Mayfair probably wouldn't raise a smile from anyone, that's a big plus for the Bronco.
Like the Mustang, you won't find many Ford badges on it. Similarly, much like the world's most famous pony car, the design is classic enough to be recognisable without veering to pastiche. A Bronco isn't as well known here as a Mustang, but there are sufficient cues - the headlights and the silhouette in particular - that immediately mark it out as a Bronco. For those that haven't seen it plastered across the grille. It looks good, though, different without being weird and smart without being staid, if perhaps a tad meek after seeing nothing but Broncos on 35-inch tyres.
It's a similar story inside, the car taking itself seriously as an off-road prospect but never losing its sense of fun. The auxiliary switches in the roof are the perfect example: they're there to control the bits and bobs you might plug in on an off-road adventure, but they also click and clack like you're preparing a missile launch from the Cheyenne Mountain Complex. The GOAT (Goes Over Any Terrain) drive mode selector is of no use on the North Circular, but is just the kind of chunky dial that will be in easy reach with one eye on the terrain. Same for the grab handles by the A-pillars; probably there to keep you steady when rock crawling, but also nice to cruise along with. There's the same sense of fun and fitness for purpose in a Bronco as a toy, with lots of details to make you smile, connected to equipment that might be useful in an adventuring sense. The ambience won't impress anyone used to European SUVs, but the important stuff seems done well.
This Bronco is powered by Ford's 2.3-litre, four-cylinder Ecoboost, paired to the optional 10-speed auto. Even with 300hp and 325lb ft, the engine always feels on the wrong side of two and a bit tonnes. It's fine but forgettable (and the auto is pretty responsive), buzzing you up to the required speed, but the Ecoboost motor does little to diminish the appeal of a V8 Bronco - or even the V6. Whisper it, but an electric drivetrain would probably be preferable, delivering the instant torque that's useful off-road (or away from all those traffic lights on Park Lane) without the dreary soundtrack. At an official 21mpg, it isn't even tremendously efficient.
That the Bronco remains so enjoyable to bimble about in, despite a less than inspirational engine, says much for the rest of the experience. It's still a body-on-frame car, sharing some vital bits with the upcoming Ranger, and certainly the Bronco doesn't deliver the sort of poise and panache of a modern, unibody SUV. It seems to be unsettled by imperfections quite easily and everything responds with a delay (because hypersensitivity isn't much use off-road), but you soon get into a groove with it. The hood handles make it easy to place and visibility is good; by the standards of big SUVs, the Bronco is almost compact, and it's a lot more pleasurable threading a 4x4 through city streets when everyone nearby isn't furious. Those looking for the dynamic prowess of the new Defender will be disappointed. But those fed up with their old one ought to find the Bronco pleasingly modern. Using one every day would be no hardship whatsoever. Though we can only talk for up to 40mph or so...
Still, there's no denying the entertainment value of a Bronco in the UK. And that's before you factor in the retractable roof, removable doors, and latent off-road potential. It's a fun car, and that's laudable enough in a po-faced automotive world. That said, you will have to really, really buy into what the Bronco offers (and be content with left-hand drive) to actually go for it. Because what is a $40k Ford at home is more than £70,000 over here - and a 4x4 for fun and frolics becomes somewhat harder to justify at that cost. Not least with the Jeep Wrangler available in top-of-the-range Rubicon spec, with a comparable four-cylinder turbo and auto powertrain, for £20k less. In right-hand drive. You're obviously not short of Defenders to choose from, either. Until we can try one with a more likeable engine, then, or importing becomes significantly cheaper, the Ford Bronco looks set to remain an outlier in Britain - but a worthy one, nonetheless.
SPECIFICATION | 2022 FORD BRONCO OUTER BANKS
Engine: 2,264cc, four-cyl turbo
Transmission: 10-speed auto, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 300@n/a rpm
Torque (lb ft): 325@n/a rpm
0-62mph: 8.8 seconds
Top speed: N/A
Weight: 1,998kg
MPG: 21ish
CO2: N/A
Price: £74,995 (with Sutton two-year warranty)
Thanks to Clive Sutton for providing the Bronco.
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