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This is the fifth generation of Explorer since the model was released in 1991. Then the Ford men were one of the first to discover the niche of universal off-road vehicles, which soon became known as the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). A pioneer in the market and in business - a frame, with a continuous rear axle - it was quickly tried by the Americans, who were content with only the cramped Ford Bronco II or the tough Jeep Cherokee. It was addressed to those who value comfort, spaciousness and spaciousness, but at the same time need cross-country ability. But the main emphasis was placed on marketers by “almost passenger-friendly” handling, which was inaccessible to most American all-terrain vehicles with a long-travel suspension and continuous axles, and somewhere with springs.
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Two decades have passed, and the rhetoric of the apologists of the model has not changed much. The key words were: space, comfort, handling - all this is supported by sufficient off-road capabilities. However, the market now does not sell a car without a high technological component. The main bet was made on this: the new Ford Explorer - a smart home with the ability to move in space.
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With a set of multimedia lotions and information Pribluda Ford with the new Explorer has stepped far forward. Just listen to the full list of devices: three LCD displays, including an 8-inch central touchscreen, a multifunctional SYNC interface (600 MHz processor, 2D / 3D-graphics controller, 512 MB of RAM, 2 GB of internal memory) with voice recognition and Internet access via an optional 3G modem, Wi-Fi router, ready to bring up to five mobile devices to the network, a media hub with two USB connectors and an SD slot, video input for DVD or Sony Playstation. Ford's pride is a 390-watt Sony audio system with 12 speakers, a subwoofer, and Dolby Pro-Logic II surround sound system. One only three-zone climate control can be configured in five different ways. All this, of course, is the fate of the most expensive version for 2 million 9 thousand rubles. However, for this price, I would like to get a level of finish at least like that of Touareg. It seems that the interior of the Explorer has been lacquered with a laziness based on the principle “it will be - it will be”. As if knowing that for less demanding Americans finishing this would be enough. The main thing was to surprise the newly invented car, to make the market open it again. Be that as it may, for Ford it is certainly a premium, sorry, not as finished as the Grand Cherokee.
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Take at least this central touch console, on which climate control and multimedia are concentrated: the infernal diode light of its makeshift keys resembles a Zanussi hob - setting the temperature and heating modes further enhances this association. Its glossy surface needs perfect cleanliness - only in this case, a luxury coating remains. It’s worth sticking your finger in the settings or driving a couple of hundred meters through the dust, and the glamor will drown in untidiness. And the main question is how will all these LCD displays, touchscreens and touch panels show themselves in the cold? It is known that much more expensive cars do not indulge in the activity of LCD monitors after -10 degrees.
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Why there are no questions, it’s to the open space. Salon size is not inferior to the Cadillac Escalade. You can tolerably accommodate on the "gallery", and if you fold two rows (on a flat floor), you get a good double bed. By the way, the rear seats fold into the trunk in different configurations at the touch of a button. The massive tailgate is also electrified. But the heavy hood was deprived of hydraulic supports - a significant miscalculation for the premium. This makes it somewhat difficult to get acquainted with the new heart of the Explorer - the 3.5-liter Cyclone six with a power of 294 hp.
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The engine, like the platform, is borrowed from the Taurus mass model, equipped with the proprietary TiVCT variable valve timing system, and, according to Ford's assurances, it is the most powerful 6-cylinder unit in the class. The realization of its potential is entrusted to the SelectShift 6-speed hydromechanical “automatic machine”. So far, this “six” is the senior engine intended for the “Explorer”. Younger is only a 2-liter 240-horsepower EcoBoost about four cylinders, which most likely will not get into Russia. It is difficult to imagine: the "four" on the American off-road vehicle! Here he is, grinning globalization …
Incomplete three hundred well-fed horses carry away a massive jeep easily and naturally. There is no need to complain about the lack of traction. But the excess is also not felt. In short, just right. It is possible that over time a 360-horsepower turbo version of this engine will appear, which is already presented on the all-wheel drive Taurus and Flex. But it will be a completely different story.
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First of all, because of the suspension. It is moderately soft and comfortable, as if it was created for this motor: high energy intensity in combination with acceptable rolls. This is manifested both on an asphalt snake and on a tuberous primer. A clear European steering wheel, pleasantly poured with reverse effort and transparent feedback, makes its adjustment to handling. The brakes should be noted as well: the exact dosing of the deceleration, to the best of the sensitive pedal. Yes, it is clear that in this respect, the Americans hone the Explorer under the European driver.
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Off-road, the absence of a frame and a multiplier is designed to compensate for the Terrain Management intelligent all-wheel drive system. The Ford men do not hide the fact that they borrowed it from the British - this is a simplified analogue of the Terrain Response from Land Rover. Sounds encouraging! A similar roundabout on the central tunnel allows you to choose between four transmission modes: Normal (standard mode for normal roads), Mud / Ruts (dirt, ruts), Sand (sand, unstable soil), Snow (snow, ice). And where did the Gravel mode go, in which the Landrover instructors recommend moving around in the snow? Let's hope that we have overcome this inconsistency here - we will check it in the winter.
In the meantime, it was possible to test only the help system at the start on the rise, activated by a button in the center of the round selector. When stopping on a steep climb, the torque converter in the drive will no longer be able to hold a two-ton car, therefore, for a quiet start, the system holds the brake for another three seconds, allows you to easily transfer your foot from one pedal to another. Conveniently. True, on our machine, tormented by a week-long dealer testing, it was already malfunctioning: the next time it tried to initialize it, Explorer completely died out and slid down limp. One thing is reassuring, a similar system by a potential owner will be used infrequently, and therefore the likelihood of such software errors is low. The fact that off-road "Explorer" is not to face, hinted and low ground clearance and considerable overhangs. But rushing along the primer is a pleasure - there’s more than enough energy intensity, and in the cabin there is quietness and smoothness. The main thing is not to tear off the plastic skirt of the front bumper, which strives to cling to a bend in the road.
The campaign of the Explorer in the Sport Premium, and it is precisely there that the Ford men want to see their legend, is also reflected in the prices. The official fork starts at 1, 849, 000 rubles. and reaches in the top 2 009 000 rubles. with a leather interior, displays, MyFord Touch, SYNC and all the above lotions. Before the start of the Russian assembly in 2012, cars will come from the United States.
