The reborn off-road adventurer Ford Bronco is now also available in Europe, and our team did a thorough test drive of this European version, as a large part from it passed outside the asphalt. Our initial impressions are more than excellent in terms of handling, but the car, like any other, has its flaws. Here's how we saw Ford's new Bronco.
Ever since the Ford Bronco was introduced to the American market, Europe has been craving this retro-modern rival to the Jeep Wrangler. Until finally, at the beginning of 2023, Ford confirmed that it will launch the Bronco in some European markets, among which fortunately the Bulgarian one. The English are hurt, because Ford has stated that they will not make a version with a reverse steering wheel at the moment, but this does not directly concern us at all.
Europe gets two four-door versions - the Outer Banks and the ultimate hardcore off-road spec Badlands. Both variants are equipped with a 27-liter V6 gasoline engine with a capacity of 335 horsepower. At the very beginning, we have to say that such a purchase is not rational at all, but the car looks great and you will get anywhere with it.
Exterior
Considering how many SUVs already exceed the five-meter mark, the Ford Bronco is about average in size. With a length of 4.8 m and a width of 1.9 m, the car is relatively compact on the outside, but wide on the inside. this is due to the almost rectangular shapes, from which perhaps the streamlining suffers, but not the dynamics. The car can get a completely different look, as both the doors and the roof are removable.
The latter can be removable soft or hard and even the trunk door opens to the side. Jeep sells more than 200,000 Wranglers a year, so it's understandable why Ford would put a strong name in this class. But not only the name is strong. The Bronco is a car built for adventure, and we can definitely say that when it comes to the quality of the removable panels and overall design, the Bronco beats its direct competition in our opinion.
Interior
On the inside, the Bronco looks like an authentic, tough, yet comfortable car. The driving position is stable, with a commanding (from high up) view out, accentuated by distinctive hood handles. They are used to secure a kayak placed on the roof or to install steel ropes to move branches out of the way.
The ergonomics of the salon are excellent, and for all seats, not only for the driver. There are separate, chunky controls for heating and ventilation, as well as audio buttons, waterproof-looking rubberised switches, plus a modest touchscreen and a configurable digital instrument cluster (whose dials we thought could have been rounder and clearer). But that's not the highlight of this car.
Otherwise there is plenty of headroom in the cabin, mesh storage pockets in the doors that are designed not accidentally to prevent things from rattling around in them. Up front, there's plenty of room, and two tall adults also feel good in the second row, with the only downside being that with the front seats pushed further back, rear legroom is slightly compromised.
The European Bronco is a four-door with a 471-liter trunk, which is practical and straight-shaped. The side-opening half-height tailgate isn't the most practical solution, but the separately opening rear window makes up for it, and through it you can easily throw lighter things into the boot, which is fully rubber-lined.
Not only that, but there's a “sliding cargo floor” that you pull out from under the boot floor to create a bench of sorts in the back. A cute and really useful accessory if you're going to be traveling the Bronco in remote areas where seating is either in the car or on the ground.
Engine and driving characteristics
The 2.7-liter engine is a true classic. Excellent sound and at the same time easy to modulate - that is, it has a lot of response when you ask for it, and it accelerates the car from standstill to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. Not that the Bronco is a drag car by any means, but you certainly won't feel a lack of traction with this bike. More importantly, maximum torque comes at very low revs, which is a brilliant solution for tough off-road conditions.
The 10-speed automatic transmission is smooth enough, but on a mountain asphalt road, the driver can feel that the transmission has so many ratios that it changes gears more often than necessary. However, as we said, the shifting is very smooth and at high speed (highway) the revs remain relatively low and the motor is silent and dynamic at the same time. What surprised us is that both in the city and on the highway the Bronco handles beautifully. That is, it can be used as an everyday car.
But in fact, his real strength is off the asphalt. Hardly anyone doubts the Bronco's utilitarian nature. If you want a super-sophisticated luxury SUV, look to the Range Rover, for example. The Bronco is something else entirely. It's a different kind of 4x4, a fun and adventurous all-terrain vehicle with 850mm of wading depth and attack angles of around 30 degrees. The car's ground clearance is also impressive - 261 mm. So constructed, rest assured (we tested it) that the Bronco will certainly go - within reason - where you want it to go. And you'll have a lot of fun while doing it.
The Bronco has moderately weighted steering that feels positive, with that nice, natural take on the car's weight and response that Ford always does so well - regardless of vehicle type. In fact, the Bronco handles things on the road with more finesse than you might imagine. Sure, there's almost zero windshield sag and a raised suspension, but it's definitely a much better car to drive on tarmac than the Wrangler.
When it comes to off-road capabilities, however, the Bronco is second to none of its competitors. As with most modern 4x4s, there are driving modes, in this case called GOAT, for “crossing any terrain”, but also by analogy with the definition of sportsmen “greatest of all time” and with reference to mountain goats. Spectacular, isn't it, but also justified.
In severe off-roading, ride comfort is predictable. There isn't as much damper bounce as you'd imagine for a car like this, and yet you can feel the Bronco's suspension working constantly. But this action is not an intrusive, tiresome experience.
Let's face it – a vehicle with that amount of ground clearance will never be a great highway car, but what this car will offer you off the tarmac is unmatched. If you want to go everywhere, this adventure SUV, which is also good for taking the kids to school and the weekly shopping, and everything in between, will definitely charm you.
The Ford Bronco is a car with a very different character that deliberately avoids high-tech trends. It's about embracing the outdoor experience in all its muddy, wobbly, messy and noisy surroundings. And the minor flaws, like slight aerodynamic noises in the cabin at higher speeds and the like, reinforce what makes it so addictively fun.
We want to say that even if you expected a great expense, then you are in the "wrong column". But if you really want a Bronco – and what car fan doesn't really want a Bronco? – then in the real world you should be prepared for a combined consumption of the order of 14 - 15 liters per 100.
Conclusion and prices
The purchase of such a car, as we have already mentioned, cannot be defined as rational - or as easy, considering that you have to pay quite a small amount of money. But if you decide to take such a step, then know that driving will be a great pleasure, especially off the asphalt.
If we ignore all reasonable arguments - "small" things like money and more refined SUVs for the same price, then if you have the money and the adventurous spirit, you'll definitely want this Bronco. The joy it will bring you is worth it. And the money you will need starts at BGN 156,700 including VAT and, depending on the version, can reach up to BGN 180,000 including VAT.