THE the first Land Rover was released in 1948 paved the way for large rural 4X4, as practical as they are convenient for many travelers. THE Jeep Wranglerwhich is derived from the civilian versions of the jeeps of war, introduced this concept of open 4X4 to go off the beaten track, and off-road entertainment. With the advent of SUVs, most four-wheel drives of this type have turned into large machines that are more comfortable on the road than on the track. Starting with the current Defender, far from the DNA of its elder. Some, however, resist, e.g Wrangler orIneos Grenadier Example. Another lost icon has returned to this macho world of large 4X4 drives: Ford Bronco !

The return of the Ford Bronco

Launched in the 1960s, the Bronco was once a legendary model, like Wrangler or Scout! He offered the American range of Ford a model created for driving off the beaten track, ideal for escape. Arrested in 1996, he left the field open for his opponent Wrangler who enjoyed it for almost 25 years. This one arrived at our house via a battery hybrid engine called 4xe.

Today, the Ford Bronco is not only back, but it’s not like everyone else. Because even if Ford is making a big switch to electric power in Europe, Bronco is only available in thermo! It is offered by us with a block 2.7-liter gasoline V6 with a capacity of 335 horsepower and a torque of 563 Nm. The outsider we don’t make anymore. It is equipped with an electronic transfer case and, on some versions, a locking of the front differential and a system of disconnection of the transverse stability stabilizer. Ford has made this new Bronco a faithful model of the original…

Encumbered with ecological malus

In France, two processing options are offered : Bronco Outer Banks and Bronco Badlands. It is only available in version with extended wheelbase, closed body and offered as a five-door. In the United States, there is a variant with a short convertible chassis, even closer to the Jeep Wrangler we know. Being a purely thermal model, Ford Europe is well aware that it will sell very little in Europe and France.

For what ? Because emission and traffic restrictions. Because if Wrangler plug-in hybrid avoids an environmental disadvantage, which will not be the case with its big rival. Depending on the selected version, Ford Bronco’s environmental flaw could reduce its selling price by almost €40,000! Count €76,500 for the “entry-level” Outer Banks version. Even 80,500 euros for the Badlands version. First deliveries of this “Neo-Bronco” start in Europe these days (meeting in Wayne USA).